Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried the Levain Bakery NYC cookies, you are seriously missing out! These cookies are legendary—thick, gooey, and packed with chocolate. I remember the first time I bit into one; it was like magic! The crunchy exterior gives way to that soft, warm center, and I was hooked immediately. I knew I had to recreate that experience at home. After countless experiments (and a few cookie disasters, oops!), I finally nailed a recipe that captures the essence of those iconic Levain cookies. Trust me, with just a few simple ingredients, you can bring a bit of that NYC bakery magic to your kitchen. Let’s get baking! You won’t regret it!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
How to Prepare Levain Bakery NYC Cookies
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want those cookies to bake perfectly from the get-go!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this—it makes it super easy and fluffy. You want it to be light and creamy.
- Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined; the batter should look smooth and a bit glossy.
- Now, grab another bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda, which is key for that perfect rise!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds—just fold them together gently until it’s all incorporated. You don’t want to overmix; that’ll make your cookies tough.
- Here comes the best part: fold in those glorious chocolate chips! You can use semisweet, dark, or even milk chocolate—whatever makes your heart sing!
- Using a large cookie scoop, drop big mounds of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Don’t worry about spacing them too far apart; they’ll spread just the right amount.
- Finally, bake for 10-12 minutes. You want them to be golden on the edges but still soft in the center. Trust me, they’ll firm up as they cool.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—just 15 minutes of prep time!
- Rich, buttery flavor that mimics the famous Levain Bakery NYC cookies.
- Perfectly gooey center and crispy edges that are utterly irresistible.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Yields a generous amount—24 cookies to share (or not!).
- Customizable with different types of chocolate or add-ins.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your cookies turn out just as dreamy as those from Levain Bakery! First off, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and help your cookies maintain their shape while baking. If you’re in a hurry, don’t skip this step, but if you can wait, it’s worth it!
Next, be sure to use high-quality chocolate chips. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor! And when you’re mixing, remember to fold gently. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy.
Finally, keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different, so check them at the 10-minute mark. You want them just golden around the edges but still soft in the middle for that perfect gooey bite. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to put your spin on these Levain Bakery NYC cookies! For a twist, try swapping out the chocolate chips for chunks of your favorite candy bars—think Snickers or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Yum!
Another idea is to add some nuts for a delightful crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely texture and flavor dimension. If you’re a fan of caramel, throw in some caramel chips or drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top before baking for an extra indulgent treat.
Feeling fruity? Dried cranberries or chopped cherries can brighten up the flavor and give a nice contrast to the rich chocolate. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about what you love! Get creative and have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of these delicious Levain Bakery NYC cookies! Each cookie is estimated to have around 200 calories, with about 10 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. You’ll also find approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates and 15 grams of sugar per cookie. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? Enjoy every gooey bite guilt-free!
FAQ about Levain Bakery NYC Cookies
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a great way to have fresh cookies on hand whenever you crave them. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
What makes these cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?
These Levain Bakery NYC cookies are thicker and denser than traditional chocolate chip cookies. The secret is in the generous amount of butter and flour, which creates that iconic gooey center and crispy edges. You’re in for a treat!
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can mix and match your chocolate chips. Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate—whatever your heart desires! You could even do a combination for a fun flavor explosion.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
It’s all about the edges! They should be golden brown while the centers still look a little soft. Don’t worry; they’ll continue to cook a bit on the baking sheet after you take them out. This is key for achieving that perfect gooey texture!
What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just be sure to check the blend’s instructions for any adjustments in measurements. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious Levain Bakery NYC cookies left? Lucky you! To keep them fresh, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, just pop them in the freezer! I like to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy one (or a few!), there’s no need to thaw them! Just grab a cookie straight from the freezer and pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm it up just enough to bring back that gooey goodness. You can also place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to get that freshly-baked taste. Trust me, the aroma will fill your kitchen and have everyone racing to the cookie jar!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked these dreamy Levain Bakery NYC cookies, let’s talk about how to enjoy them to the fullest! I love pairing these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. There’s just something about dunking them in milk that takes the experience to a whole new level—pure bliss!
If you’re feeling a bit fancy, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert sundae. The warm cookie and cold ice cream combo is absolutely irresistible! And for a fun twist, try them with a rich coffee or a creamy latte; the flavors complement each other beautifully. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Levain Bakery NYC Cookies: 7 Irresistible Soft Delights
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe replicates the famous cookies from Levain Bakery in NYC.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and sugars in a bowl.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop large scoops of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Chill the dough for better flavor.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips.
- Do not overbake for a soft center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: levain bakery, nyc cookies, chocolate chip cookies
