Levain Bakery NYC Cookies

Ah, the infamous Levain Bakery cookies—soft and gooey on the inside, with a crispy golden crust on the outside. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into one of these oversized, melt-in-your-mouth cookies from their NYC bakery, you know exactly what I mean. These cookies are the stuff of legend, and now, you can make them at home! With a perfect balance of sweetness, rich chocolate chunks, and a soft center that you can’t resist, these cookies are a total game-changer. You’ll find yourself reaching for one (or two… or three) every time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat. Trust me, this recipe is the key to making the ultimate cookie that’s nothing short of extraordinary!

Why You’ll Love Levain Bakery NYC Cookies

These cookies aren’t just your average sweet treat—they’re a showstopper, and here’s why:

Versatile

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon snack to a dessert for a special gathering. They’re large enough to share (or keep all to yourself) and customizable with your favorite mix-ins.

Budget-Friendly

Levain Bakery cookies are known for being expensive, but this homemade version will save you a pretty penny while still delivering that irresistible, bakery-quality flavor. You’ll get the same big, chewy, chocolatey delight for a fraction of the cost!

Quick and Easy

Despite their gourmet taste, these cookies are actually easy to make! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to cookie perfection. Plus, no need for fancy equipment—just your trusty mixing bowl and an oven.

Customizable

Want to add your own spin? Swap the chocolate chips for chopped up chocolate bars, add a handful of nuts, or experiment with a different flavor profile. These cookies are just as fun to make as they are to eat!

Crowd-Pleasing

Everyone loves a warm, gooey cookie, and these Levain-inspired cookies are sure to be a hit. The size and texture alone will have your guests begging for the recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these delicious Levain Bakery NYC Cookies:

All-Purpose Flour

This is the base for your cookies and gives them structure. You’ll need a generous amount to create those thick, chewy cookies you love.

Unsalted Butter

Rich, creamy butter adds moisture and flavor, making the cookies soft and rich. Be sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds depth of flavor and that signature caramel undertone, contributing to the chewy texture of the cookies.

Granulated Sugar

The perfect complement to the brown sugar, granulated sugar helps create the right sweetness and crispiness on the outside of the cookie.

Eggs

Eggs bind everything together and help the cookies rise. For that rich, moist texture, eggs are a must.

Baking Powder

This is your secret ingredient to getting the perfect rise. Baking powder helps the cookies stay thick and chewy while baking.

Salt

Just a pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors, especially the rich chocolate.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

These are the heart of the cookies! The gooey, melted chocolate chunks make every bite heavenly.

Chopped Walnuts (Optional)

Classic Levain Bakery cookies sometimes feature a handful of chopped walnuts for a little extra crunch and flavor. It’s optional, but if you love nuts in your cookies, they’re a great addition!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making these drool-worthy cookies!

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures that your cookies bake up thick and chewy with that perfect golden-brown crust.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. The butter and sugar mixture should be pale and creamy.

3. Add the Eggs

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help incorporate the eggs evenly into the dough and keep the texture soft and smooth.

4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough, or your cookies might turn out tough!

5. Add the Chocolate and Nuts

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (and chopped walnuts, if using) until evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and chunky, just like a Levain cookie!

6. Shape the Dough

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions (each about the size of a large golf ball). Gently form each portion into a rough ball, but don’t overwork it. These cookies should be thick, so don’t flatten them out.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving plenty of space between them. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft and slightly underbaked. Remember, they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.

8. Let Them Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This ensures that the cookies stay intact and don’t fall apart.

9. Serve and Enjoy!

Once they’ve cooled down slightly (or not, if you’re impatient like me), dig in and enjoy the gooey, warm chocolatey goodness of your Levain Bakery-inspired cookies.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 cookies
Calories per serving: 550
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 74g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 47g
Sodium: 140mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Levain Bakery NYC Cookies

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your experience:

With a Cold Glass of Milk

There’s no better pairing than a warm, gooey cookie and a cold glass of milk. Let the chocolate melt in your mouth and the milk refresh you—it’s a classic combo!

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Turn these cookies into ice cream sandwiches for an extra indulgent treat. Just scoop your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert!

With Coffee

Levain Bakery cookies also make a perfect pairing with a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The richness of the chocolate and the cookie’s thickness balance out the bitterness of coffee beautifully.

Serve Warm

These cookies are best served warm, fresh from the oven, or reheated in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that gooey texture.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies, so mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Let your butter soften to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. This helps create that light and fluffy texture.
• Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and make for even chewier cookies.
• Bigger Is Better: These cookies are meant to be big and thick! Don’t be afraid to make them large—they’ll bake up perfectly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies smaller?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer smaller cookies, just divide the dough into more portions. Keep an eye on the baking time, as they will cook faster.

Q2: Can I use other types of chocolate?
A2: Yes! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. Just make sure to chop up larger bars if you’re using them.

Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the dough! Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A4: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

Q5: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready.

Q6: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A6: While butter gives these cookies the best flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute if needed. Just keep in mind the texture may be slightly different.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but still delicious for several days!

Q8: Can I add nuts to the dough?
A8: Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans are a great addition! Add them when mixing in the chocolate chips for some extra crunch.

Q9: Can I bake these cookies at a lower temperature?
A9: The high baking temperature helps these cookies bake up thick and chewy, so it’s best to stick to 400°F. If you lower the temperature, the cookies may spread too much.

Q10: Can I use a different sugar combination?
A10: You can try using coconut sugar or a mix of honey and sugar, but it may change the texture a bit. Stick to the original ratio for the best results.

Conclusion

These Levain Bakery-inspired NYC cookies are everything you’ve been dreaming of in a cookie—thick, gooey, and packed with rich chocolate flavor. The best part? You can make them at home! With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can indulge in a cookie that’s just as good (if not better) than the iconic ones from NYC. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate cookie experience!

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