Super thick and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies made from scratch, the Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a cozy gathering, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. Their rich flavor and satisfying texture make them stand out among other cookie recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of dark or milk chocolate and brown sugar creates a rich taste that keeps you coming back for more.
- Thick and Chewy Texture: These cookies are not your average flat cookies; their thickness and chewiness provide a satisfying bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with confidence.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk, or use them as an ice cream sandwich base for an indulgent dessert.
- Perfect for Sharing: Make a batch for friends or family, or bring them to a potluck to wow the crowd with your baking skills.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving cookie perfection.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking trays
- Baking or parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Helps blend the butter and sugar quickly for a smooth dough.
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Baking trays: Ensure even heat distribution while baking the cookies.
- Cookie scoop: Aids in portioning uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking.
Ingredients
Super thick and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies made from scratch.
Ingredients:
– 115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter, COLD (straight from the fridge), roughly chopped
– 190 grams (1 cup) brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 large egg, cold
– 245 grams (1 and 3/4 cup) plain flour or all purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon cornflour or cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– Pinch of salt, optional
– 225 grams (1 and 1/2 cups) dark or milk chocolate, chopped by hand
– 50 grams (1/2 cup) walnuts, roughly chopped, optional
– Sea salt flakes
How to Make Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F) standard / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Line two baking trays with baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the cold butter and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until combined. Add in the vanilla extract and cold egg, then beat again until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Add in the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Stir in chopped chocolate and optional chopped walnuts, mixing briefly until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Scoop the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, measure out roughly two tablespoons of dough per cookie. Place the scoops onto prepared trays, ensuring there’s room between each for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for about 12-14 minutes until they are golden brown around the edges. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on the tray before sprinkling with sea salt flakes for that extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven. Their thick and chewy texture pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With Milk
- Enjoy these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. The creamy texture perfectly complements the rich chocolate.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create an indulgent ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This makes for a delicious dessert any time of year.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Serve your cookies alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the drink enhances the chocolatey flavor of the cookies.
Fresh Fruit
- Pair these cookies with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing contrast to their sweetness.
Warmed Up
- For an extra treat, warm up the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving. This makes them even softer and gooier.
As Party Favors
- Package them in decorative bags as party favors. Everyone loves receiving homemade treats!

How to Perfect Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use cold ingredients – Starting with cold butter and eggs helps maintain the thick consistency of the dough.
- Don’t overmix – After adding flour, mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Chill dough if possible – Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes can enhance flavors and prevent excessive spreading.
- Scoop generously – Use about two tablespoons of dough per cookie for that signature thickness.
- Watch baking time – Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be golden brown but still soft in the center when done.
- Add flaky sea salt – A sprinkle on top right after baking elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor and texture. Here’s a list of perfect pairings:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Rich and creamy, it adds a cool contrast to the warm cookies.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Chocolate Milkshake – A decadent choice that pairs well with the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies.
- Cheese Board – Soft cheeses like brie provide a savory option that contrasts nicely with sweet cookies.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzle some over your cookies for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Nut Butter Spread – Almond or peanut butter adds protein and depth, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Coffee Cake – A slice beside your cookie offers additional flavors while keeping things cozy.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a balanced treat alongside your sweet cookie.
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using warm butter: Always use cold butter straight from the fridge. Warm butter can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups. Incorrect measurements can result in dough that is too wet or too dry.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
- Skipping sea salt flakes: Adding sea salt flakes enhances the flavor of your cookies. Don’t skip this step; it brings out the sweetness.
- Baking at incorrect temperatures: Always preheat your oven and check the temperature with an oven thermometer. Incorrect baking temperatures can affect cookie texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.
- Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
Reheating Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 160°C (320°F) and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes! You can substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate or even white chocolate, depending on your taste preferences.
How thick should the cookie dough be?
The dough should be soft but not sticky. It should hold its shape when scooped onto baking trays.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
You can omit walnuts or replace them with another nut or even leave them out entirely for pure chocolate goodness.
Final Thoughts
These Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are an irresistible treat that offers both comfort and satisfaction. Their thick, chewy texture makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize by adding different types of chocolate or nuts based on your preference!

Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible delight of homemade Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies, a favorite among cookie lovers. These thick, chewy cookies are packed with rich chocolate chunks and have a satisfying texture that sets them apart from ordinary cookies. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers bakery-style cookies right in your kitchen. With their warm, golden edges and soft centers, these cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a glass of milk. Experience the joy of baking as you create these delectable treats that are sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
- 115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold
- 190g (1 cup) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, cold
- 245g (1 and 3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 225g (1 and 1/2 cups) dark or milk chocolate, chopped
- Sea salt flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat cold butter and brown sugar until combined. Add vanilla extract and egg; mix until just combined.
- Gradually add flour, cornflour, baking soda, and optional salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in chopped chocolate until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out two tablespoons of dough per cookie onto prepared trays.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Let cool before sprinkling with sea salt flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (70g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg