There’s something magical about biting into a warm, gooey Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookie. The crisp, golden-brown exterior gives way to an irresistibly soft and melty center, packed with rich chocolate and crunchy walnuts. These cookies are legendary for their larger-than-life size and indulgent texture, making them a must-try for any cookie lover.

My first encounter with these cookies was on a trip to New York City, where the aroma of freshly baked treats lured me into the bakery. One bite, and I was hooked. Since then, I’ve worked tirelessly to recreate that perfect balance of chewiness and crunch at home. This version is as close as you can get without hopping on a plane to NYC.

Why You'll Love These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Get ready to experience cookie perfection. These cookies aren’t just big in size – they’re packed with flavor, texture, and everything you love about classic chocolate chip cookies, taken up a notch.

First, they have that perfect crispy edge with a thick, gooey center. Achieving this texture is all about the right ingredient ratios and baking technique.

They’re incredibly easy to make. No need for fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients – just classic cookie staples with a few tweaks to get that bakery-style result.

Each bite is loaded with chocolate and crunchy walnuts. The combination of semisweet chocolate and toasty walnuts creates the ultimate sweet-and-savory contrast.

Best of all, these cookies are freezer-friendly. Make a big batch, freeze the dough balls, and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these cookies lies in the combination of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in their signature texture and flavor.

Cold butter is key to getting that thick, dense texture. Unlike traditional cookie recipes that call for softened butter, using cold butter ensures the dough doesn’t spread too much, keeping the cookies thick and chewy.

Cake flour gives these cookies their delicate crumb. While all-purpose flour provides structure, the addition of cake flour keeps them tender and soft inside. If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can make a quick substitute with all-purpose flour and cornstarch.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar work together to create the perfect balance of moisture and caramelized flavor. The brown sugar adds chewiness, while the granulated sugar gives the cookies a slightly crisp edge.

Semisweet chocolate chips or chunks melt beautifully into the dough, creating those signature pockets of chocolate. You can also mix in dark or milk chocolate for variety.

Toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch and enhance the flavor. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can leave them out or replace them with another mix-in like pecans or extra chocolate chips.

How To Make These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies at home is easier than you think, and the results are well worth the effort. Follow these steps to get that perfect bakery-style texture.

Start by cutting your cold butter into small cubes and beating it with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until just combined. Unlike traditional cookie recipes that call for creaming softened butter, this method keeps the cookies thick and prevents excessive spreading.

Add in your eggs one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which enhances the depth of flavor in the dough.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Fold in the chocolate chips and toasted walnuts by hand to ensure even distribution without overworking the dough. The dough will be thick and slightly crumbly, which is exactly what you want.

Divide the dough into large portions – about 6 ounces each – and form them into rough, tall mounds. Unlike traditional cookie dough balls, these should be thick and chunky to achieve that signature gooey center.

Bake in a preheated oven at 410°F (210°C) for 9-11 minutes. The cookies should be golden brown on the edges but still soft in the middle. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes before digging in – this helps them set while keeping that gooey center intact.

Storage Options

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To maintain their soft texture, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.

For longer storage, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven – no need to thaw – and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

If you’ve already baked the cookies, you can freeze them too. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these cookies is how customizable they are. Here are a few fun variations to try.

Swap the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even a mix of all three. Using chopped chocolate instead of chips creates bigger, gooier pockets of melted chocolate.

If you’re not a fan of walnuts, substitute them with pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts. You can also leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.

For a fun twist, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough. It deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle coffee kick.

If you love the combination of salty and sweet, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking. This enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Experiment with different flavor additions, like shredded coconut, dried fruit, or even a handful of peanut butter chips. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

These Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookies are everything a cookie should be – thick, gooey, rich, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just satisfying a cookie craving, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.