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Homemade Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies photo

Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies are thick, gooey, and packed with melty chocolate and crunchy walnuts—an irresistible treat inspired by NYC's iconic bakery!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 3 cups bread flour 375g
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cut into cubes, 227g
  • 1 cup light or dark brown sugar 165g plus 4 teaspoons
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 100g
  • 2 eggs cold and lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups dark chocolate chips 270g
  • 1 cup toasted and coarsely chopped walnuts 117g

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Start by gathering all your ingredients. Measure out the bread flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s essential to have everything ready before you begin mixing.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
  • In another bowl, add the cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Slowly add the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until combined without overdoing it.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding with a spatula until just combined. It’s okay if a few streaks of flour remain; avoid overmixing.
  • Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and toasted walnuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
  • Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper while the dough chills.
  • Use a large cookie scoop or your hands to form dough balls about 3 tablespoons each. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced apart.
  • Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers remain soft. They will firm up as they cool.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later!

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
  • If allergic to nuts, omit walnuts or replace with seeds like sunflower seeds.
  • Cookie dough balls can be frozen before baking; bake from frozen adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
Keyword Chewy, Chocolate Chip, Cookies, Easy, Nutty