Description
Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe
Legend has it that this cookie recipe came about when a customer at Neiman Marcus requested it, only to be charged an exorbitant fee. While the tale may just be urban legend, the cookies are certainly iconic. Packed with chocolate chips, oats, and nuts, these indulgent treats are the perfect combination of chewy and rich—ideal for any sweet occasion!
4 sticks unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
4 large eggs (beaten)
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp fine sea salt
5 cups rolled oats
24 oz bittersweet chocolate chips
8 oz chocolate bars (broken into chunks)
3 cups chopped walnuts or pecans
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Beat butter and sugars until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl and add to wet ingredients.
4. Stir in oats, chocolate, and nuts. Form into mounds.
5. Bake 8-9 mins.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Kcal: 250 per cookie
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Ingredients: Ensure butter is softened to room temperature. Chop nuts and break chocolate bars into chunks. Measure all other ingredients precisely.
2. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the 4 sticks of butter with the granulated and brown sugars for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the 4 beaten eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
5. Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Fold in the oats, all chocolate (chips and chunks), and nuts until evenly distributed.
6. Portion & Bake: Using a large cookie scoop or 1/4 cup measure, form dough mounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 3 inches apart. Bake at 375°F for 8-9 minutes, until edges are golden but centers look soft.
7. Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
These decadent cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For a special dessert, crumble one over vanilla ice cream or serve alongside a fruit compote to cut the richness. They make an impressive gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.
How-to Summary
Cream softened butter with sugars until fluffy. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients separately, then blend into the wet mixture. Fold in oats, chocolate, and nuts. Scoop large mounds onto baking sheets and bake at 375°F for 8-9 minutes. Cool slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but texture will differ. Rolled oats provide more chew; quick oats will make a softer, less textured cookie.
How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Can I omit the nuts?
Absolutely. You can leave them out or replace them with an equal amount of extra oats or chocolate.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This is often due to butter that is too warm or melted. Ensure your butter is softened but cool. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help.
Is the bittersweet chocolate necessary?
It provides the classic rich flavor, but you can use semi-sweet chips. We recommend keeping some chocolate chunks for texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the dough after adding flour, which develops gluten and leads to tough cookies.
- Overbaking. Remove cookies when edges are set but centers look underdone for the perfect chewy texture.
- Using melted butter, which causes excessive spread. Butter should be softened.
- Packing the brown sugar too loosely or too tightly, affecting moisture. Pack it firmly into the measuring cup.
- Crowding the baking sheet, which causes cookies to bake into each other. Always allow 3 inches of space.
Conclusion
Whether the famous story is true or not, the Neiman Marcus cookie recipe delivers an undeniably legendary treat. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can recreate these iconic, rich, and chewy cookies loaded with chocolate and nuts. Perfect for sharing, they are sure to become a cherished recipe in your own collection.