Levain Bakery is known for their large, decadent cookies that are rich, buttery, and bursting with chocolate chips. Their signature cookie weighs a whopping 6 ounces, which is about the size of a generous slice of cake. But how much does one of these enormous cookies actually cost?
The Origins of Levain Bakery Cookies
Levain Bakery was founded in 1995 by Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald in New York City’s Upper West Side neighborhood. The story goes that Pam used her grandmother’s chocolate chip cookie recipe to bake a batch of cookies for Connie. The cookies were so delicious that the pair decided to open up their own bakery selling the giant cookies.
The bakery was named “Levain” after the French word for leavened bread. This was fitting since the cookies get their signature chewy texture from resting the dough overnight in the refrigerator to allow it to rise slowly. Over the years, Levain Bakery has expanded to 6 locations across New York City and one in Tokyo, Japan. But their original shop on the Upper West Side still has lines out the door daily for their famous cookies.
The Cost of a Single Levain Cookie
Now onto the key question – how much does one of these cookies cost? Levain’s cookie prices depend on the location and the type of cookie.
At their original Upper West Side bakery, their classic chocolate chip walnut cookie costs $4.50 per cookie. Their dark chocolate chocolate chip cookie, also weighing 6 oz, costs the same $4.50 each. Additional cookie flavors like oatmeal raisin, peanut butter chocolate chip, and dark chocolate peanut butter chip also cost $4.50 per cookie.
So at Levain’s original bakery, their standard single cookie size of 6 oz ranges from $4.50 – $4.95 across all flavors. This makes their hefty cookies quite a luxury purchase!
However, it’s important to note that Levain Bakery offers cookies in other sizes beyond the standard 6 oz size.
They offer a smaller “baby” Levain cookie that is 3 oz and costs $2.75. For cookie lovers on a budget, this petite version delivers the same flavors at a lower price point.
Levain also offers an even bigger 9 oz cookie for $6.50 for the true chocolate chip cookie enthusiast. This jumbo cookie is sure to serve multiple people or make one hardcore cookie monster extremely happy.
How Levain Cookie Prices Compare to Other Bakeries
Levain Bakery’s $4.50 price tag for a single 6 oz cookie is on the expensive side compared to other bakeries. Here’s how it sizes up against other gourmet cookie options:
| Bakery | Single Cookie Price |
|---|---|
| Levain Bakery (6 oz) | $4.50 |
| Chip NYC (4.5 oz) | $3.50 |
| Schmackary’s (4 oz) | $3.50 |
| Insomnia Cookies (3.5 oz) | $2.50 |
As you can see, Levain’s cookies cost about $1 more than other popular gourmet cookie companies like Chip and Schmackary’s. However, their cookies are also considerably larger at 6 oz versus the 4 – 4.5 oz size of other bakeries.
Accounting for size difference, Levain cookies clock in at about 75 cents per ounce. Other NYC cookie companies range from 60 – 70 cents per ounce. So Levain is certainly on the pricier side, but their reputation for gooey, gourmet cookies makes them worth it for many cookie lovers.
What Goes Into a Levain Cookie
What exactly makes Levain’s cookies so special to command a luxury price tag? Their signature texture and flavor can be attributed to:
- High-quality ingredients – They use Valrhona chocolate, Madagascar vanilla, and Empire apples.
- Lots of butter – Each cookie is loaded with butter resulting in a rich, decadent flavor.
- Overnight chill – Letting the dough rest overnight allows flavors to develop.
- Slightly underbaked – This makes them perfectly soft and gooey in the center.
- Large egg yolks – The yolks contribute to moistness and chewiness.
Additionally, Levain strays from artificial flavors or preservatives. They also carefully hand roll and bake cookies in small batches throughout the day. So customers can count on getting fresh, warm cookies straight from the oven.
How Many Cookies Are Sold Per Day
Levain Bakery is extremely popular in New York City. Long lines form daily at their Upper West Side shop.
According to Levain’s owners, on average they sell around 15,000 cookies per day across all locations.
Their Union Square location sees the most cookie sales at over 4,000 per day on average. The Upper West Side shop sells around 3,500 cookies daily.
During especially busy times like holidays, Levain estimated they can sell over 30,000 cookies systemwide in a single day. Their daily output requires making cookie dough nonstop in large batches.
Most Popular Cookie Flavors
Of the thousands of cookies Levain sells per day, their classic chocolate chip walnut cookie is hands down the best seller. This is the original cookie flavor that put them on the map.
