Neiman Marcus Cookies (Easy Recipe)

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Neiman Marcus cookies have gained legendary status, mixing rich chocolate, oats, and a hint of nostalgia in every bite. Crisp at the edges, soft in the center, and towering with mix-ins, these classic cookies transform the chocolate chip cookie into something unforgettable.

Why Neiman Marcus Cookies?

The story behind these cookies is as delightful as the recipe itself. According to legend, a customer adored the cookies from Neiman Marcus’s café and asked for the recipe. She was told it would cost “two-fifty,” but her bill later reflected $250. Outraged, she shared the recipe far and wide. Today, the myth lives on, but so does a fantastic cookie.

What Sets Neiman Marcus Cookies Apart?

These cookies stand out for two reasons: their unique blend of oats and chocolate, and their chunky-yet-chewy texture. The dough uses blended oats, which gives structure and a hearty chew. The recipe uses both chocolate chips and grated chocolate, making every bite gooey and chocolate-rich. Chopped nuts finish the mix, adding crunch and depth.

Ingredients Breakdown

Each ingredient plays a role in delivering flavor, texture, and richness. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

• Blended Oats (2 1/2 cups): Pulse old-fashioned oats in a blender until they resemble coarse flour. This boosts chewiness while keeping the cookies tender.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Standard flour provides structure without making the cookies too dense.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) & Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Leavening agents help the cookies rise and keep them light.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate notes.

Wet Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Lends richness and ensures a soft center.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup) & Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): The two sugars create layers of sweetness and a deep, caramelized flavor.
• Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Bind the ingredients and support the cookie’s rise.
• Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances the dough’s aroma and flavor.

Mix-Ins

• Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups, any variety): Semisweet, milk, dark, or a blend—pick your favorite.
• Grated Chocolate (1 1/2 cups, use a bar such as Hershey’s): Infuses the dough with flecks of chocolate throughout.
• Chopped Nuts (1 1/2 cups, walnuts or pecans): For crunch and a toasty finish. You can leave them out for a nut-free version.

Summary Table: Ingredient Quantities

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make a batch of Neiman Marcus cookies at home.

1. Prepare the Oats

Blend oats in a food processor until they reach a coarse, flour-like texture. This step gives the cookies structure and chew.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine blended oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air, ensuring the cookies bake up tender and light.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.

6. Fold in Chocolate and Nuts

Gently stir in chocolate chips, grated chocolate, and chopped nuts. You want an even distribution without crushing the mix-ins.

7. Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the fats, which helps prevents spreading and enhances flavor.

8. Shape and Bake

Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each one. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Cookies should appear set at the edges but slightly soft in the center.

9. Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Neiman Marcus Cookies

• Weigh your flour: Avoid dense cookies by spooning flour into the measuring cup and leveling it.
• Room temperature ingredients: Eggs and butter mix more evenly when not cold.
• Test baking soda/powder: Old leaveners may not work properly; check for fizz by dissolving a pinch in warm water before using.
• Don’t skip chilling: It helps the cookies keep their shape and deepens the flavor.
• Watch the bake: Remove cookies when edges are golden and the top still looks slightly underdone. They’ll finish setting as they cool.
• Customize mix-ins: Swap nuts for different varieties, or leave them out. Change up the chocolate types for extra richness.

Mix-In Ideas

Neiman Marcus cookies are highly adaptable. Here are some mix-in ideas to personalize each batch:

• Toffee Bits: For a caramel crunch.
• Chopped Candy Bars: Peanut butter cups or chocolate-covered caramels add decadence.
• Dried Fruit: Try cherries or cranberries for a tart contrast.
• White Chocolate Chunks: Balance the semisweet flavors.
• Mini Marshmallows: Introduce a chewy, gooey center (press a few on top before baking).

Storing and Freezing Neiman Marcus Cookies

Storing Cookies

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and fresh. For a longer shelf life, keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen cookies retain their flavor and texture for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10 seconds.

Freezing Cookie Dough

If you prefer fresh-baked cookies at a moment’s notice, freeze the dough:

• Scoop dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for 2 hours or until solid.
• Transfer dough balls to a resealable freezer bag.
• Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the original baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies nut-free?

Yes. Simply leave out the chopped nuts or replace with seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin). The texture will change slightly, but the cookies remain chewy.

Do I need a stand mixer?

A hand mixer works perfectly. If mixing by hand, make sure the butter is soft and cream vigorously for a light dough.

Can I use quick oats?

Old-fashioned oats, blended, yield the best texture. If you use quick oats, you’ll get a finer crumb, but the taste remains similar.

Why chill the dough?

Chilling solidifies butter, reduces spread, and lets flavors meld. For best results, chill overnight, but even 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference.

What if I don’t have chocolate bars to grate?

More chocolate chips work fine, though you miss the delicate chocolate flecks. Chopped chocolate bars melt differently than chips, offering small pockets of melted chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Neiman Marcus cookies pair well with cold milk, coffee, or hot chocolate. For special occasions, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies, or drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra flourish.

Neiman Marcus cookies blend old-fashioned comfort with gourmet flavor. Their hearty texture, gooey chocolate, and customizable mix-ins keep them a favorite in any cookie jar. Try a batch, share them with friends, and experiment with different chocolate or nut combinations.

Soon, you might start your own cookie legend.