Recreating Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies Feat. Binging with Babish

Recreating Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies Feat. Binging with Babish is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 720 calories per serving. Recipe by Joshua Weissman on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 36 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 2 hrs 8 min

Cost: $19.90 total, $1.66 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (280 g, melted then cooled slightly)
  • 1 pound Dark Chocolate (60‑70% cacao, roughly chopped into varied sizes)
  • 1 1/2 cup Cake Flour (230 g, sifted)
  • 2 cup All-Purpose Flour (275 g)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt (5 g)
  • 2 tsp Cornstarch (8 g)
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda (6 g)
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (approximately 225 g, packed)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated White Sugar (115 g)
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 3 Egg Yolks (separated from the eggs, room temperature)
  • 2 cup Walnuts (165 g, roughly chopped and toasted)

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter

    Place the 280 g unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat, melt gently, then transfer to a heat‑proof bowl and let cool until just warm to the touch.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Rough‑Chop Dark Chocolate

    Using a sharp knife, roughly chop the 1 lb dark chocolate into a mix of large and small pieces; set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl whisk together 1 ½ cup cake flour, 2 cup all‑purpose flour, 5 g kosher salt, 8 g cornstarch, and 6 g baking soda until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Cream Butter and Sugars

    Fit the stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Add the cooled butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, and ½ cup white sugar. Whisk on medium speed until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and fully combined.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Incorporate Eggs and Yolks

    Add the two whole eggs one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition. Then add the three egg yolks, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Mix in Flour Mixture

    Switch the mixer to the paddle attachment. With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry‑ingredient mixture, allowing it to fall in gradually. Mix until just combined; the dough will look smooth and slightly sticky.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Fold in Walnuts and Chocolate

    Using a rubber spatula, fold in the toasted, roughly chopped walnuts and the dark chocolate pieces until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  8. First Chill

    Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes. This firms the butter and helps the cookies rise tall.

    Time: PT45M

  9. Portion Dough

    Using a kitchen scale, portion the dough into 6‑ounce (≈170 g) balls. Roll each ball quickly between your palms to smooth the surface.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Second Chill (Optional for Extra Height)

    Place the dough balls on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate an additional 25 minutes.

    Time: PT25M

  11. Preheat Oven

    While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 425°F

  12. Bake Cookies

    Place the parchment‑lined sheet with the chilled dough balls onto the middle rack. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned but the centers still look slightly underbaked.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 425°F

  13. Cool

    Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
720
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
80 g
Fat
45 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains eggs, Contains nuts

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Tree nuts, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Recreating Levain Chocolate Chip Cookies Feat. Binging with Babish

Recipe by Joshua Weissman

A copycat of the iconic thick, chewy, and slightly underbaked chocolate chip cookies from Levin Bakery in New York's Upper West Side. These cookies use a high‑cocoa dark chocolate, a mix of cake flour and all‑purpose flour, and a generous amount of butter for a rich, dewy crumb. Chill the dough for a tall rise and bake at a hot 425°F for a perfectly crisp edge and a soft, gooey center.

MediumAmericanServes 12

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

Source Video
56m
Prep
1h 2m
Cook
14m
Cleanup
2h 12m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.90
Total cost
$1.66
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Use cake flour, not all‑purpose flour, for a tender crumb.
  • Chill the dough for at least 45 minutes before baking to achieve a tall, puffy shape.
  • Portion the dough by weight (6 oz) to ensure uniform size and height.
  • Bake at a high temperature (425 °F) for a short time to get a crisp exterior and a gooey interior.

Safety Warnings

  • Melted butter is hot; handle with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife when chopping chocolate to prevent slips.
  • Raw eggs can carry salmonella; ensure they are fresh and handle with clean hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Levin Bakery chocolate chip cookies in New York City cuisine?

A

Levin Bakery, located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, has become a cult favorite for its thick, soft‑centered chocolate chip cookies that epitomize the classic New York bakery treat. The cookies are celebrated for their towering, dewy crumb and are often cited as a benchmark for indulgent, over‑the‑top cookie experiences in the city.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of thick chocolate chip cookies in American cuisine?

A

Across the United States, thick chocolate chip cookies range from the buttery, cake‑like versions of the Midwest to the chewy, brownie‑style cookies of the East Coast. Levin Bakery’s take leans toward a buttery, almost cake‑like interior with a crisp edge, distinguishing it from softer, more cakey or crispier regional styles.

cultural
Q

How is Levin Bakery chocolate chip cookie traditionally served in New York City?

A

At Levin Bakery the cookies are served warm, often still slightly underbaked in the center, on a simple parchment‑lined plate. They are typically enjoyed with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee, allowing the rich chocolate to melt into the soft interior.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are Levin Bakery chocolate chip cookies associated with in New York culture?

A

These cookies are a popular treat for casual gatherings, after‑school snacks, and as a comforting dessert during the colder months. They’re also a go‑to gift for friends visiting the Upper West Side, symbolizing a taste of classic New York bakery indulgence.

cultural
Q

What makes Levin Bakery chocolate chip cookies special or unique in American bakery cuisine?

A

The combination of high‑cocoa dark chocolate, a blend of cake and all‑purpose flour, and a high butter ratio creates a cookie that is both thick and airy yet buttery. The secret chilling step gives the cookies a tall, puffy shape that sets them apart from typical flat cookies.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Levin Bakery style chocolate chip cookies?

A

Common errors include using all‑purpose flour only (which makes the cookie dense), skipping the chilling step (resulting in flat cookies), and over‑mixing the dough (which can develop too much gluten and make the texture tough).

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use both cake flour and all‑purpose flour instead of just one type?

A

Cake flour provides a low‑protein, tender crumb, while all‑purpose flour adds just enough structure to hold the large amount of butter and chocolate. The blend balances softness with enough strength to keep the cookie from spreading excessively.

technical
Q

Can I make Levin Bakery style chocolate chip cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to three days before baking. Baked cookies keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days, or you can freeze them for up to three months and reheat briefly before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the cookies are done baking?

A

The tops should be lightly golden and just set, while the edges are crisp. The centers will appear slightly underbaked and glossy; they will finish setting as they cool, giving a soft, almost molten interior.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Joshua Weissman specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Joshua Weissman focuses on detailed, technique‑driven home cooking tutorials, often recreating restaurant‑style dishes with a strong emphasis on ingredient quality, precise measurements, and clear, step‑by‑step explanations.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Joshua Weissman's approach to American bakery recipes differ from other cooking channels?

A

Joshua Weissman combines rigorous culinary fundamentals—like proper flour selection and temperature control—with a personable, narrative style. He often explains the science behind each step, whereas many other channels simply demonstrate the process without deep technical insight.

channel

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