There’s a certain charm that comes from the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, and when it’s the rich aroma of Neiman Marcus Cookies, you know something special is on the way. These aren’t just any cookies; they blend the classic appeal of chocolate chip delights with a unique twist thanks to the addition of old-fashioned rolled oats and chunks of Hershey’s chocolate.
Imagine biting into a warm cookie that’s perfectly chewy on the inside with a subtle crisp around the edges, each piece bursting with velvety chocolate goodness. As I prepared a batch recently, I couldn’t help but think how these cookies hold the power to elevate an ordinary day into a little celebration, whether for an unexpected guest or a cozy night in.
And the best part? You can make these in bulk, stash some in the freezer, and always be ready to satisfy those sweet cravings. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring a bit of Neiman Marcus magic into your kitchen!
Why are Neiman Marcus Cookies so special?
Indulgent Flavor: Each bite of these cookies is packed with the rich taste of bittersweet chocolate combined with the comforting heartiness of rolled oats.
Make-Ahead Magic: Whip up a hefty batch and freeze them for a sweet treat anytime you have a craving.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or gifting, these cookies will have everyone raving.
Textural Delight: With a chewy center and a crispy edge, every mouthful offers a satisfying contrast.
Versatile Option: Feel free to customize by adding nuts, or even coconut for a tropical flair. Get creative!
Neiman Marcus Cookie Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter – 1 pound (454 grams), adds richness and moisture. Note: Use salted butter; reduce salt by half.
• Granulated Sugar – 2 cups (400 grams), provides sweetness and contributes to crispy texture.
• Light Brown Sugar – 2 cups packed (425 grams), adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Eggs – 4 large, beaten, binds ingredients and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons, enhances flavor complexity.
• All-Purpose Flour – 4 cups (480 grams), forms the structure of the cookies. Note: Weigh for precision.
• Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons, leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
• Baking Soda – 2 teaspoons, reacts with acids to provide lift and characteristic spread.
• Fine Sea Salt – 1 teaspoon, balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – 5 cups (400 grams), adds texture and chewiness. Note: Do not substitute with instant oats.
• Bittersweet Chocolate Chips – 24 ounces (680 grams), provides rich chocolate flavor. Substitutes: Semi-sweet chips can be used for a sweeter profile.
• Hershey’s Chocolate Bars – 8 ounces (227 grams, broken into chunks), adds a variety of chocolate textures.
• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans – 3 cups (360 grams), provides crunch and a nutty flavor. Optional for nut allergies.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Cookies
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Prep Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure to position two racks for even baking.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the beaten eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt until evenly mixed.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently mix until fully combined without overworking the dough.
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Add Oats and Chocolate: Fold in the rolled oats, bittersweet chocolate chips, and nuts if using. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
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Shape Dough: Take golf-ball-sized portions of dough and place them on ungreased cookie sheets, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart.
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Bake: Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes. They should be golden on top but remain soft in the center for that perfect chewiness.
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Cool: Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Optional: Drizzle with a thin layer of melted chocolate for an extra treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Neiman Marcus Cookies
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Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted; this is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
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Flour Measurement: Spoon and level your flour instead of packing it down to prevent dense cookies. Accurate measurement is key!
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Freezing Dough: For freezing, roll the dough into golf-ball sizes, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to bags. This allows you to bake fresh cookies anytime.
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Baking Time Alert: If baking from frozen dough, remember to add 1-2 minutes to the baking time for best results with Neiman Marcus cookies.
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Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for an extra depth of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Cookies?
Invite your loved ones to enjoy these iconic cookies with delightful pairings that create a perfect treat experience.
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Cold Milk: A classic option, the richness of milk perfectly complements the chocolatey goodness and makes for a nostalgic favorite.
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Coffee: The deep flavors of a good brew contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, making for an energizing afternoon pick-me-up.
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Ice Cream Sundae: Warm Neiman Marcus Cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream create a heavenly dessert that combines textures and temperatures.
