Levain-Style Thick Chocolate Chip Cookies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Dense, gooey, and thick chocolate chip cookies with a soft center and slightly crisp edges inspired by the famous Levain Bakery recipe. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 29 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 14 min Serves 12 American cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp baking soda.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat 12 tbsp cold cubed unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup packed light brown sugar until creamy but still slightly chunky, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tsp vanilla extract and 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each until combined.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture and beat on low speed just until incorporated.
  6. Step 6: Fold in 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips with a spatula.
  7. Step 7: Using a large ice cream scoop or 1/3 cup measuring cup, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets spaced 3 inches apart.
  8. Step 8: Sprinkle each cookie dough mound lightly with 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt.
  9. Step 9: Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft and puffy.
  10. Step 10: Cool cookies on baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Levain-Style Thick Chocolate Chip Cookies take to make?

Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Levain-Style Thick Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Levain-Style Thick Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Levain-Style Thick Chocolate Chip Cookies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Levain-Style Thick Chocolate Chip Cookies?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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