Copycat Levain Cookies

Name: Copycat Levain Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the thick, gooey goodness of these Copycat Levain Cookies, inspired by the famous New York bakery. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these cookies are a chocolate lover's dream.

Created by

Brittany Shaw

Last updated on 2025-12-23T00:15:37.415Z

These Copycat Levain Cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Inspired by the iconic cookies from Levain Bakery, they are packed with chocolate chips and walnuts, offering a delightful texture and flavor in every bite.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

The Perfect Cookie Texture

Achieving the perfect cookie texture is essential for a truly indulgent experience. These Copycat Levain Cookies boast a delightful contrast between a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey center. The key lies in the baking time; pulling them out of the oven while the centers are still soft ensures that they will continue to set as they cool. This technique results in a cookie that is perfectly chewy and bursting with flavor.

Another tip for achieving that coveted texture is to use room temperature ingredients, particularly the butter. Softened butter incorporates air more effectively, helping to create a light and fluffy cookie dough. This is crucial for achieving the rise and texture that makes Levain cookies so famous. Make sure to let your butter sit out for about 30 minutes before starting your recipe for the best results.

Flavor Variations to Try

While the classic chocolate chip version is a crowd-pleaser, feel free to get creative with these Copycat Levain Cookies. Consider adding a swirl of peanut butter for a rich and nutty flavor, or incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a touch of sweetness and tartness. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to suit your taste preferences.

For those who enjoy a citrus twist, adding fresh orange zest can elevate the flavor profile significantly. The bright notes of citrus pair beautifully with the rich chocolate, creating a balanced and exciting cookie. Just a teaspoon of zest can make a world of difference, so don't hesitate to personalize your batch!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Copycat Levain Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or as a sweet treat to enjoy throughout the week. For longer storage, consider freezing the dough in individual scoops. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes. Simply bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

When serving these cookies, consider pairing them with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience. They also make fantastic gifts when wrapped in decorative packaging, perfect for holidays or special occasions. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shared with friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious cookies:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your Copycat Levain Cookies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.

Scoop the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop, drop generous amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.

Cool and Enjoy

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

Enjoy your freshly baked Copycat Levain Cookies with a glass of milk!

Common Baking Questions

Baking cookies can sometimes lead to questions, especially for those new to the kitchen. One common question is why cookies spread too much during baking. This can often be attributed to warm dough or overly softened butter. To combat this, chill your cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking; this helps maintain the shape and results in thicker cookies.

Another frequent inquiry is how to achieve the best flavor. Using high-quality chocolate chips and fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the overall taste of your cookies. Opt for premium chocolate and ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh for optimal results.

The History of Levain Cookies

Levain Bakery, founded in 1994 in New York City, quickly gained a reputation for its thick, decadent cookies. They became a staple in the city, attracting locals and tourists alike. The bakery’s signature cookie is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with expert technique, creating an irresistible treat that has inspired countless home bakers.

The allure of Levain cookies lies not only in their taste but also in their size and presentation. Each cookie is a hefty portion, resembling a generous scoop of dough, with a unique texture that sets them apart. This distinctive style continues to inspire bakers around the world, leading to recipes that attempt to capture the magic of the original.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a variation.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer to a zip-top bag for later baking.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I omit the walnuts?

Yes, feel free to leave out the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free cookie.