This Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookie recipe recreates the famous thick, gooey, and perfectly soft cookies at home. These oversized cookies feature a chewy texture with slightly crisp edges, making them a dream for any chocolate chip cookie lover.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cool, not softened)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Mix-ins:
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars on medium speed until fluffy (2 minutes).
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
5. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium speed.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Chill the dough for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
8. Form cookie dough into 6-ounce balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slightly press down the tops if desired.
9. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: 581 kcal
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 58 mg
• Sodium: 328 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 44 g

Why Levain Bakery-Style Cookies Stand Out

Levain Bakery cookies have gained cult status for a reason. Their unique texture and taste differentiate them from standard chocolate chip cookies. The outer edges offer a delightful crispness, while the interiors remain irresistibly soft and gooey. Unlike thinner, flat cookies, Levain cookies are impressively thick, ensuring that each bite is packed with chocolatey goodness. This recipe captures those signature characteristics, allowing home bakers to enjoy the same decadent experience.

Key Features of the Recipe

One of the standout features of this recipe is its balance of textures and flavors. The incorporation of semi-sweet chocolate chips ensures just the right level of sweetness, complemented by a hint of salt for contrast. The dough is chilled before baking, which prevents spreading and contributes to the thick, bakery-style appearance. Additionally, the use of both brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a rich depth of flavor while maintaining the cookie’s soft interior.

What Makes These Cookies So Unique?

These Levain Bakery-style cookies are a departure from traditional chocolate chip cookie recipes. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Size and Thickness: Each cookie is massive, weighing approximately 6 ounces. This oversized structure creates the distinct thickness that defines Levain cookies.
• Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is a critical step in achieving the perfect texture. It allows the butter to solidify, reducing spreading during baking and helping the cookies retain their signature thickness.
• Combination of Sugars: The mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar adds complexity. Brown sugar brings a molasses-like richness, while granulated sugar ensures a crisp outer texture.
• Cornstarch Addition: Cornstarch is a secret ingredient in this recipe. It contributes to the cookies’ softness, ensuring that the centers remain gooey and tender even after baking.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Cookie

To get the best results from this recipe, keep the following tips in mind:

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision is key when baking. Use a kitchen scale if possible, especially for measuring flour, to avoid adding too much and ending up with dry cookies.
• Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough isn’t optional in this recipe. It’s essential for achieving the iconic thick and gooey texture. Plan ahead and give the dough at least 20 minutes in the fridge or even overnight for enhanced flavor.
• Use Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate provides a balanced sweetness without overwhelming the cookie. You can also use chocolate chunks or a mix of chips and chunks for added texture.
• Form Large Dough Balls: For authentic Levain-style cookies, make sure to form oversized dough balls. This ensures the thick, gooey interior and crisp edges.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best enjoyed slightly underbaked. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just golden and the centers still look soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Serving Suggestions

Levain Bakery-style cookies are indulgent on their own, but they can be elevated with a few serving suggestions:

• Warm and Gooey: Serve the cookies warm for the ultimate gooey chocolate experience. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave can bring them back to their fresh-out-of-the-oven state.
• Pair with Milk or Coffee: These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. The rich, sweet flavors of the cookie balance beautifully with a creamy or bold beverage.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Transform these cookies into an extra-special treat by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap these oversized cookies individually in parchment paper or place them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there’s always room for creativity. Here are some variations to consider:

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.
• Switch the Chocolate: Try using dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Twist: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies after baking for a gourmet touch.
• Mix in Peanut Butter: Swirl peanut butter into the dough or add peanut butter chips for a nutty twist.
• Espresso-Infused: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate.

The Science Behind the Perfect Cookie

The success of these Levain-style cookies lies in the science of baking. The combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures the cookies rise and achieve their thick, puffy appearance. Cornstarch helps create a tender texture, while the high butter content contributes to richness and flavor. Additionally, the chilling process slows the melting of the butter during baking, resulting in the thick, gooey centers that Levain cookies are famous for.

Why These Cookies Are Worth the Effort

While these cookies require a few extra steps compared to traditional recipes, the result is well worth it. Their luxurious texture and indulgent flavor make them a standout dessert for special occasions, holidays, or simply treating yourself. The process of creating these bakery-style cookies at home can also be a fun and rewarding baking experience, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Conclusion

Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate indulgence for cookie enthusiasts. Their thick, gooey centers, crispy edges, and rich chocolate flavor make them an unforgettable treat. This recipe allows you to bring the magic of Levain cookies into your kitchen, recreating the beloved bakery experience with ease.