As I stood in my kitchen, the rich aroma of melting chocolate and freshly baked cookies transported me back to New York City’s famed Levain Bakery. Those thick, chunky Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies, with their crispy edges and soft, gooey centers, are simply unforgettable. Now, I’m thrilled to share my copycat recipe that perfectly replicates their indulgent texture and flavor right in your home! This Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also quick to prepare, making it a stress-free indulgence after a long day. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these delightful cookies will evoke pure joy with every bite. Curious about how simple ingredients can transform into the perfect sweet treat? Let’s dive into this baking adventure together!

Why Is This Cookie Recipe Special?

Bakery-Style Goodness: These are not just any cookies; they bring the authentic Levain Bakery experience right to your kitchen, capturing that magical balance of crispy edges and gooey centers.

Easy Preparation: You don’t need to be a baking pro. The simple and straightforward steps ensure that even novice bakers can whip these up with confidence!

Versatile Flavor: With the option to substitute walnuts or use darker chocolate chips, you can easily customize these cookies to your taste preferences, making them perfect for everyone.

Crowd Favorite: Whether for small gatherings or family treats, these cookies are sure to impress. They will have everyone raving about your baking skills!

Time-Saving Delight: Quick to assemble and bake, you can indulge your cookie cravings without spending hours in the kitchen, much like our quick Brownie Mix Cookies.

Get ready to enjoy warm, delicious cookies that will have you going back for seconds!

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients

For the Dough
Unsalted Butter – 6 tablespoons (84 g); softening at room temperature ensures a creamy blend.
Light Brown Sugar – ½ cup (110 g); its molasses adds depth, but you can switch to dark brown for a richer flavor.
Granulated Sugar – 2 tablespoons (25 g); balances sweetness and contributes to the crispy texture.
Pure Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon (5 ml); using high-quality extract elevates the cookie’s flavor.
Large Egg – 1; room temperature eggs mix better, adding necessary moisture.
All-Purpose Flour – 1 ¼ cups (180 g); weighs accurately to prevent dough spread, crucial for achieving our thick cookie.
Baking Powder – ½ teaspoon; essential for that perfect puff during baking.
Baking Soda – ¼ teaspoon; works with acids in the dough to aid in texture and rise.
Salt – ½ teaspoon; enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
For the Mix-Ins
Chopped Walnuts – ⅓ cup (35 g); brings crunch and nutty richness, easily omitted if desired.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips – 1 cup (170 g); high-quality chocolate magnifies the deliciousness, perfectly complementing other ingredients in our Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.

Get ready to bring the beloved bakery-style experience into your home with these marvelous ingredients!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it’s ready for those thick, chunky cookies. A properly preheated oven is key to achieving that golden-brown exterior while maintaining soft centers in your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, which will help ensure an even distribution of leavening agents. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies, so take your time!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 6 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of light brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer, combine until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. At this stage, the dough will begin to take on a light color, indicating that it’s well-aerated—this is vital for that desirable cookie texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Egg
Next, add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Beat the mixture until fully combined and the batter is smooth, about 1-2 minutes. The egg adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring a soft, chewy center in your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture from Step 2 into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix. Overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies, so you want to maintain a delicate blend for that signature Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookie dough texture.

Step 6: Add Mix-Ins
After the dough comes together, fold in 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and ⅓ cup of chopped walnuts, if using. Mix them until evenly distributed within the dough. The chocolate chips bring rich flavor, while the walnuts add a delightful crunch, creating that perfect balance in your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.

Step 7: Portion the Dough
Using a 2-ounce cookie scoop, portion out the dough, placing two scoops per cookie. Keep the dough rough and rustic, as this helps achieve the bakery-style look and texture. Ensure that the cookies are spaced about 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake your cookies at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. After this initial baking time, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden brown, but the centers still appear soft; this is the secret to achieving the perfect cookie texture.

Step 9: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 3 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s hard to resist the warm, gooey allure of these Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, so be sure to let them cool a bit before diving in!

