Finally, A Vegan Option at Levain Bakery

I was really excited to learn that Levain Bakery‘s vegan option was now available! I knew the iconic NYC bakery had a version in the works as I inquired a few years ago. But I admit that I was a little less excited when I read that the option would also be gluten-free as well.

Plainly, vegan gluten-free treats are hardly ever decadent. But I had an open-ish mind. Sure, I had to watch for years as the gluten-free were catered to, above the vegan diet… and suffered through versions of gluten-free cookies and cakes because they were also the only vegan option knowing the sacrifice of texture that’d be involved. Vegan treats have progressed in leaps and bounds in pure decadence and scrumptiousness since these early years of sacrifice. So doing gluten-free and vegan option just slams the brakes on all that…

But here I go…

First impression was fine enough… big, perhaps a bit dry looking… but Levain‘s cookies are known for their slightly uncooked bellies. That would be the test!

Excitedly taking unfocused pictures surrounded by tourists.

I really appreciate the walnut. This should be in all chocolate chip cookies. And it separates the true chocolate chip cookie lover with the children.

After I broke it in two it quickly fell apart.

The soft middle was yummy and the flavor, they nailed beautifully. But it was that gluten-free texture that stopped it from blowing my mind… that sandy grittiness so signature in gluten-free flour, the texture that prevents a pleasing mouthfeel. I admit I was resentful. An all-vegan cookie would be a lot more delicious. I know this because I have had outstanding vegan chocolate chip cookies that blow this one away. (This one comes to mind immediately, also with an underdone belly.)

While I appreciate the option, vegans deserve their own option.