Levain Bakery Cookie Recipe (COPYCAT)

If you’ve ever visited New York City, you’ve likely heard of or indulged in the iconic cookies from Levain Bakery. These cookies are known for their gooey centers, crispy edges, and abundant chocolate chips. They’re a true treat for any cookie lover! Today, we’re bringing you a Levain Bakery Cookie Recipe (COPYCAT) that will transport your taste buds straight to that charming bakery in the Big Apple, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for those who crave the rich flavors and textures of the original. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these spectacular cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Decadent, thick cookies with a chewy center.
• Simple ingredients that you likely already have at home.
• Customizable with your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts or different types of chocolate chips.
• Perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own!

What You’ll Gather

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or nuts of your choice

Prep & Cook Tools

• Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients.
• Whisk – to blend dry ingredients and cream the butter and sugars.
• Baking sheets – choose non-stick or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Cookie scoop or spoon – for portioning the dough onto the baking sheet.
• Oven – preheated to ensure even baking.

How to Prepare Levain Bakery Cookie Recipe (COPYCAT)

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, salt, and cornstarch. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step helps ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, add the cold butter cubes, brown sugar, and white sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add the two eggs to the creamed butter and sugars. Beat the mixture until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep that fluffy texture.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts (if using). Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 9: Scoop the Dough

Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Be sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread a little while baking.

Step 10: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; that’s okay! They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour and cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips.
• Egg-Free: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

Flavor Logic

The combination of all-purpose and cake flour gives these cookies a wonderfully soft texture while maintaining their structure. The cold butter creates a rich flavor and ensures that the cookies don’t spread too much, resulting in that famous Levain Bakery thickness. The salt enhances the sweetness of the sugars and chocolate, creating a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing the unbaked dough. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time while the oven is preheating.

Questions People Ask

Can I use only all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can use only all-purpose flour, but the cookies may be slightly denser and less tender than the original recipe.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can omit the cornstarch if you don’t have it on hand. It helps create a softer texture, but the cookies will still turn out delicious.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers may look a bit underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool.

Can I add other mix-ins to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cookies with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate chips.

Wrap-Up

Once you’ve made this Levain Bakery Cookie Recipe (COPYCAT), you’ll understand why these cookies have become a sensation. They’re thick, gooey, and utterly delightful. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake! Your kitchen will soon be filled with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cookies, and you’ll be savoring every delightful bite. Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t forget to share these delicious cookies with friends and family!