Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Chewy Perfection

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just any ordinary cookies; they are a delightful experience that has captured the hearts of cookie lovers everywhere. Originating from the iconic Levain Bakery in New York City, these cookies have become a symbol of indulgence and comfort. With their thick, gooey centers and perfectly crisp edges, it’s no wonder that people line up for hours just to get their hands on one of these delectable treats.

What I love most about Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies is their incredible balance of flavors and textures. Each bite offers a rich, buttery taste complemented by the melty chocolate chips that create a heavenly experience. These cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a convenient option for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet. Join me as we dive into the world of Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies and discover how to recreate this beloved recipe in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (170g) chopped dark chocolate (optional, for extra richness)

Preparing the Dough

Let’s get started on these delicious Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookies! The first step is to prepare the dough, which is the heart of our cookies.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt. This will ensure that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The key here is to incorporate air into the butter, which will help our cookies rise beautifully.
3. Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the pure vanilla extract and mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here; we want to keep our cookies tender.
5. Now, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and the chopped dark chocolate (if using) with a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Chilling the Dough

Chilling the dough is a crucial step that helps to develop the flavors and improve the texture of the cookies.

1. Once the dough is fully mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container.
2. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it chill for 1-2 hours (or even overnight) will yield even better results. This allows the flour to hydrate and the flavors to meld together.

Prepping for Baking

While the dough is chilling, let’s prepare for baking. Preheating the oven and preparing the baking sheets is essential for achieving that perfect cookie texture.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking cookies, allowing them to spread just the right amount while still maintaining a chewy center.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Baking the Cookies

Now comes the exciting part—baking the cookies! This is where the magic happens.

1. Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a large cookie scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop out portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2-3 inches of space between each cookie. These cookies will spread, so give them room to grow!
2. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a little sea salt on top of each cookie before baking. This enhances the flavor and adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
3. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. Remember, they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out of the oven, so don’t worry if they look a little soft.
4. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates the perfect balance of crispy edges and gooey centers. These cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience that brings joy with every bite. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the generous chunks of chocolate creates a symphony of taste that is hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies will surely impress. For serving suggestions, I love to enjoy these cookies warm, straight out of the oven, paired with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert. You can also experiment with variations by adding nuts, sea salt, or even a sprinkle of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative! I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and experience the magic of Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies for yourself. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your baking adventure! Share your thoughts, tips, and any variations you tried in the comments below. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies! Print