When I first took a bite of the Neiman Marcus cookie, it was like a delightful explosion of flavors and textures in my mouth. The buttery richness paired with the crunch of old-fashioned oats and luscious chocolate chunks creates a cookie experience that brings pure comfort with every nibble. This recipe has been a beloved staple in my kitchen, perfect for both the baking novice and the seasoned chef looking to whip up a treat.
As life gets busier, I’ve found that preparing a large batch of these soft yet chewy delights not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also allows me to freeze dough for spontaneous cravings. Imagine pulling freshly baked cookies from your oven any day of the week! Whether you’re lounging at home or have plans for a casual gathering, these Neiman Marcus cookies are your ticket to warm smiles and happy moments. So let’s dive in and bring some homemade magic to your kitchen!
Why are Neiman Marcus Cookies a must-bake?
Deliciously Indulgent: Each bite offers a mouthwatering blend of buttery softness, chewy oats, and rich chocolate chunks.
Perfectly Freezable: Bake a large batch and have dough ready for whenever the cookie craving strikes!
Easily Customizable: Mix in different chocolates or swap nuts for a variety that suits your taste.
Family Favorite: Your loved ones will adore these cookies, making them perfect for gatherings or simply a cozy night in.
Quick to Prepare: In just a few simple steps, you’ll have delectable cookies that fill your home with warmth and sweetness!
These cookies are a sensational addition to your baking repertoire, making them a recipe you won’t want to miss!
Neiman Marcus Cookie Ingredients
For the Dough
- Unsalted Butter – The primary fat source that ensures moisture and richness; for a salty twist, use salted butter and reduce extra salt by half.
- Granulated Sugar – This key ingredient adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crispness; there’s no direct substitute.
- Brown Sugar – Deepens flavor and adds moisture; coconut sugar can be a unique swap if you’re looking for something different.
- Eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients and providing structure; consider flax eggs for an egg-free option.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile; for a nutty note, almond extract makes a lovely alternative.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; opt for a 1:1 gluten-free blend if gluten is a concern.
- Baking Powder / Baking Soda – These leavening agents ensure your cookies rise beautifully; always check their freshness for optimal results.
- Sea Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors; if you’re watching sodium, feel free to omit.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – For that chewy texture and structure; ground oats yield a smoother cookie if preferred.
- Bittersweet Chocolate Chips – The star of the show, delivering rich chocolate flavor; feel free to substitute with semisweet or milk chocolate based on your preference.
- Hershey’s Chocolate Bars – Adds delicious chunks for an extra texture element; think about dark or white chocolate for a fun twist.
- Chopped Nuts (Walnuts/Pecans) – Bring crunch and nutty flavor to the mix; skip them for a nut-free delight.
Optional Add-ins
- Chocolate Variations – Swap in butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a different flavor experience.
- Dried Fruits – Toss in cranberries or raisins for a sweet and tart surprise.
- Seeds – Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts for allergy-friendly cookies.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare two middle racks. This ensures even baking for your delicious cookies.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for fluffy cookies!
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Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, bringing all those rich flavors together.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients for a cohesive dough.
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Add Oats and Mix: Carefully fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats, followed by the bittersweet chocolate chips and nuts, mixing until everything is evenly distributed and your dough is thick.
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Form Cookies: Using a spoon or your hands, shape the dough into golf-ball-sized mounds and place them spaced about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
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Bake: Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 8-9 minutes. You want the tops to be golden but still soft to the touch.
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Cool: Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before indulging in your homemade treats.
Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Neiman Marcus Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep baked Neiman Marcus cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, baked cookies can also be stored in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag. Dough can be frozen for up to 6 months for fresh-baked cookies anytime!
Reheating: To warm up thawed cookies, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for a few seconds for that just-baked softness.
What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Cookies?
When it comes to enjoying the delightful sweetness of Neiman Marcus cookies, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to new heights.
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Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing that never disappoints! This helps balance the richness of the cookies while enhancing their flavors.
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Rich Coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the chocolate notes beautifully, creating a cozy moment perfect for catch-ups or quiet afternoons.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop some creamy vanilla on the side and watch the melted drizzle transform each bite into a decadent treat.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast that cuts through the sweetness, refreshing your palate after every nibble.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle over the cookies or serve on the side for a double chocolate delight—perfect for the ultimate sweet tooth.
