Levain Bakery NYC Cookies

Name: Levain Bakery NYC Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients: 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the ultimate in cookie perfection with these thick, gooey chocolate chip cookies from Levain Bakery. Packed with rich chocolate chunks and a delectable buttery flavor, these cookies are fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside, making them an unforgettable treat for any dessert lover. Perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own, this recipe brings a taste of New York right to your kitchen.

Created by

Natalie Briggs

Last updated on 2025-12-01T06:23:30.124Z

The History of Levain Bakery Cookies

Levain Bakery, founded in 1994 on the Upper West Side of New York City, has become synonymous with cookie perfection. The bakery started as a small shop, driven by a passion for baking and a desire to create the ultimate cookie experience. Their signature thick chocolate chip cookies quickly garnered attention, becoming a must-try dessert for locals and tourists alike.

What sets Levain Bakery apart is their commitment to quality ingredients and unique baking techniques. Each cookie is handcrafted, ensuring that every bite offers a perfect blend of soft, gooey centers and crispy edges. The overwhelming success of these cookies has helped Levain expand to multiple locations, yet they maintain their artisanal baking approach that made them famous.

Tips for the Perfect Cookie

To achieve the best results with your Levain-style cookies, follow some handy tips. Firstly, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this will help with the texture, allowing for that perfect balance between gooey and crunchy. Additionally, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and improve the overall structure of the cookies.

When it comes to chocolate chips, feel free to use a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate for a richer flavor. If you prefer a more gourmet touch, consider adding chopped nuts or different types of chocolate chunks. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should still look slightly underbaked in the center for that gooey perfection that’s signature to Levain Bakery.

Storing Your Cookies

If you happen to have any cookies left after your baking session, proper storage is essential to maintain their freshness. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can last for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag with layers of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

When you're ready to enjoy a cookie straight from the freezer, you can either let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes or pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. This helps re-emphasize the gooey interior and makes them taste freshly baked, enhancing your indulgent cookie experience.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

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

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed.

Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out dough balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should still look slightly underbaked.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade Levain cookies with a glass of milk!

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of these cookies can help you enjoy them more mindfully. Each cookie is rich in flavor due to the generous amounts of butter and sugar, so it's essential to savor them rather than consume them in excess. Depending on the size of your cookies, each one can contain approximately 250-300 calories, making them a delightful treat for special occasions.

To lighten the recipe a bit, consider using alternatives like coconut oil instead of butter or substituting half of the sugar with apple sauce. However, keep in mind that these modifications may alter the flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

These delicious Levain Bakery cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. They can be served on their own as a delightful treat or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For the perfect pairing, consider serving them with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Moreover, these cookies make excellent gifts! Package them in decorative boxes or tins for birthdays, holidays, or just to show appreciation to loved ones. Everyone appreciates a homemade treat, and these cookies are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to receive them.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough in individual cookie portions and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.