DESSERT

Levain Bakery Style Cookies

Introduction: Levain-style cookies

Levain cookies have revolutionized the world of baking with their unique texture and irresistible flavor . Unlike classic chocolate cookies, these cookies stand out for their considerable thickness, their golden and crispy exterior, and their soft, fluffy interior full of melted chocolate .

Originally from Levain Bakery in New York City , these cookies were conceived in 1995 by Connie McDonald and Pam Weekes , who were looking for an energetic and filling cookie for their triathlon training. Without realizing it, they created a baking icon that has won over dessert lovers around the world.

What makes Levain cookies special?

Unparalleled texture: A perfect balance between crunchy and soft.
Impressive size: Each cookie weighs approximately 170 g , double or triple the size of a regular cookie.
Using cold butter: This prevents the dough from spreading too much in the oven and keeps its thick shape.
Large chunks of chocolate: Provides a more intense experience with every bite.
Quick, high-temperature baking process: Bakes in 10-12 minutes , achieving a moist center and golden crust.

Since their creation, these cookies have gained popularity on social media, been replicated in countless homemade recipes, and have inspired new versions with ingredients like double chocolate, peanut butter, oats, and raisins . Their popularity has led Levain Bakery to expand beyond New York City, with locations in several U.S. cities and frozen products in select supermarkets.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make Levain-style cookies at home with the same flavor and texture as the originals. With a few tricks and the right ingredients, you can enjoy this delicious treat without leaving home. Get ready to bake the best cookies of your life!

Detailed history of Levain biscuits

Levain cookies originated in New York City at the famed Levain Bakery , founded in 1995 by Connie McDonald and Pam Weekes . Both were passionate about baking and sports, and were looking to create a cookie that was both hearty and energizing enough to withstand the intense triathlon training they did.

Origin and creation

McDonald and Weekes began experimenting with chocolate chip cookie recipes until they found the perfect combination of ingredients and techniques that resulted in a thick, crispy-on-the-outside, and soft-on-the-inside cookie . The key to their success lay in the use of cold butter, large chocolate chips, and a precise blend of flours and sugars , allowing the cookies to stand tall and boast an unmatched texture.

Expansion and popularity

When Levain Bakery opened on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the cookies quickly became the bakery’s signature product. With the rise of social media and word of mouth, these cookies began to gain worldwide recognition. Their unique texture and flavor led to the creation of multiple imitations and homemade recipes inspired by them.

Today, Levain Bakery has expanded its presence with multiple locations across the U.S. and a line of frozen cookies available at select supermarkets. However, the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret .

Interesting facts about Levain cookies

Each cookie weighs approximately 170 grams .
The classic version is the Chocolate Chip Walnut , but there are other variations such as Double Chocolate, Oatmeal Raisin and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip .
They are served freshly baked , which highlights their characteristic texture.
Unlike other cookies, the dough is not refrigerated for long, as the cold butter helps maintain its shape and texture while baking.

Levain biscuits have marked a before and after in biscuit baking, inspiring bakers around the world to replicate their unique texture and delicious flavor.

Levain Bakery Style Cookies Recipe

These thick, fluffy cookies are famous for their crispy exterior and soft, dense interior.

Ingredients (for 8 large cookies)

Dry:

300 g (2 ½ cups) of wheat flour
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
½ teaspoon of baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon of salt

Wet:

170 g (¾ cup) unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
150 g (¾ cup) brown sugar
75 g (⅓ cup) white sugar
1 egg + 1 yolk (cold)
1 teaspoon of vanilla essence

Extras:

200g of chips or large chunks of semi-sweet chocolate
100 g of walnuts (optional)

Preparation

Prepare the dough

In a bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt . Mix and set aside.
In another bowl, beat the cold, cubed butter with the brown and white sugar until creamy.
Add the egg, yolk, and vanilla . Mix until combined.
Add the dry ingredients little by little and mix with a spatula or at low speed in a mixer.
Add the chocolate chips and nuts . Mix until well distributed.

Form and bake

Divide the dough into 8 large balls (about 150-170 g each). Do not flatten .
Refrigerate for 30 minutes (optional, but helps with texture).
Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F) .
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the center still looks soft.

Chill and enjoy

Let them rest on the tray for 10-15 minutes before moving them so they can finish settling.
Enjoy these delicious cookies with a glass of milk!

Tips for success:
Use cold butter to maintain a thick texture.
Don’t overmix the dough to avoid dense cookies.
Don’t flatten them before baking , as this will result in thicker cookies with a softer interior.
Refrigerate the dough if you want them to hold their shape better when baked.

Frequently Asked Questions about Levain Cookies

Why aren’t my cookies thick like Levain’s?

Make sure to use cold, cubed butter , not melted.
Don’t flatten the dough before baking.
Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent over-expansion.
Use all-purpose flour , not low-protein flour, to maintain structure.

Can I substitute wheat flour?

Yes, but the texture may change. You can use gluten-free flour (a special blend) or oat flour, but the consistency may be less fluffy.

How long do cookies last?

At room temperature: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Refrigerated: Up to 1 week.
Frozen: Up to 3 months (you can freeze the dough or already baked cookies).

Can I make them smaller?

Yes, but the baking time will be reduced. For 75g (regular-sized) cookies, bake them for 8-10 minutes at the same temperature.

How to reheat cookies so they feel fresh?

Place them in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to melt the chocolate again and make the center smooth.

Other interesting facts about Levain cookies

Levain Bakery welcomes thousands of customers every day and its cookies have been recognized as some of the best in the world .

The classic version is the Chocolate Chip Walnut , but there are other famous versions such as:

Double Chocolate Chip
Oatmeal Raisin (oats and raisins)
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

On social media, foodies and bakers have created versions of these cookies with different flavors, such as Nutella, Lotus Biscoff, and matcha .

The secret to their unique texture lies in:
Cold butter to prevent them from melting too much in the oven.
More brown sugar than white sugar to keep them soft.
Short, high-temperature baking for a moist interior.

Texture and Flavor

Texture:
- Crispy, golden exterior with slightly crispy edges.
- Extremely soft interior , thick and almost like unbaked (but cooked) dough , with a moist and dense crumb .
- Melted chocolate chips and walnuts add touches of creaminess and crunch to every bite.
Flavor:
- Rich in butter, vanilla and brown sugar flavor , with chocolate as the star.
- Nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) add a toasted, slightly salty note that balances the sweetness.

Consumer Context

Perfect as a dessert or gourmet snack , to accompany a coffee, tea or glass of milk .
Very popular at gatherings, homemade gifts, artisan coffee shops and modern bakeries .
Famous as “comfort food” , ideal for enjoying freshly baked.

Visual Aspect

Large, thick and with a rustic and irregular shape , which gives them a homemade charm.
They often have a crumbly and tempting appearance , with melted chocolate visible and pieces of nuts sticking out.
Some versions include extra ingredients such as peanut butter, oatmeal, or white chips .

Curiosities

The originals come from Levain Bakery in New York , famous for its enormous cookies since the 90s.
Each cookie can weigh up to 170g and is over 5cm thick .
They were created to provide energy to athletes: they are caloric, dense and satisfying.
They have gone viral on social media for their iconic texture and chunky appearance.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving of 1 large cookie, approx. 160–170 g)

(Varies depending on exact ingredients)

Calories: 600 – 750 kcal
Fats: 35 – 45 g (of which 20 g may be saturated)
Carbohydrates: 65 – 80 g
Sugars: 35 – 50 g
Protein: 6 – 10 g
Fiber: 2 – 4 g (if it contains oats or whole wheat flour)
Sodium: Moderate

Other Interesting Information

They can be frozen raw and baked directly, which intensifies their “gooey” texture.
To achieve the perfect texture, it is key to use cold butter and not overbeat the batter .
Cooking should be just right to leave the interior soft and moist (approx. 12–15 minutes at 180°C).
You can customize them with ingredients like salted caramel, nuts, mint or matcha .

Conclusion: Levain-style cookies

Levain-style cookies represent much more than a simple dessert: they are a complete sensory experience that combines the best of homemade flavor with professional technique. Their success lies not only in their quality ingredients , but also in the care and precision of their preparation, resulting in an unmistakable cookie: thick, soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and oozing with melted chocolate .

Since their creation at the legendary Levain Bakery in New York , these cookies have become a symbol of indulgence, perfection, and creative baking. Their fame has transcended borders, and today they are replicated by millions of people around the world, adapting to all tastes and styles.

Making these cookies at home is a way to get closer to that iconic flavor, enjoying the process and the end result with every bite. Plus, their preparation doesn’t require advanced techniques, but rather patience, precision, and attention to detail .

Whether you make them for a special occasion, to share with someone, or simply to treat yourself, Levain-style cookies have the power to surprise and captivate anyone.

Bottom line: Baking Levain cookies at home is a delicious way to pay homage to one of modern baking’s most beloved recipes. It’s a flavor journey worth every ounce of chocolate and every minute of waiting in front of the oven.

So put on your apron, preheat the oven and get ready to enjoy some unusual cookies !