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These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are thick, chewy, and absolutely loaded with gooey chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts. Inspired by the famous Levain Bakery cookies from New York City, this recipe delivers a bakery-quality treat right in your own kitchen. With their soft centers, golden edges, and irresistible texture, these cookies are everything youβve ever dreamed of in a chocolate chip cookie.
Letβs dive into how to make these decadent, bakery-style cookies step by step.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Thick & Chewy : These cookies are perfectly dense and soft in the center with crispy, golden edges.
- Bakery-Quality : A near-perfect replica of Levain Bakeryβs iconic cookies.
- Customizable : Add nuts or adjust chocolate-to-dough ratio to suit your taste.
- Quick Prep : Minimal effort for maximum flavorβperfect for satisfying your cookie cravings.
- Perfect for Sharing : Bake a batch and share with friends, family, or neighbors (or keep them all for yourself!).
Ingredients
(Makes 24 cookies)
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter , cubed (cold butter is key for texture )
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ΒΌ teaspoon baking soda
- Β½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but highly recommended for that Levain crunch )
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 410Β°F (210Β°C) .
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cold cubed butter , granulated sugar , and brown sugar until well combined.
- Tip : Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Donβt overmixβjust combine until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time , mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour , baking powder , baking soda , and salt .
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
- Using a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
- Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Tip : For extra-large cookies like Levain Bakeryβs, use a ΒΌ-cup scoop. Flatten the dough balls slightly if desired.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 10β12 minutes , or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Tip : Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
Step 8: Cool
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Enjoy
- Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the rich, gooey goodness of these Levain Bakery-inspired cookies !
Tips for Success
- Use Cold Butter : Cold, cubed butter is crucial for achieving the thick, chewy texture of Levain cookies.
- Donβt Overmix : Mix the dough just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Experiment with Chocolate : Use dark chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, or a mix for variety.
- Storage : Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3β4 days . Reheat briefly in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
- Freeze for Later : Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1β2 minutes to the baking time.
Perfect Pairings
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies pair beautifully with:
- Milk : A cold glass of milk is the classic pairing for these rich, chocolatey cookies.
- Coffee or Espresso : Enjoy alongside a warm mug of coffee or espresso for a cozy treat.
- Ice Cream : Sandwich two cookies around a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent ice cream sandwich.
- Hot Chocolate : Pair with a rich cup of hot cocoa for double the indulgence.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approx.)
(Based on 24 cookies)
- Calories : ~250 kcal
- Protein : ~3g
- Carbohydrates : ~35g
- Fat : ~12g
- Fiber : ~1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate indulgenceβthick, chewy, and bursting with melty chocolate and crunchy walnuts. Whether youβre baking them for a special occasion, gifting them to loved ones, or simply treating yourself, theyβre sure to become a favorite. The combination of soft centers, golden edges, and gooey chocolate creates a cookie experience thatβs truly unforgettable.
The best part? Theyβre endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the chocolate, nuts, or even experiment with different flavors to make them your own. So grab your ingredients, scoop that dough, and get ready to enjoy a cookie thatβs as fun to make as it is to eat.