There’s something about a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie that just makes everything feel right in the world. You know the type—the ones with a slightly crisp edge and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center, loaded with rich chocolatey goodness. Well, let me tell you, this Levain Bakery-inspired chocolate chip cookie recipe is everything. Trust me, once you’ve had these, there’s no going back. It’s the perfect mix of crispy, chewy, and downright decadent. Whether you’re making a batch for yourself or sharing them with friends, you’re in for a treat that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. Ready to make some magic happen? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are the epitome of comfort food. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s warm, indulgent, and full of chocolate chips in every bite. It’s not just about the flavors—it’s the experience. These cookies are:

Game-Changer Flavor: A balance between crispy edges and soft, gooey centers. Plus, the chocolate chips are perfectly melted, creating pockets of sweetness throughout. Super Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy equipment or tons of steps to get these just right. Just a bowl, a whisk, and a baking sheet—and you’re all set! Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch and watch your friends and family devour them. They’re that good. Totally Customizable: Add nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even some caramel bits if you’re feeling adventurous. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

These cookies use ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry—no need for anything too fancy. Here’s what you’ll need:

Butter: The star of any good cookie. Softened butter helps create that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. Brown Sugar: Adds richness and moisture, giving your cookies that perfect chewiness. Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and gives the cookies a slight crisp. All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough. It holds everything together and gives the cookies their structure. Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just a little, making them perfect—slightly puffy but still chewy. Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps balance the sweetness. Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the flavor, rounding out the cookie’s taste. Eggs: Bind everything together and help create that soft, chewy texture. Chocolate Chips: The heart and soul of these cookies. Use high-quality chocolate chips (or chunks) for the best results!

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to make the most mouthwatering cookies:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures your cookies bake evenly, giving them that perfect golden-brown color.

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them until light and fluffy. This is what makes your cookies tender and chewy.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is well incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and mix it in until everything is smooth.

Mix in the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips. You want to make sure they’re evenly distributed without breaking up too many of those big, glorious chunks.

Form the Cookies: Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out generous portions of dough (about 1/4 cup each). Gently roll them into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between them because they will spread while baking.

Bake to Perfection: Pop the cookies into the preheated oven and bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to cook a little after you remove them from the oven, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underdone.

Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up, making them easier to handle.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 22–25 minutes

How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are perfect just as they are, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:

A Glass of Milk: You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of a warm cookie and a cold glass of milk. The perfect way to enjoy every bite. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Make a decadent ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite flavor between two cookies. Heaven! Coffee or Hot Cocoa: Pair with a warm drink like coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate comfort food experience. Gift Them: Bake a batch and share them with friends and family. They’ll love you for it (and probably ask for more)!

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your cookies turn out perfect every time:

Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and result in thicker, chewier cookies. Use Quality Chocolate: The chocolate is the star of this recipe, so use good-quality chocolate chips or chunks for the best flavor. Don’t Overmix: When you add the dry ingredients, be sure to mix gently. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Size Matters: These cookies are big and bold, so don’t make the dough balls too small—keep them large for that signature Levain Bakery look.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
A1: Butter is key to the flavor and texture of these cookies. While margarine or oil can work in a pinch, I highly recommend using butter for the best results.

Q2: Can I make these cookies smaller?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer smaller cookies, just adjust the dough portions accordingly, but remember to reduce the baking time slightly.

Q3: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A3: Yes! You can swap in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a different flavor experience.

Q4: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the dough! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake them straight from the freezer whenever the craving hits.

Q5: How do I store leftover cookies?
A5: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and delicious!

Q6: Can I use self-rising flour?
A6: If you’re using self-rising flour, omit the baking soda and salt from the recipe. The self-rising flour already contains those ingredients.

Q7: What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
A7: Make sure you’re using enough flour, and avoid overmixing the dough. You can also chill the dough before baking to help control the spread.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes, you can double the recipe if you need more cookies. Just make sure you have a big enough mixing bowl and baking sheets!

Q9: Can I add nuts to these cookies?
A9: Definitely! Walnuts or pecans would make a fantastic addition, just fold them in with the chocolate chips.

Q10: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A10: The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the center is still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

These Levain Bakery-inspired chocolate chip cookies are a dream come true. With their perfect balance of crispy edges, chewy centers, and rich chocolate flavor, they’re bound to become your new favorite treat. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing with others, these cookies will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready for the best cookies you’ve ever tasted. You’re going to love them!