Giant Gooey Cookies Inspired by the Famous New York Bakery
If you've ever dreamed of recreating the iconic cookies from New York City's famous Levain Bakery, this recipe delivers everything you love—thick golden edges, soft gooey centers, and generous chunks of rich chocolate in every bite.
Unlike thin, crispy cookies, these oversized bakery-style treats are intentionally underbaked slightly to keep the center incredibly soft while the outside develops a beautiful golden crust.
Whether you're baking for family, gifting friends, or treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔ Thick bakery-style cookies
✔ Soft gooey center
✔ Crispy golden exterior
✔ Loaded with chocolate
✔ Easy to make
✔ Perfect for freezing
✔ Better than store-bought
✔ Pinterest favorite
About This Recipe
Levain Bakery opened in New York City in the 1990s and quickly became world-famous for its enormous chocolate chip walnut cookies.
Since then, home bakers around the world have recreated the recipe, making it one of the most searched cookie recipes online.
The secret lies in using cold butter, plenty of chocolate, and baking the cookies at a higher temperature to achieve their signature texture.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 8 giant cookies
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional but traditional)
Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
Cream the cold butter with both sugars until just combined.
Do not overmix.
Step 3
Add the eggs and vanilla extract.
Mix until incorporated.
Step 4
Add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix until a thick dough forms.
Step 5
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.
Step 6
Divide the dough into 8 large cookie mounds.
Do not flatten them.
Step 7
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the outside is golden while the centers remain slightly soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Chef's Tips
- Keep the butter cold for the signature thick texture.
- Don't flatten the dough before baking.
- Slightly underbake for gooey centers.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before serving for a gourmet finish.
Variations
Double Chocolate
Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder.
Peanut Butter Chocolate
Add peanut butter chips.
S'mores
Mix in marshmallows and graham cracker pieces.
Cookies & Cream
Fold in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and white chocolate chips.
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies or cookie dough for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these cookies so thick?
Cold butter, a high baking temperature, and large portions create their signature bakery-style texture.
Can I leave out the walnuts?
Yes. They are traditional but completely optional.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Bake directly from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Why shouldn't I flatten the dough?
Keeping the dough tall helps create the thick, gooey center.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Cookie)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Cold milk
- Hot coffee
- Vanilla ice cream
- Hot chocolate
- Chocolate drizzle
Final Thoughts
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for cookie lovers. Thick, rich, and packed with melty chocolate, these bakery-style treats deliver the perfect balance of crisp edges and irresistibly gooey centers. Once you bake a batch, you'll understand why they've become one of the most iconic cookies in the world.
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