Name: Levain Bakery NYC Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-482588H9M23S
Total time: PT-482588H9M23S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 1/2 cups cake flour; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups chocolate chips; 2 cups walnuts, roughly chopped

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Oh, these cookies. Just the thought of them will have your taste buds tingling with excitement! Inspired by the famous Levain Bakery in NYC, this cookie recipe is the answer to all your cookie cravings. Imagine a golden, crispy outer layer that cracks open to reveal a gooey, chocolatey center. These cookies are thick, packed with rich flavor, and absolutely irresistible. Trust me, they’re the kind of cookies you’ll want to keep on hand at all times because once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop at just one.

Why You’ll Love Levain Bakery NYC Cookies

Versatile

These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a casual family treat or for a celebration. They’re also perfect for gifting because who wouldn’t want a box of these beauties?

Luxurious Texture

The crisp edges combined with the soft, gooey center make these cookies a true textural masterpiece. They’re thick and substantial, almost like a cookie and a mini cake had a baby.

Decadent Flavor

With plenty of chocolate chunks and a rich buttery base, each bite is packed with deep, indulgent flavor that’ll have you swooning. These cookies are pure bliss.

Simple Ingredients

Even though these cookies taste gourmet, the ingredients are simple and easy to find. No fancy equipment needed, just your trusty mixer and a spoon to shape those glorious cookies.

A Crowd-Pleaser

Once you share these cookies, don’t be surprised if you have to bake another batch right away! They’re always a hit—both kids and adults will devour them in no time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:

Butter

The rich, creamy base that gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Brown Sugar

For sweetness and that deep, caramel flavor that gives these cookies their signature taste.

Granulated Sugar

A little extra sweetness to balance the brown sugar.

Eggs

Bind everything together and help create that soft, chewy texture.

All-Purpose Flour

The backbone of these cookies, giving them structure without making them too dense.

Baking Soda

To help the cookies puff up beautifully.

Salt

To bring out the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.

Chocolate Chips

Chunky, melty chocolate is the heart and soul of these cookies. Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate for the perfect balance.

Walnuts

An optional addition for some extra texture and a lovely crunch.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get those cookies into your belly! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have warm, gooey cookies in no time.

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure it’s nice and hot so those cookies bake to perfection.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough and gives you that soft, chewy texture.

Add Eggs

Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until fully incorporated. This helps bind the dough and keeps it moist.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Stir in Chocolate and Nuts

Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using). The dough will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want for a dense, indulgent cookie.

Shape the Dough

Scoop large portions of dough (about 1/4 cup each) and shape into balls. Don’t worry about making them perfect—they’ll spread out nicely while baking.

Bake

Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set but still soft.

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you can resist, allow them to cool completely. But trust me, they’re divine warm!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1 cookie
Calories per serving: 500 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 9-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes

How to Serve Levain Bakery NYC Cookies

With a Glass of Milk: These cookies were made for dunking in a cold glass of milk. It’s the ultimate treat!
As a Dessert: Serve after a meal, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an over-the-top dessert experience.
Gift Them: Put these cookies in a cute tin or box and share the love with friends and family.
With Coffee or Tea: For a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, pair with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overmix the Dough: For the best texture, mix the dough just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cookie.
Scoop Big Dough Balls: For the iconic Levain cookie thickness, make sure your dough balls are big. You want them to bake thick, not thin!
Cool on the Sheet: Let the cookies cool a bit on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack. This helps them set properly.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make these cookies smaller?
A1: Absolutely! If you want smaller cookies, just reduce the dough ball size, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A2: Yes! You can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven—no need to thaw.

Q3: How do I store leftover cookies?
A3: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay chewy and delicious!

Q4: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A4: Definitely! You can swap in your favorite chocolate. Milk chocolate will give you a sweeter, creamier taste.

Q5: Can I make these without nuts?
A5: Of course! Simply omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free cookie.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?
A6: To bring back that fresh-baked goodness, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You’ll get that melty chocolate feel all over again.

Q7: Can I add more mix-ins?
A7: Yes, feel free to add more chocolate or even mix in some dried fruit, coconut, or toffee bits for extra flavor.

Q8: Can I make these gluten-free?
A8: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

Q9: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A9: While butter gives the best flavor, margarine will work in a pinch. Keep in mind it may slightly change the texture.

Q10: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A10: The edges should be golden and the center should still look a little soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re slightly undercooked when you take them out.

Conclusion

These Levain Bakery NYC cookies are nothing short of magical. They’re big, thick, gooey, and packed with chocolatey goodness. The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make at home and are sure to impress everyone you share them with. Once you’ve tasted these cookies, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.