There’s something incredibly special about biting into a warm, thick cookie that makes you close your eyes and sigh with contentment, isn’t there? I remember the first time I tried a Levain bakery cookie while visiting New York. The moment I took a bite, I was enveloped in chocolatey goodness, with that soft, gooey center that pulls at your heartstrings and taste buds alike. It was love at first cookie!
Since then, I’ve spent countless weekends trying to recreate that indulgent experience in my own kitchen. The result? My Ultimate Thick and Gooey Levain Bakery Cookies Recipe! This easy homemade copycat version captures all the decadent flavor and delightful texture you could ever crave. And trust me, this recipe is a must-try for any cookie lover! Ready to whip up something magical? Let’s bake together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely delicious—thick, gooey, and packed with chocolate.
- Simple to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for sharing, gifting, or hoarding all to yourself!
- Customizable—add your favorite nuts or swap chocolate types.
- Winner for any occasion: family gatherings, cozy nights in, or just because!
Ingredients
Let’s gather our supplies! Here’s what you’ll need to create these dreamy cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the good stuff, trust me!)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate for extra gooeyness)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but I love the crunch!)
Note: Make sure your butter is softened. It helps create that perfect creamy texture in your cookie dough!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Time to turn that butter into bliss! Follow these simple steps to create your thick and gooey cookies:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure even baking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix, or your cookies might end up a bit cakey instead of gooey!
- Add the chocolate: Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if you’re using them) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form the cookies: Using a cookie scoop (or just your hands), scoop large portions of dough, about 3 tablespoons each, and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave plenty of space in between as they will spread a bit.
- Bake: Pop the cookies into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. They may look slightly underbaked in the center—that’s perfect! They’ll continue to cook on the tray after you take them out.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm with a glass of milk or your favorite coffee—heaven!
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, here are a few fun twists and tricks to take your cookie game to the next level:
- Flavor Infusions: Experiment with adding spices like a pinch of cinnamon or sea salt on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Nutty Goodness: Swap in your favorite nuts—macadamia nuts or almonds are fantastic too!
- Chocolate Swaps: Use a mix of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a variety of bites.
- Cookie Sandwich: For a fun dessert twist, fill two cookies with your favorite ice cream for a delicious ice cream sandwich!
Serving Suggestions
While these cookies are delightful on their own, they pair wonderfully with just about anything. Imagine serving them warm from the oven alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting it melt into that gooey center. Or, for a cozy evening, dunk them in a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or hot chocolate. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, set up a little cookie platter with fresh fruit or a charcuterie board—sweet and savory, anyone?
Storage Tips
These cookies are so delicious that you might wonder how to make them last—if they survive that long! Here’s how to store them without sacrificing the amazing flavor:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and chewy!
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge. Just bring them back to room temp or warm them up for that fresh-baked taste again!
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking! Simply scoop and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar entirely instead of white sugar?
Absolutely! Using solely brown sugar will give your cookies a richer flavor and extra chewiness, though they might be a tad denser compared to using a mix of both sugars.
What type of chocolate is best for these cookies?
It really depends on your preference! Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice, but using a combination of dark and milk chocolate adds layers of flavor. Go with what brings you the most joy!
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. Just check the blend’s recommendations; sometimes you might want to add a bit more moisture to avoid dryness.
How thick should the cookie dough be?
The dough should be thick but not overly dry. It will feel soft and a bit sticky due to the butter content but should hold its shape when scooped onto the baking sheet.
Can I add more chocolate chips?
More chocolate? Always a yes! Feel free to load them up with chocolate chips or chunks for an extra chocolatey experience. You can even sprinkle some on top before baking for an added visual appeal!
Conclusion
And there you have it—your very own batch of Ultimate Thick and Gooey Levain Bakery Cookies! I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine and fills your home with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked goodness. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so please feel free to share your cookie creations in the comments. Happy baking, my friend!
Print
Irresistible Easy Levain Bakery Cookie Recipe – Gooey Goodness!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Description
Bake Ultimate thick & gooey Levain cookies at home with this easy copycat recipe. Enjoy delicious homemade treats with gooey goodness!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
This easy homemade copycat version captures all the decadent flavor and delightful texture of Levain Bakery’s thick and gooey cookies. Absolutely delicious and simple to make, perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cookies
- Calories: 250 calories per cookie
- Sugar: 18 grams
- Fat: 13 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 3 grams
Keywords: Levain Bakery Cookies, Thick Cookies, Gooey Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cookie Recipe, Homemade Cookies
Leave a Comment