Levain Bakery cookies are legendary for their thick, gooey centers and crisp, golden edges. These New York City-style cookies are packed with chocolate chips and nuts, making them a decadent treat for cookie lovers. Here’s how you can recreate this bakery classic at home.
Ingredients (Makes 8 large cookies)
- 2 ¾ cups (344 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, cold
- 2 cups (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (120 g) chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add Eggs:
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Add Mix-ins:
Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using) with a spatula.
Shape Dough:
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Each portion should be about 6 ounces (170 g). Shape them into rough mounds without smoothing the edges—this helps create the iconic Levain texture.
Bake:
Place the dough mounds on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- Cold Ingredients: Use cold butter and eggs to achieve the thick, gooey texture.
- Rest the Dough: For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the dough for 1-2 hours before baking.
- Customization: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips. You can also replace walnuts with pecans or skip nuts entirely.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories
Each cookie contains approximately 510-540 calories, depending on the size and mix-ins.
Conclusion
These Levain Bakery NYC-style cookies are the ultimate indulgence for cookie enthusiasts. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, they’re guaranteed to impress. Thick, gooey, and loaded with chocolate—these cookies are everything you love about a New York classic, right from your kitchen!