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Fruit Salad: The freshness of seasonal fruits adds brightness, balancing the sweetness of the cookies while providing a refreshing contrast.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzled over the cookies, this adds an extra layer of indulgence and makes each bite even more decadent.
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Chai Latte: The spicy warmth of chai enhances the cookies’ flavors, creating a cozy pairing ideal for chilly evenings.
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Nutty Trail Mix: Serve a side of trail mix for a crunchy, wholesome contrast that complements the soft, chewy texture of the cookies.
With these suggestions, your Neiman Marcus Cookies are ready to shine in any gathering!
How to Store and Freeze Neiman Marcus Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you prefer firmer cookies, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring they’re in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked Neiman Marcus cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a resealable bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat frozen cookies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. This little step brings them back to that delightful, fresh-baked experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Classic Neiman Marcus Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to have a delicious treat ready whenever cravings strike! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply mix the ingredients as instructed, then shape the dough into golf-ball-sized balls, and refrigerate them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. When you’re ready to bake, just place the chilled dough on a baking sheet and add an extra minute to the baking time for that freshly baked taste. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped dough for up to three months; just remember to let the dough thaw slightly before baking for the best results. This way, you’ll enjoy soft, chewy cookies that taste just as delightful as fresh out of the oven!
Neiman Marcus Cookie Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor these cookies to your taste – the possibilities are delicious!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a delightful twist without the dairy.
- Nut-Free: Leave out the chopped walnuts or pecans to create a perfectly nut-free cookie that still packs tons of flavor.
- Fruit-Infused: Swap out half the chocolate chips for dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to add a pop of sweetness and chewiness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the batter for a surprising, cozy warmth that elevates each bite.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to enjoy the same chewy goodness without gluten.
- Chocolate Lovers: Double the amount of chocolate chips or mix in some crunchy toffee bits for a richer chocolate experience.
- Tropical Twist: Introduce shredded coconut and macadamia nuts instead of walnuts for a delightful taste of the tropics.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a vegan butter substitute for a fully plant-based cookie.
Get ready to indulge in these tasty variations!
Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for my Neiman Marcus cookies?
Absolutely! For the butter, it should be softened to room temperature but not melted to achieve that perfect texture. Make sure your eggs are fresh, and if possible, use farm-fresh eggs for a richer flavor. When choosing chocolate chips, consider bittersweet for a more complex taste, or go with semi-sweet if you enjoy a sweeter profile.
How long can I store my Neiman Marcus cookies, and what’s the best method?
You can keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just ensure they’re sealed well to prevent them from drying out. For optimal freshness, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Can I freeze Neiman Marcus cookie dough before baking?
Yes! For freezing, roll your cookie dough into golf-ball-sized mounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a resealable bag. They can be stored this way for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add an additional 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
What common issues might I encounter when baking Neiman Marcus cookies?
One common issue is overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined. If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be that your butter was too soft or you overmeasured your flour. Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping it directly from the bag to avoid those dense cookies!
Are Neiman Marcus cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
You can easily adjust the recipe to make it nut-free! Just omit the chopped walnuts or pecans entirely. Substitute with additional chocolate chips or dried fruits for added texture and flavor without the risk of allergies. Always check that other ingredients, like chocolate chips, are also nut-free.
Can I make variations to the Neiman Marcus cookie recipe?
Very! Feel free to get creative! Substitute chocolate chips with dried fruits for a healthier twist or add coconut flakes for a tropical delight. You can also mix in different types of chocolate to suit your taste – dark, milk, or even white chocolate can work beautifully!
Mouthwatering Neiman Marcus Cookies You Can Freeze for Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure to position two racks for even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Incorporate the beaten eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, and mix gently using a spatula until fully combined.
- Fold in the rolled oats, bittersweet chocolate chips, and nuts if using. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Take golf-ball-sized portions of dough and place them on ungreased cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes until golden on top but remain soft in the center.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra treat.