Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies

Name: Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1 cup chopped walnuts

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the decadent flavors of Levain Bakery's Rocky Road Cookies, featuring rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, and gooey marshmallows.

Created by

Lauren Mitchell

Last updated on 2025-12-19T16:41:00.381Z

Inspired by the beloved Levain Bakery in New York City, these cookies are known for their thick, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy walnuts and gooey marshmallows
Perfectly chewy texture that satisfies your sweet tooth
Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a personal treat

      

The Allure of Rocky Road Cookies

Rocky Road Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic rocky road dessert. With their combination of chocolate, nuts, and marshmallows, these cookies evoke a sense of nostalgia while satisfying modern cravings. The rich chocolate flavor is enhanced by the crunch of walnuts and the soft, chewy texture of marshmallows, making each bite an indulgent experience. Whether you're a chocolate lover or simply looking for a treat that stands out, these cookies deliver on every front.

At Levain Bakery, the art of cookie-making is taken to new heights. Their Rocky Road Cookies are known for their oversized portions and perfect balance of ingredients. The cookies are thick and chewy, ensuring that you get a satisfying texture with every bite. Plus, the addition of nuts and marshmallows adds an exciting twist that sets them apart from traditional chocolate chip cookies. This recipe captures the essence of that bakery magic, allowing you to recreate the experience at home.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Rocky Road Cookies are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will impress. Their rich flavors and chewy texture make them a crowd-pleaser, sure to satisfy both adults and children alike. Serve them warm with a glass of milk for a classic pairing, or enjoy them on their own as a delightful afternoon snack.

In addition to being a fantastic dessert option, these cookies also make great gifts. Package them in a decorative tin or box, and you have a heartfelt gift for friends and family. Homemade cookies always carry a personal touch, and the indulgent flavors of the Rocky Road Cookies take that sentiment to the next level. Sharing these treats is a wonderful way to spread joy and warmth to those you care about.

Tips for Baking Success

To achieve the best results with your Rocky Road Cookies, pay attention to the quality of your ingredients. Using high-quality chocolate chips and fresh nuts can significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies. Additionally, make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugars. This step is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.

Another tip is to avoid overbaking. The key to a perfect Rocky Road Cookie is to bake them just until the edges are set while keeping the centers soft and gooey. This will ensure a chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them maintain their shape and prevent them from becoming too hard.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup chopped walnuts

Mix well and ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.

Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped walnuts until just combined.

Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Rocky Road Cookies with a glass of milk!

Storing Your Cookies

Once your Rocky Road Cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This allows you to enjoy a cookie whenever the craving strikes without compromising freshness.

If you want to enjoy warm cookies anytime, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature. This will revive their chewy texture and warm the chocolate, creating that fresh-baked experience all over again. Just be cautious not to overheat them, as this can lead to dryness.

Variations to Try

While the classic Rocky Road combination of chocolate, walnuts, and marshmallows is delectable, feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste. Consider substituting the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor. You can also swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a sweeter twist.

For a fun and festive touch, add colorful sprinkles or use flavored marshmallows. Coconut flakes can also be incorporated for a tropical flair. The beauty of this cookie recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to create a version that is uniquely yours while still retaining the core essence of the beloved Rocky Road.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds based on your preference.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer to a zip-top bag.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).