Thick Gluten Free Cookies (Levain Style!)

These thick gluten free chocolate chip cookies are gooey, loaded with chocolate chips and walnuts. They’re easy to make and a gluten free take on the popular Levain cookies!

We’re back with yet another gluten free cookie recipe!! These Levain style gluten free cookies have been on my list for a while and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you all!

Levain cookies are known for being large, dense and gooey on the inside with a crispy edge. They do sell a gluten free/vegan cookie but it’s always more fun making one yourself at home! If you love this recipe, try my gluten free crumbl cookies or giant funfetti sugar cookie next.

Notes before we get started!

• I opted for dark brown sugar because it adds a bit more moisture and a richer flavor thanks to the higher molasses content. However, you can use light brown sugar if that’s all you have.
• Feel free to leave out the walnuts to make these nut free. You can also swap for another kind of nut such as pecans for a flavor variation. Whatever you use, I suggest chopping pretty finely.
• Please note the higher bake temperature of 375. Most cookies are baked at 350, but a slightly higher temperature allows for a shorter bake time which helps crisp the edges while keeping the center gooey.

How to make gluten free levain cookies

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, add the softened/room temp butter and both brown and white sugar.

Cream together for about 1 minute. Add in the egg, egg yolks and vanilla. Cream together until combined.

Add in the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Mix together until combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Use a large cookie scoop (mine was about 3 tablespoons) and scoop into 9 cookies. You can certainly make these smaller (and therefore have more), but levain cookies are traditionally quite large.

Scoop onto the baking sheet. Set in the fridge for 1 hour.

Toward the end of the hour, preheat the oven to 375 Fahrenheit. Arrange the cookies on two baking sheets to leave room for spreading.

Bake for 12-16 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. They will continue to firm up a bit as they set.

Use a round cookie cutter to swivel around the edges and create perfect circles if desired. Sprinkle with flakey salt and enjoy! Try my cookies and cream cookies or edible gluten free cookie dough next!

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes! Please do not skip this step. Levain style cookie are known to be really thick, and chilling the dough before baking ensures the cookies don’t spread too much and too soon. This also gives all the flavors time to mingle, kind of like marinating meat!

Can I make these cookies dairy free?

Yes! The only dairy is just the butter, so you can safely swap the butter for a dairy free butter like Earth Balance. No other swaps are needed.

What makes these cookies thick?

A few things! The cornstarch helps absorb some of the moisture which prevents spreading. We’re also using a really small amount of baking soda – just 1/8 teaspoon – which will prevent too much spreading and keep the cookies thick. The mix ins (chocolate chips and walnuts) also give the dough more support to keep the cookies thick.

How to store and freeze

Once prepared, these Levain style gluten free cookies will store in an air tight container for about 5 days. Allow them to cool completely and then put a lit on a container so they don’t dry out prematurely.

To freeze, you’ll still want to chill the dough for the hour in the fridge (key to prevent spreading!), then transfer to a freezer safe bag and store for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, decrease the oven temperature to 325 and bake for a few extra minutes to account for the frozen dough.

You can also freeze the cookies after baking! Just allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat at 300 until warm through the center.

More gluten free cookie recipes!

• Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Cookies For Two
• Coffee Cookies
• Gluten Free Brownie Cookies

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