Description
Thick, gooey, bakery-style chocolate chip cookies inspired by the famous Levain Bakery. These oversized cookies have a crisp golden exterior and a soft, molten center loaded with rich chocolate chips (and optional walnuts). Perfect for anyone craving that iconic New York bakery experience at home.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 8 large bakery-style cookies)
For the Cookie Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour (or 2 ½ cups all-purpose + ½ cup cake flour for softer texture)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, cold
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for classic Levain style)
Instructions
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat cold cubed butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until just combined (about 2–3 minutes). Do not overmix — you want a thick dough.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine & Fold
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Divide dough into 8 large portions (about 6 oz each). Shape into tall, rough dough mounds — do not flatten.
Step 7: Bake
Place cookies spaced apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 9–12 minutes until the outside is golden brown but the center remains soft.
Step 8: Cool Slightly
Let cookies rest on the pan for 10–15 minutes before serving. The centers will continue to set while staying gooey.
Notes
• For extra gooey centers, slightly underbake.
• Chill dough 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
• No walnuts? Simply omit them.
• For “Two Chip” style, use half semi-sweet and half dark chocolate chips.
• These cookies are large — they’re meant to be shareable!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American (New York Bakery Style)