Name: Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 43 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted butter (Cubed, cold); 1 cup Light brown sugar (Packed); 3/4 cup Granulated white sugar; 2 large Large eggs (Cold); 1 tbsp Vanilla extract; 1 cup Creamy peanut butter (Preferably unsweetened); 1 tbsp Cornstarch; 1 tsp Baking soda; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1 cup Cake flour; 1 cup All-purpose flour; 1 cup Peanut butter chips (Optional); 1 cup Reese's Pieces candies (Optional)

You won’t believe how easy it is to bring the magic of Levain Bakery right into your kitchen! The first time I took a bite of their famous cookies, I was hooked on the rich peanut buttery goodness and chewy, gooey centers. Today, I’m thrilled to share my take on those indulgent treats with my Ultimate Levain Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Cookies. These cookies not only boast a satisfying thickness but also come together in under an hour—making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Imagine treating your loved ones to these warm, fresh cookies that aren’t just a delicious comfort but also a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter experience. Ready to turn your kitchen into a cozy bakery? Let’s get started!

Why Will You Love These Cookies?

Thick and Gooey: These Ultimate Levain Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Cookies deliver a delightful combination of thick, chewy goodness and a warm, gooey center that simply melts in your mouth.

Quick to Make: With just under an hour from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of cookies that taste like they came straight from a bakery, perfect for any last-minute gathering or family treat.

Customizable Delight: Not just peanut butter! Try adding chocolate chips or crushed peanuts for extra crunch, or swap in Reese’s Pieces candies for a fun twist on flavor and texture.

Family-Friendly Fun: Baking together is a joyous activity, and this easy recipe invites everyone—kids and adults alike—to join in creating mouthwatering treats. Perfect for cozy weekends or rainy days!

Serve Warm with Milk: You haven’t truly experienced these cookies until you dunk them in a tall glass of cold milk. They make the ultimate comfort food moment and are sure to impress your guests!

Exceptional Flavor: The richness of creamy peanut butter paired with a hint of caramel from brown sugar creates a uniquely indulgent taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Levain Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients

For the Batter

Unsalted butter – Provides fat for richness and helps create a soft texture.
Light brown sugar – Contributes moisture and a hint of caramel flavor essential for the cookies.
Granulated white sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread beautifully.
Large eggs – Binds the ingredients together; use cold eggs for the best dough texture.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite delightful.
Creamy peanut butter – The star ingredient, delivering rich peanut flavor in every cookie.
Cornstarch – Ensures a soft, chewy texture by preventing gluten formation, making them just right.
Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly for a perfect thickness.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the rich flavors of the peanut butter.
Cake flour – Lightens the mixture for a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
All-purpose flour – Adds structure, keeping the cookies thick and satisfying.

For the Mix-ins

Peanut butter chips – Adds extra peanut flavor; can be swapped with chocolate chips for a twist.
Reese’s Pieces candies – Provides delightful bursts of sweetness and texture; perfect for a fun variety.

Bring the joy of Levain Bakery right home with these Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies—a treat you won’t want to miss!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 410°F (210°C). While the oven is heating, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring they are ready for the cookies. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy edge and soft center, familiar in Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Ingredients
In a stand mixer, add the cubed unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium for another 30 seconds, and finally medium-high for about 1 minute until the mixture is creamy and light in color. This fluffiness will give your cookies that delightful texture.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the creamy mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure even incorporation. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and creamy peanut butter, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. This ensures that every bite of your Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies is rich in flavor.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
With the wet mixture combined, slowly add the cornstarch, baking soda, salt, cake flour, and all-purpose flour to the bowl. Mix on low speed just until the dry ingredients are incorporated—avoid overmixing to keep the cookies light and fluffy. The dough should now be thick and ready for the delightful mix-ins.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins and Chill
Gently fold in the peanut butter chips and Reese’s Pieces candies, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. After this, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Chilling helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Shape the Dough
Once chilled, weigh out approximately 6-ounce portions of the cookie dough and roll them into rough balls. Place these dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 3 inches apart, as they will spread while baking. Aim for only four cookies per baking sheet for ample room to expand.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-13 minutes, keeping an eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn light golden brown while the centers appear slightly underbaked. This contrast is key to achieving that gooey center characteristic of Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for at least 30 minutes. This cooling period will allow them to set properly while enhancing their chewy texture. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, or enjoy them warm right away for the best experience!

Make Ahead Options

These Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making those busy weeknights a breeze! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator. Simply mix and form the dough into 6-ounce balls, then refrigerate them uncovered. To maintain their gooey texture, it’s essential to let the dough rest for 15 minutes at room temperature before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have warm, delicious cookies ready in no time!

