These giant Levain-style chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate comfort treat crispy on the outside with molten chocolate centers that melt in your mouth. Their rustic, chunky appearance gives them a homemade charm that invites you to dig right in. Perfectly imperfect, each cookie is generously studded with chocolate chunks that create pockets of rich sweetness in every bite. This recipe brings the magic of bakery-quality cookies to your home kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies deliver a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or save them for a decadent afternoon pick-me-up.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
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12 tablespoons (170g) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
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3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
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3/4 cup (165g) packed light brown sugar
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1 large egg
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Set aside.
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Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the chilled butter cubes, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until fluffy and well combined, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until smooth and incorporated.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks with a spatula, distributing evenly.
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Using a large cookie scoop or your hands, form dough balls about 6 tablespoons each (for giant cookies), flatten slightly, and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft and gooey. The cookies will look underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 380 kcal per cookie | Servings: 8 large cookies
The Irresistible Allure of Levain-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something profoundly comforting about biting into a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. It’s a universal experience that evokes nostalgia, warmth, and pure joy. But if you’ve ever tasted a Levain-style chocolate chip cookie, you know this is no ordinary cookie. These giant, gooey, and decadently chunky cookies elevate the classic chocolate chip treat to an art form delivering a sensory experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
What sets Levain-style cookies apart is their texture and size. Unlike typical cookies that are thin and crisp, these are thick, dense, and boast an almost cake-like interior, yet with edges that offer a delightful crispness. The secret lies in their generous portion size, the unique balance of ingredients, and the technique used to chill the butter and dough. Each bite is a perfect contrast: crisp exterior, tender, melt-in-your-mouth center, and molten pockets of semi-sweet chocolate chunks that explode with flavor.
The Science Behind the Perfect Levain Cookie
Achieving the perfect Levain-style cookie requires an understanding of texture and temperature. The chilled, cubed butter is crucial it allows the cookie dough to stay firm longer in the oven, preventing it from spreading too thin. This results in those characteristic thick, lofty cookies with crunchy edges.
The high ratio of chocolate chunks also plays a major role. Rather than tiny chips, large chocolate pieces create rich pockets of creamy chocolate in each bite. The dough itself uses a combination of granulated and brown sugar to strike the perfect balance between chewiness and caramelized crispness. Brown sugar contributes moisture and depth of flavor, while granulated sugar helps form those coveted crispy edges.
A touch of flaky sea salt finishes the cookie perfectly, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing every nuance of flavor. Salt and chocolate are a match made in heaven, and this recipe captures that magic beautifully.
Baking Tips for Cookie Perfection
Baking Levain-style cookies at home is rewarding but requires a bit of finesse to nail the texture and size. Here are some insider tips to help you replicate bakery-quality cookies in your kitchen:
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Chill the butter: Always start with cold, cubed butter. This prevents the dough from becoming too soft too quickly and helps control the spread of the cookie while baking.
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Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overworking the dough can develop gluten and make the cookies tough instead of tender.
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Use large chocolate chunks: For that authentic Levain experience, opt for chunks or chopped chocolate bars instead of standard chips. The bigger pieces create molten chocolate pockets that ooze with every bite.
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Scoop large portions: These cookies are meant to be oversized, so aim for roughly 6 tablespoons of dough per cookie. They bake beautifully when they’re big and thick.
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Watch the baking time: Bake until the edges are golden but the center still looks slightly underbaked. This ensures the inside remains soft and gooey while the outside crisps perfectly.
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Cool on the baking sheet: Letting the cookies rest on the baking sheet allows them to finish cooking gently and firm up enough to transfer without breaking apart.
Variations to Customize Your Cookies
One of the best things about Levain-style cookies is how versatile they can be. While the classic chocolate chip version is iconic, don’t be afraid to experiment with add-ins or twists to make the recipe your own:
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Walnuts or pecans: Adding chopped nuts gives a satisfying crunch and depth to the cookie’s texture.
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Dark chocolate or bittersweet: Swap out semisweet for a darker chocolate to bring more intense cocoa flavor.
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White chocolate and macadamia: For a different but equally delicious vibe, try white chocolate chunks with toasted macadamia nuts.
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Peanut butter swirl: Add a swirl of peanut butter into the dough for a rich, nutty variation that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
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Sea salt flakes: Sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt on top just before baking for a salty-sweet finish.
The Emotional Connection Behind Baking Cookies
Baking these Levain-style chocolate chip cookies is more than just creating a delicious dessert it’s about crafting moments. The smell of melting chocolate and warm butter filling your kitchen, the comforting ritual of mixing ingredients, and the anticipation as cookies bake to perfection all contribute to an experience that feeds the soul.
For many, cookies evoke childhood memories whether it’s baking with a parent, sneaking a treat after school, or sharing a batch with friends. These giant cookies amplify that nostalgia with their over-the-top size and gooey texture, making them perfect for special occasions or everyday moments when you need a little indulgence.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Levain-style cookies are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, when the chocolate is still melted and the dough is tender. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat.
If you want to save some for later, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To revive the gooeyness, simply microwave the cookie for 10-15 seconds before eating. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Conclusion:
Levain-style chocolate chip cookies transcend the ordinary and become a symbol of comfort, craftsmanship, and indulgence. They are the perfect blend of crispy, chewy, and gooey a trifecta that makes each bite a celebration. Baking these cookies at home invites you to slow down, savor simple ingredients, and create a moment of pure joy for yourself and your loved ones.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to cookie making, this recipe delivers consistent results that feel luxurious and satisfying. So next time you’re craving something sweet and soul-soothing, reach for this Levain-inspired masterpiece. Your taste buds and heart will thank you.