There’s something magical about biting into a thick, gooey, and perfectly crisp-edged chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven. And when it comes to legendary cookies, Levain Bakery in New York City has set the gold standard. These cookies are larger than life, with a crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, melty center packed with rich chocolate and buttery goodness.

The first time I tasted a Levain Bakery cookie, I knew I had to recreate that indulgent experience at home. After much testing (and a lot of delicious trial and error), I found a way to capture that same bakery-fresh perfection. Whether you’re craving a weekend baking project or looking to impress your friends and family, this recipe delivers cookies that are thick, chewy, and utterly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate chocolate chip cookie experience. This copycat Levain Bakery recipe has everything you adore about the iconic NYC treat, but made right in your own kitchen.

First, these cookies are huge. Forget small, flat cookies—each bite is filled with thick, chewy goodness that makes every mouthful a dream. The secret lies in the unique dough composition and the way they’re baked to achieve the perfect texture.

The crispy outside, gooey inside contrast is unbeatable. Thanks to a higher baking temperature and careful ingredient ratios, you get the best of both worlds—golden brown edges with a melt-in-your-mouth center.

And let’s not forget about the chocolate factor. These cookies are loaded with semisweet chocolate chips that create pockets of warm, melty goodness in every bite. If you love chocolate, you’re in for a serious treat.

Best of all, you don’t need fancy equipment to make them. Just a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and an oven are all you need to whip up a batch of these bakery-style delights.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these cookies comes from a carefully chosen selection of ingredients. Each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Cold butter is key to achieving the thick, bakery-style texture. Unlike most cookie recipes that call for softened butter, using cold butter ensures the dough stays sturdy and prevents excessive spreading in the oven.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar work together to create the ideal balance of sweetness and chewiness. The brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while the granulated sugar helps create the crisp outer edges.

Cake flour gives these cookies their signature soft, tender bite. If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can make a substitute by combining all-purpose flour with a bit of cornstarch.

Semisweet chocolate chips bring the ultimate chocolatey richness. You can also mix in chunks of dark chocolate for even more decadence.

Walnuts add a slight crunch and enhance the overall flavor. If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to leave them out or substitute with pecans.

How To Make This Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Recreating these legendary cookies is easier than you might think! Follow these steps to bake up a batch of perfection.

Start by cutting your cold butter into small cubes. This makes it easier to cream with the sugars while still keeping the dough firm. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until just combined—don’t overmix, as you don’t want to aerate the dough too much.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated. Stir in the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until the dough just comes together. The key is to avoid overmixing so that the cookies stay dense and chewy.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough will be thick, which is exactly what you want.

Divide the dough into large balls—about 6 ounces each—and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Unlike traditional cookies, there’s no need to flatten them before baking.

Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underdone. The residual heat will continue cooking them to perfection once they’re out of the oven.

Storage Options

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily store leftovers to keep them tasting amazing.

If you plan to eat them within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture and stay chewy.

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to warm them up and restore their fresh-baked texture.

You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven—just add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are a few ways you can change things up:

Love a deeper chocolate flavor? Swap out half the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks to intensify the richness.

Not a fan of walnuts? You can easily leave them out or replace them with pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a fun twist.

For a unique flavor upgrade, try adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking. The contrast between sweet and salty makes these cookies even more irresistible.

If you want to make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose and cake flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum to help with texture.

Want a fun seasonal spin? Mix in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a festive holiday variation.

However you choose to enjoy them, these Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for the ultimate cookie indulgence!