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Golden brown Levain Bakery-style chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven

Perfect Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies: Your Ultimate DIY Dessert Recipe

Name: Perfect Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies: Your Ultimate DIY Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 61 min
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie with that perfect bakery-quality texture. If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating that famous Levain Bakery cookie experience at home, you’re in the right place. This copycat recipe delivers thick, bakery-style cookies with crispy edges, a soft center, and abundant chocolate chips in every bite.

What makes these cookies special? The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and technique. Unlike traditional thin cookies, bakery-style chocolate chip cookies are intentionally thick and substantial, offering a satisfying chew that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, making them yourself means you can enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven warmth whenever the craving strikes.

All ingredients for homemade chocolate chip cookies laid out neatly

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cookie dough being scooped onto baking sheet

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent throughout your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that perfect cookie texture – don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the chocolate chips and optional nuts using a spatula. The dough will be thick and packed with deliciousness!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack. This allows them to set properly.

Perfectly baked chocolate chip cookies ready to eat

Expert Tips for Perfect Cookies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures even mixing and proper texture development.

Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.

Quality Chocolate Matters: Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.

Chill Dough Properly: This prevents flat cookies and enhances flavor development.

Baking Sheet Positioning: Bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven for even cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Let refrigerated dough come to room temperature before baking.

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies are usually caused by butter that’s too warm or not chilling the dough long enough. Make sure to chill dough for at least 30 minutes.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

Now that you have the secrets to perfect bakery-style chocolate chip cookies, it’s time to start baking! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a batch of warm, chewy cookies from your own oven. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this Levain Bakery-inspired recipe is sure to become your go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe.