Baking

Neiman Marcus Cookies

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The Neiman Marcus cookies are an absolute classic, blending rich, buttery dough with generous chunks of chocolate and oats for a heavenly texture. Every bite is a decadent combination of sweetness and chewiness, with optional nuts adding a delightful crunch. Whether you’re baking them as a heartfelt gift, a party treat, or just for a cozy night in, these cookies never fail to impress. Customizable and perfect with a cold glass of milk, they’re a go-to for any dessert enthusiast.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 sticks (32 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups packed (425 grams) light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 5 cups (400 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 24 ounces (680 grams) bittersweet chocolate chips (e.g., Ghirardelli 60% cacao)
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) Hershey’s chocolate bars, broken into chunks
  • 3 cups (360 grams) roughly chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) with two racks positioned close to the center.
  2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  5. Mix in the oats until evenly distributed (the dough will be thick).
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips, Hershey’s chocolate chunks, and nuts (if using).
  7. Shape the dough into loose, golf-ball-sized mounds and arrange them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 8–9 minutes, or until the tops are just golden but the centers remain soft.
  9. Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 9 minutes | Total Time: 29 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 285 kcal per cookie | Servings: About 60 cookies

The Story Behind the Iconic Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe

The Neiman Marcus cookie recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a piece of culinary history wrapped in chewy chocolate decadence. This beloved recipe has been at the center of many kitchens for decades, bringing families together for its rich, sweet flavors. Beyond its delightful taste and texture, this cookie comes with an intriguing backstory and a sprinkle of urban legend, making it even more appealing to dessert enthusiasts.

The tale surrounding the origins of the Neiman Marcus cookie is as captivating as the cookie itself. According to popular lore, a customer dining at the Neiman Marcus Café loved the cookies so much that they asked for the recipe. Allegedly, they were charged $250 for it, which sparked outrage once the story began circulating. To get their revenge, the customer supposedly shared the recipe far and wide, making it a sensation. While this story is likely a myth the company has officially denied any truth to the tale it gave the cookie a certain mystique that persists to this day. Regardless of the origins of the legend, the recipe quickly became a favorite for home bakers and continues to hold a cherished place in cookie culture.

What Makes This Recipe So Special?

There are countless chocolate chip cookie recipes, so what sets the Neiman Marcus cookie apart? The answer lies in its luxurious ingredients and unique combination of textures. This isn’t your average cookie it’s an indulgent treat.

The cookie’s chewy yet slightly crisp texture comes from the inclusion of oats, which are finely ground to give a subtle nuttiness without overwhelming the dough. The use of both bittersweet chocolate chips and chunks of Hershey’s chocolate adds layers of flavor, making each bite a delightful burst of sweetness. Nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can also be added for extra crunch and a hint of earthy richness, but the recipe is versatile enough to leave them out if you prefer.

Another hallmark of this recipe is the balance of sweetness and depth. While many cookie recipes rely on just granulated sugar for sweetness, the Neiman Marcus recipe incorporates light brown sugar as well. This addition brings a caramel-like undertone to the cookies, elevating their complexity and making them undeniably moreish.

Baking Techniques: Why This Recipe Stands Out

The secret to the perfect Neiman Marcus cookie lies in its technique. Unlike standard cookie recipes that might require simple mixing, this one pays careful attention to the balance of wet and dry ingredients. The dough is mixed just until combined to prevent overworking, which helps maintain the ideal soft texture.

Room temperature butter and eggs play a crucial role in achieving the right consistency, ensuring the dough mixes evenly and results in cookies that spread just enough during baking. Another tip is to chill the dough slightly before baking if your kitchen is warm this helps the cookies retain their shape while still delivering that signature chewiness.

Additionally, the use of two types of chocolate chips and chunks creates a visually appealing cookie with pools of melted chocolate throughout. When baked, these cookies maintain a golden-brown exterior while staying soft and tender in the center, which is exactly what makes them so irresistible.

Versatility of the Neiman Marcus Cookie

One of the reasons this cookie has endured for so long is its adaptability. The recipe is a fantastic base that can be customized to suit individual preferences or dietary needs.

For those who love experimenting, swapping out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips can add a different flavor profile. Adding dried fruits like cranberries or cherries brings a chewy, tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookie.

Health-conscious bakers or those with dietary restrictions can make a few tweaks to enjoy this classic treat guilt-free. Substituting traditional flour with a gluten-free alternative and using dairy-free butter and chocolate allows those avoiding gluten or dairy to enjoy these cookies without sacrificing flavor. For a vegan version, flax eggs and plant-based butter are excellent substitutes for the traditional ingredients.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Neiman Marcus cookies are a versatile treat that works for almost any occasion. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a cozy family evening, serving them at a dinner party, or gifting them during the holidays, they never fail to impress.

Their rich, indulgent taste makes them a fantastic dessert to pair with coffee, tea, or milk. They’re also an ideal choice for potlucks or bake sales because they appeal to nearly everyone’s taste buds. Thanks to their luxurious look and flavor, they stand out as something special, making them an excellent choice for special occasions.

Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can elevate your cookie game to the next level:

  1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
    Since the recipe relies on simple components, the quality of your ingredients matters. Use premium chocolate, fresh oats, and real vanilla extract to ensure the best results.
  2. Don’t Overbake
    The cookies should come out of the oven when the edges are just golden, and the centers look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool, resulting in a soft, chewy interior.
  3. Experiment with Add-Ins
    Don’t be afraid to customize. From cinnamon to coconut flakes, there are endless ways to put your own twist on the classic recipe.
  4. Proper Storage
    Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week. If you’re making a big batch, they freeze beautifully just thaw them at room temperature for an hour before serving.

A Cookie Worth Sharing

The Neiman Marcus cookie is more than just a dessert; it’s a conversation starter and a piece of culinary lore. Whether you’re introducing it to someone new or reminiscing about the first time you tried one, these cookies have a way of creating memories.

Conclusion:

The enduring appeal of the Neiman Marcus cookie recipe lies in its perfect combination of taste, texture, and story. Whether or not the urban legend surrounding it is true, the cookies themselves are undeniably delicious. Their chewy texture, rich chocolatey flavor, and subtle nutty undertones make them a standout in the world of baked goods.

This recipe has stood the test of time for good reason it’s adaptable, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a celebration, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to try them. Once you’ve had a taste of the Neiman Marcus cookie, it’s easy to see why this recipe has remained a favorite for generations.

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