These Ultra-Fudgy Rocky Road Cookies are everything you love about the classic campfire treat but in decadent, bakery-style cookie form. Inspired by the famous Levain Bakery, these cookies boast a crispy exterior, a molten chocolate center, and irresistible chunks of chocolate, marshmallows, and crunchy walnuts.
Perfectly rich and delightfully indulgent, they’re a hit for chocolate lovers and cozy dessert fans alike. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or as a late-night treat, they bring comfort and a serious wow factor to your dessert lineup. Pair with cold milk or a warm latte for the ultimate experience.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
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1 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
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3/4 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
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1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 410°F (210°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a stand mixer, cream together cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 4 minutes).
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Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Stir in cocoa powder until fully incorporated.
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Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
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Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts (if using). Gently fold in mini marshmallows last to prevent over-melting.
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Scoop dough into large mounds (about 1/3 cup each) and place on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers are gooey.
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Let cookies rest on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 470 kcal | Servings: 12 large cookies
Introduction: A Cookie Inspired by a New York Legend
If you’ve ever taken a stroll through New York City’s Upper West Side, chances are you’ve heard of Levain Bakery—famous for their colossal, thick, gooey cookies. Their iconic creations have set the gold standard for bakery-style cookies everywhere. Among their popular variations, Rocky Road is a standout for its indulgent layers of flavor and texture. Inspired by that signature style, the Rocky Road cookie recipe we’re exploring today captures all the decadence of the original, right from your own kitchen.
These aren’t your average cookies. Imagine thick, fudge-like cookies that are slightly crispy on the outside but soft and molten in the center. Add in chunks of semi-sweet chocolate, toasted walnuts, and gooey marshmallows that melt into the dough for pockets of sweetness—and you have a cookie that could easily double as a dessert centerpiece. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family treat, or just to indulge yourself, these Rocky Road cookies deliver the wow factor every time.
The Allure of Rocky Road
The Rocky Road flavor profile is an old-school classic that dates back to the Great Depression era, initially developed as a way to lift spirits with an affordable, indulgent dessert. Traditionally, Rocky Road features a combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts—each adding its own unique touch. The rich chocolate base provides comfort, the marshmallows add a whimsical sweetness and soft texture, and the nuts deliver crunch and depth. Bringing these together in cookie form makes for a nostalgic yet luxurious treat.
The combination isn’t just delicious—it’s strategic. You get contrast in every bite: melty and chewy marshmallow pockets, deep chocolate richness, and the textural play of walnuts. The harmony of these elements means every cookie tastes complex and satisfying, making it hard to stop at just one.
Levain-Style: What Makes It Special
What sets Levain Bakery’s cookies apart—and what this Rocky Road cookie recipe aims to replicate—is their massive size and signature texture. These cookies aren’t flattened or crispy; instead, they’re thick, almost like cookie-dough balls that hold their shape even after baking. This method allows the inside to remain soft, gooey, and just slightly underbaked, giving that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Cold cubed butter is used instead of room-temperature butter. This might seem odd, but it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. The colder butter allows the dough to bake up tall and dense—just the way Levain-style cookies are meant to be. The use of brown sugar over white sugar also adds a deep, caramelized flavor and a soft chewiness to the cookie’s interior.
Another Levain-style trick? A hotter oven. These cookies are baked at a higher temperature than usual (typically around 410°F), which crisps up the outer layer while leaving the middle soft and fudgy. It’s this contrast in textures—crisp edge and gooey center—that makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
Perfecting Texture and Flavor
In this recipe, balance is key. The chocolate flavor comes from both cocoa powder and chocolate chips, giving double the depth. Cocoa powder gives the dough its rich, dark foundation, while the chips melt into gooey pools throughout the cookie.
Mini marshmallows are folded in at the very end of mixing. This step ensures they don’t melt prematurely and disappear during baking. Instead, they get perfectly gooey and slightly caramelized, adding those signature “Rocky Road” bites you expect. Walnuts, while optional, add an earthy crunch that balances out the sweetness. You can also toast them beforehand for an added layer of flavor.
One important tip: don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, thick ones. Mixing just until combined ensures the dough stays tender and chewy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also shine when paired with the right beverage or dessert. Serve them warm with a tall glass of cold milk to highlight the richness of the chocolate and the chewiness of the marshmallow. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to create a quick cookie sundae—drizzle with hot fudge or caramel sauce for an over-the-top finish.
For coffee lovers, pair these cookies with a strong espresso or a creamy latte. The boldness of coffee balances the sweetness and enhances the cocoa flavor. They also make a luxurious treat for brunches, picnics, or even as edible gifts packaged in parchment and tied with string.
Customization Ideas
One of the beauties of this Rocky Road cookie recipe is how customizable it is. Want more crunch? Try swapping walnuts with chopped pecans or almonds. Want a sweeter twist? Add white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips along with the semi-sweet ones.
If you’re a dark chocolate fan, use bittersweet chips for a richer, more intense flavor. You can also experiment with flavored marshmallows—think strawberry or vanilla swirl—for a fun spin. For an added surprise, stuff the center of each cookie dough ball with a square of chocolate or even a marshmallow before baking to create a molten core.
Want to go gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute that includes xanthan gum to ensure structure and texture remain intact. The result is just as indulgent and satisfying.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Rocky Road cookies are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm, but they store well for up to 4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. To recreate that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic, simply pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before eating.
You can also freeze the dough. Scoop and shape the dough into balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for when cookie cravings strike unexpectedly!
Health and Nutrition Notes
Let’s be honest—these are indulgent cookies. But indulgence isn’t a bad word when it comes to mindful eating. Each cookie offers satisfaction that keeps you from needing two or three store-bought alternatives. Made with real butter, cocoa, and minimal preservatives, they’re a more wholesome choice than many prepackaged treats.
You can reduce the sugar if preferred—cutting the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup won’t affect texture dramatically. Using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chips can also slightly lower the sugar content while boosting antioxidants. And by skipping or reducing the nuts, you can tailor them for allergies or personal preference.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With These Cookies
These cookies are everything you want in a dessert: big, bold, and unforgettable. The Rocky Road flavor profile brings back childhood nostalgia with a sophisticated twist. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, they hit all the right notes—sweet, rich, chewy, gooey, and crunchy.
Plus, they’re incredibly photogenic. That chunky, rustic look, paired with gooey chocolate and golden marshmallow tops, makes them irresistible to the eye—and even more so to the palate. Sharing them on social media is practically a must (and a guaranteed way to rake in the “yum” comments).
Conclusion
Levain Bakery Rocky Road Cookies aren’t just another chocolate treat—they’re an experience. From the first bite to the last crumb, these cookies offer layers of flavor and texture that satisfy on every level. They combine the comfort of homemade desserts with the luxury of a bakery-quality product. Best of all, they’re easy enough to make at home, requiring only simple ingredients and a bit of technique to achieve that perfect soft-and-gooey center.
Whether you’re trying to impress guests, treat your family, or indulge in a late-night bake, these Rocky Road cookies will more than deliver. Keep them in your rotation for holidays, birthdays, or everyday sweet cravings—they’re the kind of cookie that earns repeat requests and top-tier reviews.