Description

Hello, cookie lovers! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you’ve ever been to New York City or dream of trying the world-famous Levain Bakery cookies, then you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re an avid fan of decadent, gooey cookies or just someone looking for a great recipe to impress friends and family, this is for you. These Levain Bakery-style cookies are simple to make and incredibly delicious. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or your favorite type)
2 cups walnuts, roughly chopped

If you have any dietary preferences, you can always swap the walnuts for other nuts, or omit them entirely for a nut-free version of this recipe. For a dairy-free option, try using plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

To start, cream the cold butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. This should take about 4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Add the white sugar and mix again.

Step 2: Add the Eggs

Next, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This step ensures a smooth dough that will bake into soft, gooey cookies.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough starts to come together, but don’t overmix.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Divide the dough into 10 equal portions (each about 5 oz) and shape them into large balls. The size of these cookies is what makes them so special! These big, bakery-style cookies will bake up to be thick and gooey on the inside.

Step 6: Bake at High Heat

Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C). Bake the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft and slightly underdone. This is key for that perfect Levain Bakery texture.

Notes

Chill the Dough (Optional): While this recipe doesn’t require chilling the dough, you can chill it for about 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butter and high-quality chocolate chips will make a big difference in the flavor of your cookies.
Do Not Overbake: For the gooey center, be sure not to overbake the cookies. They should be slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven, but firm up as they cool.