Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about biting into a thick, gooey, and irresistibly rich chocolate chip cookie. The edges have just the right amount of crunch, while the center remains warm and soft, filled with pools of melted chocolate. If you’ve ever had a Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie, you know exactly what I mean.

The first time I tried to recreate these cookies at home, I was skeptical. Could I really capture that signature texture and flavor? After a few rounds of trial and error, I finally nailed it. These cookies are everything you love about the famous bakery version—thick, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness. Let’s dive into what makes them so special.

Why You'll Love This Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Get ready to experience chocolate chip cookies like never before. This recipe delivers bakery-quality cookies in the comfort of your own kitchen.

First, the size of these cookies sets them apart. They’re not your average, flat chocolate chip cookies. Instead, they’re thick and substantial, with a soft, doughy center that makes every bite pure bliss.

Another reason to love this recipe is how easy it is to make. There’s no need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques—just a few simple steps and a little patience while they bake.

These cookies are also packed with chocolate. We’re talking about an abundance of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring that every bite is filled with melted, gooey goodness.

Lastly, they have an incredible texture. A mix of cake flour and all-purpose flour creates the perfect balance of tenderness and structure, while cold butter helps achieve that classic thick consistency without the need for chilling the dough.

Ingredients Notes

The key to achieving Levain-style cookies lies in using high-quality ingredients and a few strategic choices in the dough preparation.

Butter is a crucial element in this recipe, and using cold, cubed butter instead of softened butter helps create a dense, thick dough that won’t spread too much while baking.

Cake flour makes a big difference in the texture of these cookies. It gives them a slight tenderness while keeping them sturdy enough to hold their shape. If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch.

Brown sugar provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the center soft and moist. A mix of light and dark brown sugar works well, but if you prefer a richer flavor, go for all dark brown sugar.

Chocolate chips are what take these cookies over the top. Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, but feel free to experiment with a mix of milk and dark chocolate for added complexity.

A hint of cornstarch in the dough helps keep the cookies soft and thick. It’s a small addition that makes a big impact on texture.

How To Make Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies is a straightforward process, but a few key techniques ensure they turn out just right.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine cold, cubed butter with both brown and granulated sugar. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the mixture for a few minutes until it’s just combined. The butter will remain slightly chunky, which helps with the final texture of the cookies.

Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a boost of warm, aromatic flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be thick and slightly crumbly.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. Then, divide the dough into large portions—about 6 ounces each. This size is key to achieving the thick, bakery-style texture.

Place the dough mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out as they will expand slightly while baking. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked.

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set while keeping the centers soft and gooey.

Storage Options

If you somehow manage to have leftovers, these cookies store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness.

For longer storage, place the cookies in a sealed container and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply warm it in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until heated through.

You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. Simply shape the dough, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When baking from frozen, just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences.

If you love nuts in your cookies, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. They add a delicious contrast to the soft, gooey center.

For a different flavor twist, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips. This small change creates an entirely new cookie experience.

If you prefer a slightly less sweet cookie, reduce the granulated sugar slightly and add an extra pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Want a richer, darker cookie? Use all dark brown sugar instead of a mix of light and dark. This intensifies the caramel notes and makes for an even chewier texture.

Experiment with mix-ins like toffee bits, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch. The possibilities are endless!

With this Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe, you can recreate that legendary thick and gooey cookie experience right at home. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why these cookies have such a devoted following. Enjoy!

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