Expert Tips for Levain Bakery Cookies

Proper Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature to ensure they blend smoothly, contributing to that perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie texture.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies that lose their delightful chewiness.
Rustic Shape Matters: Keeping the dough scoops rough and rustic instead of perfectly smooth allows for a better crust and promotes a bakery-style appearance.
Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate chips to elevate the flavor of your cookies. This simple step makes a big difference in taste.
Oven Temperature Check: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your baking temperatures are accurate; the right heat is vital for achieving those thick, chunky cookies with soft centers.
Adjust for Altitude: If you’re baking at a high altitude, you may need to make adjustments to the flour and baking powder for optimal results.

Make Ahead Options

These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. For even longer storage, you can freeze the dough portions for up to 3 months; scoop and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, simply bake the frozen dough straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time. This ensures you’ll have freshly baked cookies, just as delicious and gooey, with minimal effort after a busy day!

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with these variations and make these cookies uniquely yours!

Nut-Free: Omit nuts and replace with extra chocolate chips for a richer, chocolatey treat.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities.
Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce for a plant-based version.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a delightful kick that enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Chocolate Lovers: Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for a richer depth that will satisfy every chocoholic in the room.
Minty Fresh: Incorporate mint chocolate chips or a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday twist.
Brown Butter: Try browning the butter before using it to add a nutty richness that elevates the cookies’ flavor.
Mini Cookies: For bite-sized versions, use a 1-ounce scoop, adjusting bake time down to around 8-10 minutes for that soft, gooey goodness.

These variations not only enhance the flavors and textures but invite a world of possibilities into your baking. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might also want to explore other treats like our Brownie Mix Cookies for a quick and delightful sweet fix!

How to Store and Freeze Levain Bakery Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and chewy.

Fridge: For longer storage, place cookies in the fridge in an airtight container; they will stay delicious for up to 7 days. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until soft.

Dough Storage: Freeze portioned cookie dough in airtight bags for future baking. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before baking for a quick treat anytime!

What to Serve with Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Indulging in these thick, gooey cookies is always better when paired with delightful accompaniments that enhance your experience.

Cold Glass of Milk: Sipping on ice-cold milk is the classic companion, perfectly balancing the richness of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Create an indulgent dessert by topping a warm cookie with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is downright heavenly.
Fresh Berries: A mix of tart raspberries and sweet blueberries offers a refreshing contrast, cutting through the cookie’s sweetness and adding a pop of color.
Coffee or Espresso: A steaming cup of coffee or a shot of espresso accentuates the chocolate flavors and brings a delightful depth to your dessert experience.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your cookie adds an extra layer of sweetness and decadence that simply cannot be resisted.
Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix provides a textural contrast to the soft cookie, adding wholesome elements and a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Cheese Plate: Pairing with an assorted cheese plate introduces savory bites, like sharp cheddar or creamy brie, making for a unique flavor adventure with each pairing.
Hazelnut Spread: For chocolate lovers, a dollop of hazelnut spread on your cookie creates a double chocolate experience that is extraordinary!
Sparkling Water: A refreshing sparkling water enhances all flavors while cleansing the palate, perfect for transforming your cookie break into a delightful treat.

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ripeness for the ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best results, use unsalted butter that’s softened to room temperature—this allows it to cream smoothly with the sugars. Fresh eggs at room temperature are also advisable, as they mix better into the dough. If you’re using walnuts, choose ones that are fresh and crunchy, avoiding any with dark spots or rancid smells.

How should I store my cookies and how long will they last?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture. If you want them to last a bit longer, refrigerating them in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to 7 days. Just remember to let them return to room temperature before diving in!

Can I freeze these Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies? If so, how?
Yes! To freeze your cookies, first allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds!

What if my cookies come out too flat?
If your cookies turn out too flat, it might be due to overmixing the dough, which can deflate the air you’ve incorporated into it. Another common culprit is using too little flour; always ensure accurate measurements, ideally with a kitchen scale. If you suspect your leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) are old or expired, they might not work effectively, so check their freshness too!

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
If you’re baking for someone with allergies, note that these cookies contain nuts (walnuts) and gluten (all-purpose flour). To address these, you can simply omit the walnuts for a nut-free option, and if gluten is a concern, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Always ensure you’re using allergy-friendly chocolate chips and check labels for any potential allergens!