Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie that’s rich with dark cocoa flavor and bursting with sweet, creamy peanut butter chips. That’s what makes the Levain Bakery cookie recipe so special. Known for their thick, decadent cookies, Levain Bakery has become a legend in the dessert world. With this recipe, you can recreate that bakery magic right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to fall head over heels for these cookies, and here’s why:

• Thick and Chewy: These cookies are massive, with a soft, almost brownie-like interior.
• Rich Chocolate Flavor: Dark cocoa powder adds a deep, indulgent taste.
• Peanut Butter Perfection: Peanut butter chips provide the perfect sweet contrast to the rich chocolate base.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can whip these up.

Ingredients for Levain Bakery Cookies

This recipe uses a few key ingredients to achieve the iconic Levain Bakery-style cookie texture and flavor:

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (cold, cubed)	1 cup
Granulated sugar	1 ¼ cups
Large eggs	2
Dark cocoa powder	½ cup
All-purpose flour	2 ¼ cups
Coarse salt	¼ teaspoon
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Peanut butter chips	2 cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Baking Tools

1. Preheat your oven to 350˚F.
2. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cold, cubed butter and granulated sugar.
2. Beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Incorporate the Eggs

1. Blend in the eggs one at a time, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
2. Add the dark cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients

1. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients.
2. Mix just until the ingredients are combined; do not overmix.

5. Fold in the Peanut Butter Chips

1. Use a spatula to gently fold the peanut butter chips into the dough.
2. Transfer the dough to a clean work surface and knead briefly by hand to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

6. Portion the Dough

1. Divide the dough into 4-ounce portions (or 12 equal pieces).
2. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten slightly into a disc shape.

7. Bake to Perfection

1. Place the dough discs on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a few inches of space between each cookie.
2. Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

8. Cool and Serve

1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5–10 minutes.
2. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—or enjoy them warm for the ultimate gooey experience.

Tips for the Perfect Levain Bakery Cookie

1. Use Cold Butter: Cold, cubed butter helps achieve the thick, chewy texture these cookies are famous for.
2. Measure Precisely: Accurate measurements, especially for flour and cocoa powder, ensure consistent results.
3. Do Not Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center; they’ll set as they cool.
4. Customize the Mix-Ins: Swap peanut butter chips for white chocolate, dark chocolate, or nuts to suit your taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	25g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	220mg

Serving Ideas for Levain Bakery Cookies

1. Classic Dessert: Serve warm with a glass of cold milk.
2. Ice Cream Sandwich: Slice a cookie in half and fill with vanilla ice cream.
3. Party Platter: Arrange these cookies on a dessert table for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
4. Gift Idea: Wrap individually and give as homemade holiday treats.

FAQs About Levain Bakery Cookie Recipe

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to ⅛ teaspoon to balance the flavors.

2. How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into discs and freeze them. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. What if I don’t have peanut butter chips?
You can substitute chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.

5. Can I make these cookies smaller?
Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time to 10–12 minutes.

6. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set, but the centers should look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Conclusion: Bake the Ultimate Levain Bakery Cookies Today

Recreating the iconic Levain Bakery cookie recipe at home is easier than you think. These decadent treats are thick, chewy, and loaded with rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor. Whether you’re baking for your family, impressing friends, or indulging yourself, this recipe delivers every time. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the baking adventure begin!

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