Name: Indulgent Levain-Style Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup old-fashioned oats; 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg; 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (optional)

As I gathered the ingredients for my Levain-Style Cookies, the air filled with a nostalgic blend of sweetness and warmth. It’s these delightful cookies that whisk me back to my favorite bakery, where the promise of a warm treat always felt like a hug from the inside. With this recipe, you’ll experience the joy of baking a crowd-pleasing snack that’s not only a breeze to whip up but also perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in minutes. These cookies have a perfect balance of chewy oats and rich chocolate, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion, from cozy nights in to casual gatherings. Are you ready to find out how to create this deliciously nostalgic treat in your own kitchen?

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Indulgent flavors come together in every bite, as these Levain-Style Cookies feature a rich mix of semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional dark chocolate chunks. Easy to make, even novice bakers can dive right in with minimal fuss. Perfectly chewy texture balances oats and rich chocolate, creating a satisfying dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Versatile serving suggestions let you enjoy them warm, with milk, or as delightful ice cream sandwiches. Time-efficient as well, you can whip up a batch in just about 40 minutes—perfect for unexpected guests or a late-night craving!

Levain-Style Cookies Ingredients

Let’s gather everything you need for these delectable treats!

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – gives the cookies their structure and fluffiness.
Old-fashioned oats – add a chewy texture and a lovely rustic flavor.
Brown sugar – packed in for that rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Granulated sugar – balances the flavor and helps create a beautiful crust.
Unsalted butter – softened for easy mixing and a rich, creamy base.
Large egg – binds the ingredients, adds moisture, and helps the cookies rise.
Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.
Baking powder – provides lift to those delectable Levain-Style Cookies.
Baking soda – helps achieve a perfect, chewy texture.
Salt – a pinch intensifies the flavors and balances the sweetness.

For the Chocolate

Semi-sweet chocolate chips – bring irresistible sweetness and richness in every bite.
Dark chocolate chunks (optional) – for those who want an extra chocolatey delight!

Now that you have your ingredients ready, you're just a few steps away from baking up a batch of delightful Levain-Style Cookies that will melt in your mouth!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Levain-Style Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready when your cookie dough is prepared. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent your Levain-Style Cookies from sticking. This process should only take a few minutes, and the scent of warmth will fill your kitchen.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt until everything is evenly combined. This step ensures that your Levain-Style Cookies will rise beautifully and have a balanced flavor. Set this mixture aside, as you'll incorporate it into the wet ingredients soon.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. The sugars will dissolve into the butter, creating a rich base that adds delightful sweetness to your cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in 1 large egg and add 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract to the buttery mixture. Continue beating until everything is well combined and smooth. This step not only enriches the flavor profile of your Levain-Style Cookies but also helps bind the ingredients together, creating a luscious dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients from your earlier bowl, stirring gently until no floury streaks remain. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can result in tougher cookies. You want to maintain the tender, chewy texture that makes Levain-Style Cookies so delightful.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate
Gently fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if desired, 1 cup of dark chocolate chunks for an extra chocolatey treat. Use a spatula to carefully incorporate the chocolate, ensuring even distribution throughout your dough. The combination of chocolate will make each bite heavenly!

Step 7: Portion the Dough
Using a large cookie scoop or your hands, portion out roughly ¼ cup of dough for each cookie. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Aim to fit about 8 cookies per sheet for optimal baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Now, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the Levain-Style Cookies for 12-15 minutes. Look for golden-brown edges while the centers remain soft—this contrast is key to achieving that perfect chewiness.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows them to firm up slightly without losing that irresistible softness. After cooling, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for the Best Levain-Style Cookies

Measure Ingredients Accurately: Ensure you measure your flour and sugars properly to avoid dry or overly sweet cookies. Use a scale if possible for precision!

Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the chewy texture you crave.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter and egg to room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother dough and helps the Levain-Style Cookies rise beautifully.

Space Cookies on the Sheet: Leave enough room between each cookie on your baking sheet. This allows for even spreading and prevents them from sticking together.

Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are golden, but the center is still soft for that perfect chewy bite.

Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week!

Levain-Style Cookies Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your own flair into these deliciously soft cookies!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delightful twist.
Nutty Addition: Mix in 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delicious crunch and nutty flavor.
Dairy-Free: Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly treat.
Oatmeal Raisin: Swap half of the chocolate chips for raisins for a delightful classic twist that offers homey comfort.
Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter in Step 3 for a rich flavor that complements chocolate perfectly.
Choco-Coconut Bliss: Fold in 1 cup of shredded coconut alongside your chocolate chips for an exotic, chewy texture.
Decadent Caramel: Drizzle or stuff cookies with caramel before baking for a gooey surprise inside with every bite!

Storage Tips for Levain-Style Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness for up to 1 week, ensuring they retain their delicious chewy texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Then, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy frozen Levain-Style Cookies, bake them directly from the freezer, adding 2-3 minutes to the original baking time for a freshly baked taste.

Thawing: If you prefer, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying. This way, you can savor that iconic melt-in-your-mouth experience!

What to Serve with Levain-Style Cookies

As the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills your home, consider these delightful pairings that will create a comforting and complete dessert experience.

Cold Milk: A classic pairing that balances the sweetness and richness of the cookies, enhancing every chocolatey bite.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that melts together beautifully.
Hot Cocoa: The rich, chocolaty warmth of hot cocoa complements the cookies without overshadowing their flavors, making it a cozy winter staple.
Fresh Berries: Add a refreshing burst of flavor with strawberries or raspberries—these fruity notes contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
Espresso or Coffee: Pairing with a robust coffee or espresso helps to intensify the flavors of the chocolate and make for a grown-up dessert experience.
Peanut Butter Spread: Spread a layer of peanut butter on top of a cookie for a fun twist! The nuttiness pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.

Every bite can take you on a nostalgic journey, making it easy to indulge in life’s sweetest moments.

Make Ahead Options

These Levain-Style Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping your cookies just as delicious. When you're ready to bake, take them straight from the fridge, pop them in the oven, and you’ll have warm, gooey cookies in about 12-15 minutes. For longer storage, you can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time when enjoying these delightful treats!

Levain-Style Cookies Recipe FAQs

Which kind of oats should I use?
I recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats for these Levain-Style Cookies. They provide that perfect chewiness and rustic flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. Avoid using quick oats, as they can produce a softer texture that may not achieve the delightful chew you desire.

How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Levain-Style Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will help maintain their chewy texture. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months as described in the freezing instructions!

What’s the best way to freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your Levain-Style Cookies, first, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours until firm. Next, transfer the frozen cookies to a zip-top freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the original baking time. It's a simple way to have fresh cookies anytime!

Can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Yes, you can make adjustments depending on your dietary needs! To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that's suitable for baking. However, make sure to check for any allergens, as some substitutes may still contain common allergens.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your Levain-Style Cookies spread too much while baking, it could be due to several reasons. First, ensure that your butter is not too soft—room temperature is ideal. Additionally, if your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their shape. Finally, remember to not overmix the dough, as this can lead to a spread that affects the cookie's structure.

How can I tell if my cookies are done baking?
The perfect Levain-Style Cookies will have golden-brown edges while the center remains soft. Typically, this takes about 12-15 minutes in the oven. For an extra visual cue, look for the edges to be set and the centers to look slightly puffy. When you remove them from the oven, they'll continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet!