Levain Bakery NYC Cookies

Levain Bakery NYC Cookies are the epitome of indulgence. Famous for their gigantic size, crispy exterior, and gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center, these cookies are a dream come true for cookie lovers. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests, this recipe replicates the iconic New York bakery’s signature treat at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Taste: This recipe captures the rich, buttery flavor and soft, gooey texture of the original Levain Bakery cookies.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, there’s no need for hard-to-find items.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate.
• Impressive Results: These cookies are bakery-quality, making them ideal for special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the cold, cubed butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
6. Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
7. Shape Dough: Divide the dough into large portions (about 6 ounces each) and shape into mounds. Do not flatten.
8. Bake: Place the dough mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 large cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version.
• Chocolate Variety: Use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or a mix of both instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Add-Ins: Include dried fruit, coconut flakes, or white chocolate chips for a unique twist.
• Smaller Cookies: Make smaller cookies by dividing the dough into smaller portions and adjusting the baking time to 8-10 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough mounds for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Warm leftover cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their gooey texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

2. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Not for this recipe, as the cold butter helps achieve the desired texture.

3. Can I substitute all-purpose flour with another type of flour?

All-purpose flour is recommended, but you can try bread flour for chewier cookies.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure the butter is cold and avoid overmixing the dough.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

6. Why are my cookies not gooey in the center?

They may have been overbaked. Remove them from the oven while the centers are still soft.

7. Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely. Simply omit the walnuts.

8. What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients. Just ensure your mixer is large enough to handle the volume.

10. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be golden, and the centers should look slightly underbaked.

Conclusion

Levain Bakery NYC Cookies are a delicious way to enjoy a taste of New York City from the comfort of your own kitchen. With their perfect balance of crispy edges and gooey centers, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later, every bite is pure indulgence. Try this recipe today and experience the magic!

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