Iconic New York City cookies from Levain Bakery hit shelves at Whole Foods

Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald founded the NYC staple.

April 30, 2021, 8:35 PM

There's nothing like the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies as they emerge from a hot oven. And now you can enjoy the sensory overload of New York City's Levain Bakery from the comfort of your own kitchen.

After warming the hearts of even the coldest New Yorkers for over 25 years with their giant "crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside" cookies, Levain Bakery's iconic treats have hit the freezer aisle nationwide at Whole Foods Market.

PHOTO: The lineup of Levain Bakery's 2-ounce fully-baked, frozen cookies sold at Whole Foods Market.
The lineup of Levain Bakery's 2-ounce fully-baked, frozen cookies sold at Whole Foods Market.
Heather Winters

Founders Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald's chose to go with a snackable 2-ounce fully baked, frozen cookie -- as opposed to the 6-ounce cookies at their store -- that bakes up in 5 to 7 minutes to deliver customers the same quality and authentic bakery experience. Plus, they're the same original recipes, made with no additives, preservatives or stabilizers.

The grocery store chain will sell three classic varieties in eight packs, including chocolate chip walnut, two chip chocolate chip and dark chocolate chocolate chip -- a new flavor exclusive to Whole Foods. Dark chocolate chocolate chip is one of Levain's original cookie flavors, combining rich, dark cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chips for the ultimate chocolate-lover's cookie.

PHOTO: Levain Bakery founders Connie McDonald and Pam Weekes.
Levain Bakery founders Connie McDonald and Pam Weekes.
Melissa Kirschenheiter

Weekes and McDonald suggest enjoying the warm cookies a la mode, or made into an ice cream sandwich. The founders have even tried the fully baked cookies heated on the grill.

PHOTO: Dark chocolate chocolate chip cookies are an exclusive flavor sold at Whole Foods.
Dark chocolate chocolate chip cookies are an exclusive flavor sold at Whole Foods.
Heather Winters

"When we opened Levain, we set out to make a cookie that not only tastes delicious, but creates moments of joy that connects people," the founders said in a statement. "Twenty-five years later, we're thrilled to build on this heritage and to partner with Whole Foods Market to bring that joy to people across the country. Whether we're meeting customers in our bakeries or in the freezer section, we know they're getting a true Levain Bakery experience."