Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍪✨

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into a Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie, you know exactly why they’re legendary. These cookies are thick, gooey on the inside, perfectly golden on the outside, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. They’re the kind of cookie that makes you pause mid-bite and say, “Whoa.”

Now, you don’t have to travel to New York to enjoy these iconic treats. This recipe brings you as close as possible to the real thing—thick, chewy, and bursting with rich, buttery goodness. Let’s dive into the magic of making your very own Levain-style cookies at home!

Why You’ll Love These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Thick & Chunky: These aren’t your average flat cookies—expect massive, bakery-style cookies with gooey centers.
Crispy Meets Chewy: Perfectly crisp edges with soft, melty insides.
Loaded with Chocolate: Every bite is packed with decadent chocolate chips.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy tricks, just the perfect balance of butter, sugar, and flour.

What Do They Taste Like? 🤤

Imagine biting into a cookie that’s slightly crisp on the outside, giving way to a warm, gooey center filled with melted chocolate. The cold butter technique adds a unique flakiness, while the combination of granulated and brown sugars brings both sweetness and a hint of caramel depth. Each bite is rich, buttery, and packed with bursts of chocolate. It’s the ultimate indulgence—like a warm hug in cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed 🧈 (the secret to that signature texture)
1 cup granulated sugar 🍬
1 cup light brown sugar 🍯 (adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor)
2 large eggs 🥚
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼
3 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
1 teaspoon baking powder 🥄
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for extra lift)
1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks 🍫 (go big for that Levain effect)
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but highly recommended for texture!)

Tools You’ll Need

Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Chocolate Swap: Use dark chocolate chunks, milk chocolate, or a mix of both for extra decadence.
Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts if you prefer, or substitute with pecans or macadamia nuts.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep the texture close to the original.
Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for a subtle twist.

How to Make Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. The cold butter helps create that signature thick texture.

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 the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda (if using), and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want the dough to be thick but not tough.

Step 5: Add Chocolate and Nuts

Fold in the chocolate chips (and chopped walnuts, if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Scoop large portions of dough—about 6 ounces each (roughly the size of a tennis ball). This is key to achieving that iconic Levain thickness. Don’t flatten the dough; keep it in a mound to maintain the gooey center during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm for maximum gooeyness!

Tips for the Perfect Levain-Style Cookies

Use Cold Butter: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much, giving you that thick, bakery-style result.
Don’t Overbake: The key is to pull them out when they look slightly underdone in the center—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Go Big: The large size of these cookies helps create that contrast between crispy edges and soft, gooey centers.
Rest the Dough (Optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor, but it’s not required.

How to Store & Reheat

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough for an extra 2-3 minutes.
Reheat: Warm baked cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make smaller cookies?
Yes, but adjust the baking time to around 7-8 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

2. Why is my dough crumbly?
If the dough seems too dry, try adding an extra egg yolk or a splash of milk to bring it together.

3. Can I use melted butter instead of cold butter?
No, melted butter will cause the cookies to spread too much. Cold butter is key for the thick, chunky texture.

4. How do I get that signature gooey center?
Bake at a high temperature (400°F) and pull the cookies out while the center still looks slightly underbaked.

Wrapping It Up 🍪✨

These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are thick, rich, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, they deliver that perfect combination of crispy edges, gooey centers, and melty chocolate in every bite. Trust me—one cookie, and you’ll be hooked for life.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest or Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. 🍪❤️

Craving More Cookie Perfection?

Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Double Chocolate Fudge Cookies

Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every gooey, chocolatey bite! 😊🍫✨