Their second best selling cookie flavor is the dark chocolate chocolate chip. This provides a deep, intense chocolate experience from both the chips and cocoa dough.
Rounding out their top 3 sellers is their oatmeal raisin cookie. Levain’s version is packed with an abundance of plump, chewy raisins that provide nice tart contrast to the sweet cookie base.
Nutrition Information for Levain Cookies
With a whopping 6 ounces per cookie, Levain’s creations certainly deliver on offering an indulgent, decadent treat. But they definitely come at a caloric cost.
Here’s the nutrition breakdown for their classic chocolate chip walnut cookie according to Levain’s website:
- Calories: 720
- Fat: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 84g
- Protein: 9g
720 calories is about 35% of the recommended daily caloric intake for an average adult. So Levain’s cookies should definitely be thought of as a special occasional treat!
Yet given the high-quality ingredients and memorable chewy texture, most fans happily splurge on the elevated cookie experience. Moderating portion size or splitting with a friend helps make Levain more of an everyday option.
Levain Cookie Price FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Levain Bakery’s cookie pricing and policies:
Does Levain offer bulk cookie orders or discounts?
Yes, Levain provides discounted pricing for bulk cookie orders. This is a great option for large parties, corporate events, or big cookie fans.
Their bulk order options are:
- One dozen cookies: $54
- Two dozen cookies: $108
- Three dozen cookies: $162
The more you order, the more you save – with bulk orders coming out to around $4.50 per cookie. You can mix and match cookie flavors for bulk orders.
Can you customize cookie orders?
While Levain offers several signature cookie flavors, they don’t accommodate custom orders in terms of creating your own recipe. Bulk orders allow you to mix and match from their existing cookie flavors.
Does Levain sell gift cards?
Yes, Levain Bakery sells gift cards in $25 amounts that can be used for cookie purchases. Gift cards make great gifts for Levain fans and cookie lovers!
Gift cards can be purchased in-store or online and are redeemable at any Levain Bakery location.
Can you order cookies online?
At this time, Levain does not offer online ordering or shipping. The only way to purchase their cookies is by visiting one of their bakery locations.
This has helped maintain the quality and integrity of their products by not shipping the cookies. Fans on the West or East Coast can experience the magic of Levain cookies by visiting their shops in California or New York.
Levain Cookie Price Controversy
Given how adored their cookies are by both New Yorkers and tourists, Levain has developed a cult-like following over the years. However, there has been some controversy recently over their decision to raise single cookie prices to $4.50 in Spring 2022.
Many Levain fans expressed discontent that this 15% price hike made their cookies even more of a luxury. Others noted that $4.50 per cookie is quite high compared to competing bakeries. A few upset customers vented that the brand was getting greedy.
In response, Levain stated that inflationary pressures due to higher ingredient, labor, and real estate costs necessitated the first price increase in over 10 years. They appreciated customer loyalty and aimed to retain Levain’s high product quality.
Despite some backlash, most cookie enthusiasts continue to loyally patronize Levain Bakery. Their cookies remain a can’t-miss food experience for those visiting New York City.
Ways to Save on Levain Cookies
Here are some tips for cookie fans who want to enjoy Levain’s treats on a budget:
- Order the smaller 3 oz baby Levain for $2.75.
- Split a cookie with a friend to get your Levain fix for $2.25 per person.
- Bring a group to go in on bulk ordering discounts.
- Be on the lookout for occasional Levain social media giveaways.
- Consider ordering one cookie flavor you’re excited about and having a no-frills dessert like an ice cream cone alongside it.
- Sign up for their email list to get news of special offers.
Aside from size and price adjustments, savoring every bite of the amazing flavor and texture can make even a single Levain cookie feel special. Just be prepared to pay a premium price for one of New York’s most beloved, iconic cookies.
Conclusion
When it comes to Levain Bakery’s cookies, bigger is better, but these indulgent treats certainly come at a cost. Their signature 6 oz chocolate chip walnuts cookies clock in around $4.50 each. Bulk orders can reduce the per cookie price closer to $4.
Compared to other gourmet cookie brands, Levain is on the pricier end. Yet fans happily pay for these treats made meticulously with quality ingredients in small batches daily.
The brand faced some backlash after upping prices in 2022. But devoted cookie lovers still line up daily for Levain’s melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Trying strategies like splitting or choosing smaller sizes can help satisfy cookie cravings on a budget.
Ultimately Levain offers a memorable, decadent experience whether you opt for a “baby” 3 oz cookie or go all out on a 9 oz cookie monster. Just expect to pay a premium for these drool-worthy New York treats!
