Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: The Ultimate Thick and Gooey Cookie Experience

If you have ever bitten into a Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookie in New York City, you know it is not just a cookie—it is an experience. Crispy on the outside, thick and gooey on the inside, and loaded with melty chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, these cookies are famous for good reason.

Fortunately, you do not have to book a flight to Manhattan to enjoy them. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate Levain’s iconic cookies right in your own kitchen. This recipe delivers all the rich texture, bold flavor, and bakery-style appearance of the original—no mixer required.

What Sets Levain-Style Cookies Apart

Levain’s cookies are distinct because of their size, texture, and balance of flavor. Here is what makes them special:

• Incredible thickness: Each cookie is over two inches tall and weighs nearly six ounces.
• Texture contrast: Crisp and golden on the outside, soft and underbaked in the center.
• Flavor depth: A blend of semi-sweet chocolate and toasty walnuts balances the rich dough.
• Minimal spread: The dough is cold before baking, which helps the cookies maintain their signature height and structure.

Ingredients for Levain-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe makes eight large cookies. Each ingredient is carefully measured to maintain the signature texture.

Ingredient List

• One cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• Three-quarters cup brown sugar, packed
• Half cup granulated sugar
• Two large eggs
• Two and a half cups all-purpose flour
• One tablespoon cornstarch
• One teaspoon baking soda
• Three-quarters teaspoon salt
• Two cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
• One and a half cups chopped walnuts (toasted if desired)

Preparation Time

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Chilling time: 30 to 60 minutes
• Baking time: 10 to 13 minutes
• Cooling time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Chilling is optional but highly recommended to help preserve structure and enhance flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a wooden spoon or spatula. It will be slightly chunky but should come together within a few minutes.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped walnuts evenly throughout the dough.

Step Two: Portion and Chill

1. Divide the dough into eight equal portions, about six ounces each.
2. Gently shape into rough balls—do not flatten. The rustic texture is part of their charm.
3. Chill the dough on a parchment-lined tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading.

Step Three: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
3. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and set, but the centers are still soft.
4. Allow cookies to rest on the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience that made Levain cookies famous.
• Pair with a glass of cold milk or a cup of espresso for the perfect snack.
• For an indulgent dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream between two cookie halves.
• Crumble over whipped cream or chocolate mousse for an elevated cookie topping.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use cold butter: This ensures a dense texture and minimizes spread.
• Do not overmix: Stir just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Use good-quality chocolate: Semi-sweet chunks or discs melt more luxuriously than standard chips.
• Bake at a high temperature: The hot oven quickly sets the exterior while preserving a soft center.
• Let them rest: These cookies finish cooking as they sit. Cutting into them too soon may result in doughy centers.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• No nuts: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version. Add extra chocolate chips or try shredded coconut.
• Dark chocolate lovers: Substitute half the semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate chunks for a richer profile.
• Add espresso: Mix in one teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a coffee-infused twist.
• Gluten-free: Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend, but note the texture may vary slightly.
• Mini version: Make sixteen smaller cookies and reduce baking time to eight to nine minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: These cookies should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven. They continue cooking as they cool.
• Skipping the chill: Warm dough spreads more, resulting in flatter cookies.
• Using warm butter: This creates a cake-like texture, not the chewy middle Levain is known for.
• Crowding the baking sheet: These cookies are large and need room to rise and expand. Use two trays if needed.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
• For longer storage, freeze the raw dough balls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding one to two minutes to baking time.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to two months. Reheat in a 300 degree oven for five to seven minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies are the gold standard for thick, chewy cookies packed with chocolate and nuts. With the right technique and quality ingredients, you can recreate these legendary cookies in your own kitchen. Whether you serve them warm from the oven or freeze them for a rainy day, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Bake a batch and share them with someone special—or keep them all for yourself. Either way, your cookie game will never be the same.

If you enjoyed this guide and want more bakery-style recipes made simple, stay tuned for upcoming features on artisan bread, gourmet brownies, and layered pastries for home bakers.