Neiman Marcus Cookies

Neiman Marcus Cookies are a timeless treat that brings together a perfect medley of flavors and textures. These cookies are not only rich and chewy but also packed with oats, chocolate, and nuts, making each bite satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting homemade dessert, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. The combination of semisweet chocolate chips, chopped milk chocolate candy bar, and crunchy pecans gives these cookies a gourmet touch that’s hard to resist. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Reasons to Love Neiman Marcus Cookies

Neiman Marcus Cookies have earned their place in the hearts of cookie lovers everywhere for several reasons. First, the texture is absolutely divine — chewy oats and tender cookie dough harmonize beautifully. The mix of chocolate chunks and chips ensures bursts of creamy sweetness throughout each bite. The addition of pecans adds a lovely crunch and depth of flavor. Another reason to adore these cookies is their versatility; they make a fantastic gift, party treat, or after-school snack. Finally, this recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, making it accessible and convenient for any baking occasion.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 1 cup butter, softened – Provides richness and moisture
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with structure
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar – Brings a hint of molasses flavor and chewiness
• 2 large eggs – Binds ingredients and adds moisture
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookie dough
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Provides leavening for a tender crumb
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors
• 2 1/2 cups uncooked regular oats – Adds hearty texture and fiber
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips – Sweet bursts of chocolate
• 4 ounces milk chocolate candy bar, coarsely chopped (or about 1/2 cup chocolate chunks) – Offers melting pockets of creamy chocolate
• 1 cup chopped pecans – Adds crunch and nutty flavor

Equipment & Tools

• Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients separately
• Electric mixer or hand whisk – To cream butter and sugars thoroughly
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient measurements
• Spatula – To fold ingredients gently without overmixing
• Baking sheets – To bake the cookies evenly
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier
• Cooling rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly and prevents sogginess

Make Neiman Marcus Cookies: A Simple Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process takes about 3-5 minutes and is key for tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth and fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined.

Step 5: Stir in Oats, Chocolate, and Pecans

Gently fold in the oats, semisweet chocolate chips, chopped milk chocolate candy bar, and chopped pecans. Be careful not to overmix; you want an even distribution without breaking up the chunks.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just right.

In-Season Flavor Ideas

• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm autumn twist
• Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fruity bite
• Swap pecans for toasted walnuts or almonds depending on your preference
• Stir in a handful of shredded coconut for a tropical flair
• For a festive holiday touch, add crushed peppermint candies or orange zest

Avoid These Traps

While Neiman Marcus Cookies are straightforward to make, a few common pitfalls can affect the final result:

• Using melted butter instead of softened butter can cause the dough to spread too much during baking.
• Overmixing the dough after adding the flour can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
• Not measuring flour correctly by scooping directly with the cup can add too much flour. Instead, spoon flour into the cup and level it off.
• Baking at too high a temperature can brown the edges too quickly, leaving the centers underbaked.

Make-Ahead & Storage

These cookies keep well and can be prepared in advance:

• Dough Storage: Wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. This enhances flavor and texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough, adding a couple extra minutes to baking time.
• Storing Baked Cookies: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies layered with parchment paper.

Your Top Questions

Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts work wonderfully in this recipe. Just chop them coarsely and keep the quantity the same to maintain the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have a milk chocolate candy bar?

If you don’t have a milk chocolate candy bar on hand, you can substitute with extra semisweet chocolate chips or use chocolate chunks. Some bakers also enjoy mixing in pieces of peanut butter cups or white chocolate for a fun variation.

How do I make sure my cookies stay chewy?

To keep your Neiman Marcus Cookies chewy, avoid overbaking them. Remove cookies from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden and the centers still look slightly undercooked. They will firm up as they cool, giving you that ideal chewy texture.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil of equal amount. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.

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Ready to Cook?

If you’re ready to dive into baking these iconic Neiman Marcus Cookies, gather your ingredients and tools, preheat your oven, and follow the simple step-by-step method above. The result will be a batch of cookies bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing. Whether you enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or pack them up as a thoughtful gift, these cookies are sure to delight every time. Happy baking!

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