Neiman Marcus Cookies are a beloved treat that combines the delightful flavors of chocolate, nuts, and a hint of vanilla. Originating from a famous story attributed to the luxury department store Neiman Marcus, these cookies have gained immense popularity for their rich taste and satisfying texture. The combination of chewy oats, luscious chocolate, and crunchy pecans creates an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Why We Love This Neiman Marcus Cookies Recipe
What makes the Neiman Marcus Cookies so special? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. Each bite delivers a mix of rich chocolate and nutty pecans, while the oats add a chewy dimension that elevates the cookie experience. Moreover, the recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow, making it a favorite for both novice bakers and seasoned kitchen pros alike. You can easily whip up a batch to enjoy with a cold glass of milk or to impress friends and family at gatherings. Plus, let’s not forget how rewarding it feels to bake something delicious from scratch!
Ingredients about Neiman Marcus Cookies
To create your delicious Neiman Marcus Cookies, here are the ingredients you’ll need:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (mix of milk and dark for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup ground oats
How to Make Neiman Marcus Cookies Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these steps to whip up these delightful cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is essential for ensuring that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to mix until the texture is smooth and creamy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, creating a softer cookie.
- Once the sugars and butter are well combined, add the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. This step is crucial as it helps to emulsify the mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic touch.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients separately ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour, avoiding any pockets of unactivated baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently. You want to mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tough cookie.
- Now, fold in the chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and ground oats. Be careful not to break the chocolate chips too much; you want to maintain their shape for a delightful melt in each cookie.
- Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Make sure to leave at least 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 9 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to turn golden brown, but the centers should remain soft. They will continue to cook slightly after you remove them from the oven.
- After baking, allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This will help them set and maintain their shape.
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Cookies
Serving Neiman Marcus Cookies is all about enhancing their delightful flavor. Here are some simple yet effective ideas:
- Warm and Fresh: Serve the cookies while they’re still warm. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert that everyone will love.
- Milk Pairing: Offer a tall glass of cold milk alongside your cookies. The classic combination of cookies and milk never goes out of style.
- Platter Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle a few chocolate chips and pecan pieces on top for an eye-catching presentation at parties or family gatherings.
- Gift Option: Package the cookies in a decorative tin or a clear cellophane bag with a ribbon. It makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and loved ones.
Expert Tips: Neiman Marcus Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature but not melted. Softened butter creates a creamier texture without making the dough too runny.
- Chop Pecans Properly: When chopping pecans, try to keep the pieces uniform in size. This helps them distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough, ensuring each bite is equally delicious.
- Quality Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality chocolate chips for a more pronounced chocolate flavor. A mix of dark and milk chocolate offers a delightful taste contrast.
- Don’t Skip Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets before transferring to racks. This setting time will help your cookies achieve that chewy center and avoid crumbling.
- Batch Baking: If you want to bake in batches, consider chilling the extra cookie dough for later. Simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for long-term use.
How to Store Neiman Marcus Cookies
Proper storage can keep your Neiman Marcus Cookies fresh for days. Here’s how:
- Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container. They can stay at room temperature for about 5 to 7 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer them cold, store them in the refrigerator. However, be aware that refrigeration can change the texture of the cookies, potentially making them a little firmer.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers or you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for a few hours, then transfer to a zip-lock bag or airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.
- Re-heating: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, let them come to room temperature or heat them briefly in the oven or microwave to bring back a fresh-baked taste.
Variation of Neiman Marcus Cookies
One of the joys of baking is experimenting with different flavors and textures. Here are some fun variations you can try with the Neiman Marcus Cookies recipe:
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans and replace with additional chocolate chips or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for added sweetness.
- Flavored Oats: Use flavored oats like cinnamon or French vanilla to add a little twist to the base of your cookies.
- Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a completely new flavor profile.
- Dulce de Leche: Add dollops of caramel or dulce de leche into the center of each cookie before baking for a gooey surprise inside.
- Coconut Delight: Stir in shredded coconut for a chewy, tropical flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirls: Introduce peanut butter by swirling a spoonful into each cookie for a rich, nutty variant.
FAQ
What are Neiman Marcus Cookies? Neiman Marcus Cookies are rich, chewy cookies made with a mix of chocolate chips, pecans, and ground oats. They are famous for their delicious flavor and satisfying texture.
How do I make Neiman Marcus Cookies? To make Neiman Marcus Cookies, you’ll cream together butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla, mix in dry ingredients, and fold in chocolate chips, pecans, and oats. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets, bake, and cool to enjoy!
How should I store Neiman Marcus Cookies? Store Neiman Marcus Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a bag; they can last up to three months in the freezer.
Can I change the ingredients in the Neiman Marcus Cookies recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to swap nuts, use different types of chocolate, or add extras like dried fruit or flavored oats. This flexibility allows you to customize the cookies to your liking.
How can I serve Neiman Marcus Cookies? Serve Neiman Marcus Cookies warm with a glass of milk, or present them on a platter with decorative touches for gatherings. You can also package them as gifts for friends and family.
Neiman Marcus Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's softened, not melted.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs Add one at a time.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 2 cups chocolate chips Mix of milk and dark for richer flavor.
- 1 cup chopped pecans Chopped evenly.
- 1 cup ground oats
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and ground oats.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches of space between each.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
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