Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies – Thick, Gooey, Bakery-Style Perfection at Home

Introduction

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are legendary for their towering height, crisp golden exterior, and irresistibly gooey center. Inspired by the famous New York bakery’s iconic treat, these cookies are thick, rich, and packed with melty chocolate in every bite. The first time I attempted to recreate them at home, I was surprised by how simple the process was—yet the results felt truly bakery-quality. The secret lies in using cold butter, minimal mixing, and generous scoops of dough to achieve that signature thick texture. Unlike traditional flat chocolate chip cookies, these are substantial and indulgent, almost like a cross between a cookie and a brownie. Whether enjoyed warm with a glass of milk or served as a show-stopping dessert, these cookies deliver bold chocolate flavor and a soft, molten center that makes them unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are thick, gooey, and loaded with chocolate, offering a luxurious bakery-style experience at home. The texture is perfectly balanced—crispy on the outside and soft inside. They require no chilling time, come together quickly, and feel impressive enough for special occasions. Each cookie is generously sized, making them ideal for sharing or savoring slowly.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cold unsalted butter
Using cold butter instead of softened butter helps create the thick, dense texture that makes these cookies unique.

Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the slightly crisp outer layer.

Light brown sugar
Brown sugar provides moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that enhances the chocolate.

Large eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together and give structure to the dough.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla deepens the flavor and complements the richness of the chocolate.

All-purpose flour
Flour forms the base structure of the cookie, ensuring it holds its thick shape during baking.

Cornstarch
A small amount of cornstarch keeps the cookies soft and tender inside.

Baking soda
Baking soda provides lift, helping the cookies rise while maintaining their dense center.

Salt
Salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Chocolate chips create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cookie.

Chopped walnuts (optional)
Walnuts add crunch and a nutty depth of flavor, similar to the traditional bakery version.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream the cold, cubed butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until just combined. The mixture will be slightly chunky, which is ideal for thick cookies.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing only until combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts if using. Divide the dough into large portions—about 6 ounces each—to create the signature oversized cookies. Gently shape each portion into a tall mound rather than flattening it.

Place the dough mounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, until the exterior is golden brown while the center remains slightly underbaked. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The centers will continue to set as they cool, creating that iconic gooey texture.

Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful r

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 large bakery-style cookies. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking time ranges from 9 to 12 minutes per batch.

Storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to two months. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to restore the gooey center.

Variations and Customizations

Levain-style cookies are highly adaptable while maintaining their signature thickness. If you prefer a darker chocolate flavor, substitute part of the semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate chunks. I once tried a combination of dark and milk chocolate, and the contrast created a more complex flavor profile that was incredibly satisfying.

For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts. You can also replace them with white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for a creative twist. Adding a pinch of espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee.

If you enjoy a slightly salted finish, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of each cookie immediately after baking. This enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle crunch. For a festive variation, mix in colorful candy-coated chocolates.

To create smaller cookies, divide the dough into 3-ounce portions and reduce the baking time slightly. Keep in mind that smaller cookies will not have the same dramatic gooey center, but they remain delicious and easier to portion for gatherings.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

The following values are approximate per serving (based on 8 large cookies):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbohydrates	55 g
Fat	32 g
Saturated Fat	18 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	38 g
Sodium	210 mg

Expert Tips & Customizations

Use Cold Butter
Cold butter helps create the thick, bakery-style structure without spreading too much.

Do Not Overmix
Minimal mixing keeps the cookies tender and prevents toughness.

Bake Until Just Set
Remove the cookies when the center looks slightly underdone to maintain a gooey interior.

Large Dough Portions
Oversized dough mounds are essential for achieving the classic Levain-style height and texture.

FAQs

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Ensure the butter is cold and avoid flattening the dough before baking.

Can I chill the dough?

Chilling is not required, but a short chill can enhance flavor if desired.

Can I make these without nuts?

Yes, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with additional chocolate chips.

How do I get a gooey center?

Bake at a high temperature and remove the cookies while the center is slightly underbaked.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, freeze shaped dough mounds and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Are these cookies supposed to be soft in the middle?

Yes, the soft, gooey center is part of their signature appeal.

Conclusion

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are thick, rich, and indulgent, delivering bakery-quality flavor and texture in every bite. With simple techniques and generous portions of dough, you can recreate this iconic treat at home. Whether enjoyed warm or stored for later, these cookies remain a crowd-pleasing favorite that satisfies every chocolate craving.

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