Levain Bakery NYC Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the ultimate in cookie bliss with this decadent Levain Bakery-inspired recipe. Thick, gooey, and loaded with rich chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of crisp edges and soft, chewy centers, making them a true indulgence for any cookie lover. Get ready to elevate your baking game and impress friends and family with these irresistible treats.

Hallie Foster

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2025-12-02T07:58:42.483Z

Levain Bakery in NYC is famous for its giant cookies that are crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside. This recipe aims to replicate that amazing experience, letting you enjoy these delightful treats right at home.

The Perfect Cookie Experience

Imagine a cookie that captures the essence of comfort and indulgence in every bite. The Levain Bakery NYC Cookies offer that perfect experience: thick, gooey, and bursting with chocolate chips. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the melt-in-your-mouth texture makes these cookies stand out from the rest. Each cookie is a testament to the love and care put into baking, bringing a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction that many seek in a homemade treat.

Not only do they please the senses with their rich flavors, but the inviting aroma as they bake will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone nearby. Ideal for gatherings, family movie nights, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk, these cookies are perfect in any setting. You can bake them to share or savor them all to yourself—they're that irresistible!

Baking Tips for Success

Successful cookie baking lies in not just the ingredients but also in the technique. One crucial tip for achieving that perfect texture is to ensure your butter is softened, not melted. Softened butter helps create a well-creamed mixture that leads to light and airy cookies. Additionally, chilling the dough for a short time can enhance the flavors and give you that desired chewy center while keeping the edges crisp.

Another vital factor is baking time. Every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want the edges to be golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. Remember, cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet even after being removed from the oven, so don’t fret if they seem a bit gooey at first!

Storing and Sharing Your Cookies

Once you've baked your Levain Bakery cookies to perfection, proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness. Let the cookies cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. This simple step helps retain their moisture and keeps them soft. If storing for more than a few days, consider freezing them. Just wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag—perfect for a quick treat later on!

Sharing these cookies can be just as delightful as baking them. Consider packing them in decorative boxes or tins to give as gifts to friends and family. You can even personalize the experience by adding different types of chocolate chips or nuts for a unique twist. These cookies are not only a treat for yourself but also a wonderful way to spread joy to those around you!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth baking process.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for perfect cookies.

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Scoop the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop large mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.

Cool and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Let the cookies cool a bit before serving. They are best enjoyed warm!

Ingredient Insights

Using high-quality chocolate chips can significantly elevate your cookie experience. Look for brands that use real cocoa butter for a richer, more decadent taste. Dark chocolate chips provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the dough, while semi-sweet chocolate offers a classic flavor profile that most cookie lovers adore. Whichever you choose, the chocolate is the star of the show!

Additionally, consider experimenting with different types of flour. While all-purpose flour is excellent for achieving the perfect texture, using a mix of all-purpose and cake flour can yield a softer cookie. Cake flour has a lower protein content, which contributes to a tender crumb. Don't shy away from exploring these variations to find your perfect blend!

Serving Suggestions

To fully enjoy your Levain Bakery cookies, pair them with your favorite beverages! A glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee can complement the rich flavors beautifully. For a fun twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The warmth of the cookies combined with the coolness of the ice cream makes for a delightful contrast that will tantalize your taste buds.

These cookies also make for an excellent addition to any festive occasion or gathering. Place them on a decorative platter for a cookie bar at birthdays, holidays, or even casual get-togethers. People will love customizing their treats, and you’ll be the hit of the party with these luscious cookies on the table!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.

→ What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

You can use chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even different types of chocolate for variety.

Levain Bakery NYC Cookies

Experience the ultimate in cookie bliss with this decadent Levain Bakery-inspired recipe. Thick, gooey, and loaded with rich chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of crisp edges and soft, chewy centers, making them a true indulgence for any cookie lover. Get ready to elevate your baking game and impress friends and family with these irresistible treats.

Prep Time15.0
Cooking Duration20.0
Overall Time35.0

Created by: Hallie Foster

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12.0

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup brown sugar
  3. 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  6. 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

Step 04

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 05

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop large mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Step 06

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.

Step 07

Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 2g