I Tried to Recreate Levain’s $5 Cookie at Home… and WOW!

I Tried to Recreate Levain’s $5 Cookie at Home… and WOW! is a easy American recipe that serves 24. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Bakeanna on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 37 min

Cost: $8.77 total, $0.37 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed, dark or light brown sugar)
  • 0.5 cup Granulated White Sugar
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
  • 2.25 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (for extra chewiness)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt (pinch, fine sea salt preferred)
  • 2 cups Chocolate Chips (semisweet or dark, generous amount)
  • 1 cup Walnuts (roughly chopped, toasted optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the dough.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Cream Butter and Sugars

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is thick, light, and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Add the eggs one at a time, beating briefly after each addition, then pour in the vanilla extract and mix until just incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl whisk together the sifted flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Mix Dry Into Wet

    Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

    Using a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Portion the Dough

    Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop generous 2‑tablespoon mounds of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Bake

    Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers still look soft and slightly under‑baked.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Cool

    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
Protein
2g
Carbohydrates
25g
Fat
10g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Tree nuts, Gluten

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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I Tried to Recreate Levain’s $5 Cookie at Home… and WOW!

Recipe by Bakeanna

A decadent, thick and gooey New York‑style cookie packed with plenty of chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts. The addition of cornstarch gives these cookies an ultra‑chewy texture that rivals any bakery.

EasyAmericanServes 24

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
27m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
54m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.77
Total cost
$0.37
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cream butter and sugars until thick and fluffy – this creates the cookie’s airy structure.
  • Do not over‑mix after adding the flour; excess mixing makes the cookies tough.
  • Watch the bake time closely; cookies should be slightly under‑baked for a gooey center.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Be careful when using the electric mixer – keep cords away from heat sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of New York‑style chocolate chip walnut cookies in American cuisine?

A

New York‑style cookies are known for being thick, gooey, and loaded with mix‑ins, reflecting the city’s love for indulgent, handheld treats. The addition of walnuts adds a nod to classic bakery nuts that were popular in early 20th‑century New York delis.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chocolate chip walnut cookies in the United States?

A

In the Northeast, bakers often add corn syrup or brown butter for extra chew, while West Coast versions may swap walnuts for pecans or macadamia nuts. Some Southern twists include a pinch of cinnamon or bourbon.

cultural
Q

How is this Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie traditionally served in New York City?

A

They are typically served warm, straight from the oven, paired with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee at neighborhood bakeries and coffee shops throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie associated with in American culture?

A

These cookies are popular for holiday cookie swaps, birthday parties, and as a comforting snack during the chilly winter months, embodying the classic American “home‑baked” tradition.

cultural
Q

What other American desserts pair well with Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies?

A

They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream for a classic sundae, alongside a slice of banana pudding, or served with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies from the Bakeanna video?

A

Common errors include over‑creaming the butter, over‑mixing after adding flour, and baking too long. Each of these can lead to flat, crispy or cakey cookies instead of the desired thick, gooey texture.

technical
Q

Why does this Bakeanna recipe use cornstarch instead of more flour for chewiness?

A

Cornstarch interferes with gluten formation, keeping the cookie structure tender and giving it that melt‑in‑your‑mouth chew that traditional New York‑style cookies are famous for.

technical
Q

Can I make the Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Bake the cookies, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a 300°F oven for a fresh‑out‑of‑the‑oven feel.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies are done?

A

The edges should be lightly golden and set, while the centers remain soft, slightly glossy, and may look a touch under‑baked. The cookies will spread a little but stay thick and puffy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Bakeanna specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Bakeanna focuses on approachable, indulgent baked goods with clear step‑by‑step instructions, often highlighting classic American desserts and creative twists for home bakers.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Bakeanna's approach to American baking differ from other baking channels?

A

Bakeanna emphasizes practical tips like ingredient substitutions, equipment alternatives, and real‑world kitchen hacks, making recipes accessible for beginners while still delivering bakery‑level results.

channel
Q

What other American cookie recipes is the YouTube channel Bakeanna known for?

A

Bakeanna is also known for its classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, and a popular Red Velvet Cookie version that showcases the channel’s love for vibrant, flavor‑forward treats.

channel

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