Levain Bakery NYC Cookies

Imagine biting into a Levain Bakery NYC cookie, where the thick, gooey texture envelops your senses.

You can almost hear the crunch of the outer crust, contrasting with the soft, melty center.

The semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts create a flavor harmony that’s hard to resist.

As you savor each oversized bite, you might wonder what makes these cookies an iconic dessert, drawing enthusiastic customers from all over.

Want to explore the secret behind their allure?

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 stand mixer with paddle attachment
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 small bowl
• 1 baking sheet
• 1 parchment paper
• 1 cooling rack

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and baking Levain Bakery NYC cookies, you can follow this timeline based on the cook and prep time provided:

1. 0:00 – 0:15 (Prep Time)
   • 0:00: Gather all ingredients and equipment needed.
   • 0:03: Preheat the oven to 410°F (210°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • 0:05: Cube the cold butter and measure out the sugars.
   • 0:07: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy using a stand mixer.
   • 0:10: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • 0:12: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
   • 0:14: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
2. 0:15 – 0:20
   • 0:15: Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts until evenly distributed.
   • 0:17: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. 0:20 – 0:32 (Cook Time)
   • 0:20: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
   • 0:32: Remove the cookies from the oven when edges are golden brown.
4. 0:32 – 0:47 (Resting Time)
   • 0:32: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
   • 0:37: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to rest for an additional 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe

Levain Bakery in NYC is renowned for its iconic cookies, known for their thick, gooey texture and irresistible taste.

These cookies are a perfect treat for any dessert lover and are surprisingly straightforward to make at home.

With a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center, these cookies capture the essence of a classic American dessert.

Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced pastry chef, this recipe will guide you through creating these delectable cookies in your own kitchen.

To start, you’ll mix together cold, cubed butter with sugars to create a fluffy base.

This is followed by the incorporation of eggs, one at a time, to guarantee a smooth consistency.

The dry ingredients are then combined separately before being gradually mixed into the wet ingredients.

The final touch involves stirring in semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts, creating a rich, nutty flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the dough.

Once your dough is ready, preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, shaping each into a ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown.

Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to rest for an additional ten minutes.

This resting period will help them achieve the perfect texture.

For best results, use cold butter straight from the fridge to maintain the integrity of the dough, making sure your cookies are tender and soft.

Be mindful not to overmix the dough after adding the flour; this will keep the cookies from becoming tough.

If walnuts aren’t to your liking, feel free to substitute them with a different nut or omit them entirely to make the cookies nut-free.

Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven for a warm, delicious treat!

Cooking Steps

When baking your Levain Bakery cookies, start by preheating your oven to a toasty 410°F, filling your kitchen with warmth.

As you cream the cold butter with brown and granulated sugars, notice how the mixture transforms into a fluffy, aromatic blend.

Carefully incorporate the eggs one at a time, and then gradually combine the dry ingredients, ensuring a smooth, consistent dough that promises soft, velvety cookies.

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 410°F

Though often overlooked, preheating your oven to 410°F is an essential step that sets the stage for baking the perfect Levain Bakery cookies.

As you dial the temperature, envision the heat swirling, preparing to envelop your dough in a warm embrace.

This precise temperature is critical—too low, and the cookies won’t achieve that iconic thick, gooey center; too high, and they risk burning before the inside sets.

You’re aiming for that golden exterior, a delicate crunch that yields to the rich, melty heart.

The aroma of sugar and butter caramelizing will soon fill your kitchen, promising indulgence.

Step 2. Cream Butter and Sugars

Your oven’s ready, and now it’s time to orchestrate the symphony of flavors in your mixing bowl.

Begin by introducing the cold, cubed butter to your stand mixer, followed by the rich, molasses-kissed brown sugar and the crystalline granulated sugar.

As the mixer whirs to life, watch the ingredients swirl into a pale, fluffy cloud.

This transformation is essential—it’s the backbone of your cookie’s texture.

The butter, once firm, now softens and envelopes the sugars, creating a creamy consistency.

Listen for the gentle hum of the mixer, signaling that the sugars have dissolved, leaving no grainy residue behind.

The balance achieved here sets the stage for the cookies’ delicate crumb, ensuring each bite is a tender indulgence.

Step 3. Incorporate Eggs Individually

As the butter and sugars meld into a velvety blend, it’s time to introduce the eggs, one by one.

Crack the first egg, letting its golden yolk tumble into the silky mixture.

Watch how the mixer gently swirls it into the creamy mass, transforming the dough into a richer, more cohesive batter.

The key here is patience; each egg deserves its moment to harmonize with the sugars and butter.

This gradual addition guarantees that the batter remains smooth and well-emulsified, preventing any curdling.

Feel the texture shift, becoming more luscious and seamless with every turn of the mixer.

By the time the second egg is fully incorporated, you’ll notice a glossy sheen, signaling that your cookie dough is primed for the next stage.

Step 4. Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly

Once you’ve prepared your wet ingredients, it’s time to focus on the dry components that will give your cookies structure and lift.

Begin by whisking together the flour, baking soda, and salt in your small bowl.

This step guarantees an even distribution of leavening agents, essential for that perfect rise and texture.

The flour should feel light and airy as you sift through it with your whisk.

Pay attention to the subtle aroma of the flour, a promise of the delicious cookies to come.

• All-purpose flour: 3 1/4 cups
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Whisk: Use a consistent, gentle motion
• Texture: Confirm no clumps remain, achieving a smooth, uniform mixture

This meticulous mixing stage sets the foundation for your Levain-inspired masterpiece.

Step 5. Combine Mixtures Gradually

With your dry ingredients perfectly blended, it’s time to bring them together with the rich, creamy wet mixture.

Slowly introduce the flour blend into the sugary butter mixture, watching as the powders cascade in, creating a soft, velvety dough.

Each addition should be met with gentle mixing, ensuring the ingredients are just combined.

Feel the transformation as the dough takes shape, with flecks of chocolate and chunks of walnut promising delightful surprises in every bite.

Here’s a quick guide to your progress:

Step	Description
Step 1	Add a portion of dry ingredients
Step 2	Mix gently until incorporated
Step 3	Repeat until all dry ingredients are mixed

Let the textures and aromas guide you; precision is key to achieving Levain’s signature cookie magic.

Serving Tips

• With a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm cookies pair perfectly with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo.
• Alongside a Glass of Milk: Enjoy the classic comfort of cookies and milk, perfect for dunking or sipping between bites.
• Topped with a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: Add a touch of indulgence with a sweet caramel drizzle over the cookies for extra richness.
• Accompanied by Fresh Berries: Balance the cookie’s sweetness with a revitalizing side of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
• Paired with a Hot Cup of Coffee: Enhance the flavors of the cookies with a robust cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage/Freezing/Reheating

Storage: Store Levain Bakery Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Avoid exposure to air to prevent them from drying out.

Freezing: To freeze, individually wrap cookies in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before consuming for best texture.

Reheating: For a freshly baked taste, reheat Levain Bakery Cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Alternatively, microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds.

Final Thoughts

As you take your first bite of a Levain Bakery cookie, you’re immediately greeted by a symphony of textures and flavors that define its iconic status.

The outer crust offers a satisfying crunch, while the center remains decadently gooey—a demonstration of perfect baking.

The rich chocolate melds with the earthy walnuts, creating a sensory dance on your palate.

Each ingredient plays its role, achieving a delicate balance that keeps you reaching for more.

Consider these highlights:

• Aromatic Bliss: The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, heightening anticipation.
• Visual Appeal: Each cookie’s rustic, generous size promises indulgence.
• Flavor Harmony: Sweet and nutty notes complement each other seamlessly.
• Texture Contrast: A crisp exterior juxtaposes a soft, chewy core.
• Memorable Experience: A taste you won’t soon forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Levain Bakery Cookies Unique Compared to Other Cookies?

You savor the colossal size and gooey center, a delightful contrast to the crisp, golden edges. The unique texture, achieved by using cold butter, creates a sensory experience that elevates these cookies beyond ordinary treats.

Can I Substitute the All-Purpose Flour With a Gluten-Free Alternative?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, but choose one with a similar texture to maintain the cookies’ chewy richness. Experiment with blends like almond or oat flour for a nutty, aromatic twist.

What Is the History Behind Levain Bakery’s Famous Cookies?

You’re stepping into a story of culinary passion. Imagine two friends crafting a cookie so gooey and rich, the aroma alone would captivate your senses. Their creation quickly became legendary, delighting taste buds and sparking cookie fame.

Are There Any Variations of This Cookie Recipe Available?

You’ve got endless possibilities to tweak this classic cookie recipe. Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate, or mix in dried fruits. Add a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

What Inspired the Creation of Levain Bakery’s Iconic Cookie Recipe?

You’re inspired by a quest for perfection, creating a cookie that marries gooey centers with crisp edges. You imagine the aroma of melting chocolate and toasted walnuts, driven by a passion for crafting an unforgettable dessert experience.