How to Store and Freeze Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies

Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their delicious thickness and chewy texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm and gooey.

Make-Ahead: To save time, you can also freeze the cookie dough balls. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time to achieve that perfect Levain Bakery-Style texture.

Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists on a classic recipe for a personalized treat that excites your taste buds!

Chocolate Lovers: Substitute peanut butter chips with chocolate chips for a creamy, rich contrast. The mix of flavors will have your heart racing with joy!
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed roasted peanuts into the dough for an extra layer of crunch. This twist elevates the texture, giving your cookies a delightful surprise in every bite.
Flaky Salt Finish: Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty combination. The salty crunch balances the sugary cookie beautifully—trust me, you’ll love this flavor dance!
Swirled Delight: Incorporate a ribbon of melted chocolate into the dough before baking. This will create a beautiful marbling effect and a heavenly chocolate experience.
Baking for Fun: Swap out half the flour in the recipe for whole wheat flour for a healthier spin. This will add a nuttier flavor and a slightly heartier texture—perfect for the wholesome baker!
Dairy-Free Adventure: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free alternative. It imparts a subtle coconut flavor that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising heat. It’s a fun twist that will certainly get the conversation going at your next gathering!
Fruity Twist: Mix in some chopped dried cherries or cranberries for a fruity and chewy texture. This sweet and tart addition will take your cookies to new heights!

There are endless possibilities to make these Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies uniquely yours. Why not try Orange Creamsicle Cookies for a refreshing citrus take or make a batch of Luscious Lemon Cookies for a bright dessert option? Happy baking!

What to Serve with Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies

Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these heavenly cookies with delightful accompaniments that will set the scene for a perfect treat moment.

Cold Milk: Nothing complements the rich peanut butter flavor like a tall glass of ice-cold milk, providing a refreshing balance to the cookie’s sweetness.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Add a decadent twist by serving these cookies with warm chocolate sauce for dipping, creating a delightful sweet-and-salty flavor pairing.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop some creamy vanilla ice cream on the side for a delectable contrast, allowing the hot cookies to melt into the cold treat as you enjoy each bite.
Fresh Berries: Brighten up your plate with a mix of fresh strawberries or raspberries, their tartness cutting through the richness of the cookies for a balanced dessert.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the cookies, enhancing their flavor and providing an extra layer of indulgence that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
Coffee or Latte: For a cozy experience, enjoy these cookies with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a creamy latte, allowing the nutty notes to mingle with your beverage.
Nutty Trail Mix: Serve a side of homemade nutty trail mix as a crunchy contrast, adding texture and a wholesome nutrient kick to elevate your cookie experience.
Chocolate Milkshake: Indulge in a thick chocolate milkshake for an exciting dessert drink that complements the cookies’ flavors and brings out the nostalgia of childhood treats.

These pairings not only enhance the cookie experience but create a heartwarming atmosphere for sharing them with family and friends!

Helpful Tricks for Levain Bakery-Style Cookies

Accurate Portions: Use a digital kitchen scale to weigh dough portions for consistency. This ensures your Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies maintain their thick structure.
Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter and eggs cold before mixing. This helps maintain proper texture and height during baking, preventing cookies from spreading too thin.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the 15-minute fridge chill! Chilling allows the cookies to firm up and helps reduce over-spreading for that perfect chewy consistency.
Baking Time: Watch carefully as they bake; the ideal finish is light golden edges with slightly undercooked centers. They’ll continue to set while cooling on the baking sheet.
Mix-In Variations: Feel free to swap Reese’s Pieces with chocolate chips or add crushed peanuts for a twist—customizing the flavor keeps things exciting!

Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for these cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose unsalted butter that is cold and firm—it helps maintain the cookies’ height. Make sure your peanut butter is creamy and not too runny, which can affect texture. When buying eggs, opt for large, fresh eggs from the refrigerator section for the best binding and moisture.

How should I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
I recommend storing your Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will keep them chewy and delicious. Just be sure to layer them with parchment paper if you’re stacking to prevent them from sticking together!

Can I freeze the cookie dough, and how?
Of course! To freeze the cookie dough, scoop out the 6-ounce portions and roll them into rough balls. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake them, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very understandable! If your cookies spread more than desired, it’s usually due to warm ingredients or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is cold, maybe even try chilling the dough for an additional 10 minutes next time. Also, measure the flour accurately and avoid mixing the dough too much after adding the dry ingredients.

Are these cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
When baking for others, always check for allergies! While our Levain Bakery-Style Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies are delicious for humans, the peanut butter and sugar content can be harmful to pets, particularly dogs. Additionally, the recipe contains gluten and nuts, so it’s not suitable for those with gluten intolerance or nut allergies. Always communicate with your guests about ingredients before sharing!