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Caramel Sauce: A silky caramel dip adds a luxurious touch, making each bite even more indulgent and delightful.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, topping your cookie with whipped cream feels like an embrace of sweetness; perfect for a special treat.
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Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai tea enrich the cookie experience, creating a comforting and aromatic pairing for chilly days.
Prepare to delight your senses and create memories with these fun ideas, elevating your Neiman Marcus cookies into an unforgettable delight.
Neiman Marcus Cookie Variations
Embrace the joy of customizing your Neiman Marcus cookies to cater to your cravings and dietary needs!
- Nut-Free: Substitute all nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a delightful crunch without the allergy risk.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a cookie that everyone can enjoy.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate-covered raisins or chocolate chunks for an extra layer of rich, chocolatey bliss.
- Fruity Twist: Add dried fruits such as cranberries or chopped apricots for a refreshing burst of natural sweetness.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to add warm depth and a hint of spice to each bite.
- Oat Variations: For a smoother texture, swap whole oats for ground oats, giving your cookies a unique softness.
- Sweet and Salty: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a delicious contrast to the sweet chocolate flavor.
- Butterscotch Option: Replace half the chocolate chips with butterscotch chips for a nostalgic, buttery sweetness.
Allow your creativity to shine with these variations, making each batch of Neiman Marcus cookies uniquely yours!
Helpful Tricks for Neiman Marcus Cookies
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Weigh Ingredients: Using a kitchen scale ensures precise measurements, especially for flour, leading to perfectly textured cookies every time.
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Dough Freezing: Roll cookie dough into balls and freeze them on a sheet. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag for easy baking—fresh cookies anytime!
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Prevent Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies during the last minute; they should be lightly golden on the edges but soft in the center, providing that perfect chewy texture.
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Mix-Ins Variety: Experiment with adding different chocolate types and nuts or try out oats for a delightful twist; just remember to maintain the balance of dry and wet ingredients.
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Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to help create a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients for your Neiman Marcus cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Neiman Marcus cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who love to meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Alternatively, you can scoop the cookie dough into golf-ball-sized mounds and freeze them on parchment-lined sheets. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag where they can be stored for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake the frozen cookies directly from the freezer, increasing the baking time by a minute or two. This way, you’ll always have a batch of delightful Neiman Marcus cookies ready to enjoy without any hassle!
Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chocolate for my Neiman Marcus cookies?
Absolutely! Bittersweet chocolate chips provide a rich, deep flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookie. If you’re looking for a sweeter option, semisweet or milk chocolate chips can be substituted, creating a more classic chocolate chip cookie taste. And if you’re feeling adventurous, mix in white chocolate or even butterscotch chips for a fun twist!
How should I store Neiman Marcus cookies for optimal freshness?
To keep your baked Neiman Marcus cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for about 4-5 days, but ensure they’re tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze the cookie dough, and how do I do it?
Very! Freezing cookie dough is a fantastic way to have fresh-baked cookies whenever you crave them. After shaping the dough into golf balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag, where they’ll last for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What if my cookie dough seems too dry or too wet?
The more the merrier when it comes to perfecting your cookie dough! If it feels too dry, you can add a splash of milk or an extra egg to help achieve the right consistency. On the other hand, if your dough is too wet, consider gradually mixing in a little more flour until it firms up. Adjusting your ingredients slightly will help you achieve that delightful texture that everyone loves!
Are there any allergy considerations when making Neiman Marcus cookies?
Certainly! If you’re baking for someone with nut allergies, you can simply omit the chopped nuts, and you might also consider using sunflower or pumpkin seeds as a substitute. For those with gluten sensitivities, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can replace the all-purpose flour without sacrificing taste. Remember to check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free!
What can I do if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?
If you’re missing a specific ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some helpful swaps: use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for added flavor, or flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of regular eggs for an egg-free version. You can also use oats or ground oats to adjust the texture or flavor profiles as needed, making this recipe wonderfully flexible for your pantry needs.
Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe: Bake Big Batches of Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare two middle racks.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually add this to your wet ingredients.
- Fold in the rolled oats, followed by chocolate chips and nuts, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Shape the dough into golf-ball-sized mounds and place them spaced about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes until the tops are golden but still soft.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.