Name: Neiman Marcus Cookie Bliss: Classic Comfort Made Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 36 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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As I measured out the ingredients for a Saturday afternoon baking session, the comforting scent of vanilla and melting chocolate filled my kitchen, drawing me back to my childhood. There’s something so special about Neiman Marcus Cookies—the classic chocolate chip cookie has never looked or tasted so good! This recipe perfectly marries a chewy center with a slightly crisp edge, creating a delightful treat that pleases everyone, from kids to adults. Best of all, this beginner-friendly recipe takes just 36 minutes, making it a stress-free way to elevate your dessert game. With every bite, you’ll savor rich chocolate chips and, for those who love a little crunch, optional nuts that turn a simple cookie into the star of any gathering. Ready to bake up some delicious nostalgia? Let’s get started!

Why Will You Love Neiman Marcus Cookies?

Irresistible Comfort: These cookies bring a sense of nostalgia with their perfect balance of chewy centers and crisp edges, making every bite a delightful experience.

Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to baking, this simple recipe ensures success every time.

Customizable Options: Feel free to mix and match chocolate varieties or add your favorite nuts for a personalized touch.

Quick Preparation: In just 36 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying with loved ones.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night at home, these cookies are sure to satisfy cravings, just like my popular Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe does!

Neiman Marcus Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Provides a rich creamy base and contributes to tenderness. Use unsalted for better control over the salt content.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps cookies spread.
• Brown Sugar – Moisturizes the dough and adds a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing chewiness.
• Eggs – Acts as a binding agent, providing structure and lift while adding moisture.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavors with a sweet aroma, enriching the overall taste.
• All-Purpose Flour – The main structure-builder; ensures cookies hold shape. Avoid cake flour or self-rising flour for best results.
• Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
• Baking Powder – Works alongside baking soda for additional lift and affects texture.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Signature pockets of melted chocolate offering sweetness.
• Chopped Nuts (Optional) – Provides extra crunch and nutty flavor. Can be omitted or substituted for more chocolate chips for nut-free cookies.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Neiman Marcus Cookie

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures your Neiman Marcus Cookies bake evenly, achieving the perfect chewy texture. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients to prepare for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes or until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which results in tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing for another minute. You’ll notice a rich aroma as the flavors combine, enhancing the allure of your Neiman Marcus Cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture provides the necessary structure to the cookies while balancing their sweetness. Make sure to thoroughly combine these ingredients to avoid any clumps in your dough.

Step 5: Mix Dry with Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this could lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing once you no longer see any flour streaks, ensuring your Neiman Marcus Cookies remain soft and delightful.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips & Nuts
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and any optional chopped nuts. Using a spatula, ensure an even distribution throughout the dough, so every cookie has ample chocolatey goodness. This is the moment when your Neiman Marcus Cookie dough starts to come alive!

Step 7: Drop Dough on Baking Sheets
Prepare ungreased baking sheets and use a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto them, spacing each mound about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows room for the cookies to spread evenly as they bake, resulting in a visually appealing batch.

Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheets carefully in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. Watch closely for the edges to turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. This is the ideal visual cue that indicates your Neiman Marcus Cookies are ready to come out!

Step 9: Cool
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This step allows them to set and firm up slightly. After this, transfer the cookies to wire racks for further cooling, making way for that delicious aroma to fill your kitchen.

Storage Tips for Neiman Marcus Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their freshness and softness.
Fridge: If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Neiman Marcus Cookies in a labeled zip-top bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for a delightful treat anytime.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or microwave individually for 10-15 seconds.

Expert Tips for Neiman Marcus Cookies

Perfect Butter Temperature: Use room temperature, softened butter to ensure it creams well with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy dough.
Don’t Overmix: Avoid the temptation to mix too long after adding dry ingredients; stop when there are no visible flour streaks to keep the Neiman Marcus Cookies tender and chewy.
Baking Timing: For a delightful contrast of textures, slightly underbake your cookies; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, maintaining that gooey center.
Chocolate Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like dark or white chocolate, to customize your Neiman Marcus Cookies to your taste!
Cooling Method: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack, which helps them set properly and enhances their texture.

Neiman Marcus Cookie Variations

Feel free to personalize your Neiman Marcus Cookies to suit your taste and dietary preferences with these fun ideas!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version that still tastes amazing.
Nut-Free: Omit chopped nuts or replace them with more chocolate chips for a nut-free cookie that everyone can enjoy.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a surprising warmth in every bite.
Flavor Boost: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a delightful twist that enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
Cranberry Bliss: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a burst of fruity sweetness that pairs well with the chocolate chips.
Oatmeal Magic: Mix in one cup of old-fashioned oats for a chewy texture, turning your classic cookie into a hearty treat unlikely to disappoint.
Chunky Chocolate: Use a combination of semi-sweet, dark, and even white chocolate chunks for a multi-layered taste adventure in each bite.
Cookie Sandwiches: Bake two cookies and sandwich your favorite ice cream or frosting between them for an elevated dessert experience.

Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination, just like I did in my beloved Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe!

What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Cookies

There’s nothing quite like pairing these heavenly cookies with delicious accompaniments to create a full, memorable dessert experience.

Classic Milk: The ultimate duo, a tall glass of cold milk enhances the chocolatey goodness while providing balance with its creamy texture.
Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of a freshly brewed cup offer a delightful contrast, making each bite of the cookie even more indulgent.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Sandwich warm cookies with creamy vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that feels like a gourmet treat at home.
Fresh Berries: A handful of juicy strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing burst of fruity acidity, brightening the richness of the cookies.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For the true chocolate lover, a warm drizzle of chocolate sauce elevates the sweetness and creates a gorgeous presentation.
Chopped Nuts: Serve alongside extra chopped nuts for a crunchy snack option that pairs beautifully with the soft, chewy cookies.
Dessert Wine: A glass of dessert wine or sweet red pairs exquisitely with the cookies, enhancing flavors and creating a sophisticated treat experience.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it on the side for an irresistible sweet and salty combination.
Coffee Milkshake: Blend coffee, ice cream, and milk for a coffee milkshake that complements the cookies’ flavors in a delightful, creamy way.

Make Ahead Options

These Neiman Marcus Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and shaping it into balls before refrigerating them in an airtight container. This method maintains the cookies’ freshness and ensures they are just as delicious when baked. If you need to prep even further ahead, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it tightly. When you’re ready to indulge, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time, and enjoy warm, gooey cookies with minimal effort!

Neiman Marcus Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right chocolate chips for Neiman Marcus Cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a classic flavor profile. You can also experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate for different levels of sweetness and richness. Look for chips that are made with real chocolate to ensure a satisfying melt and flavor in every bite.

How should I store my Neiman Marcus Cookies?
For best results, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them soft and fresh. If you need to save them for longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks—just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze Neiman Marcus Cookies?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your Neiman Marcus Cookies, first let them cool completely. Then, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once they are firm, transfer them to a labeled zip-top bag for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

What can I do if my cookies turn out too dry or crumbly?
Very! If your Neiman Marcus Cookies come out dry, it might be due to overmixing or using too much flour. Always measure flour accurately—it’s best to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. To remedy dry cookies, you can add a little dairy (like a splash of milk) to the dough next time, ensuring you mix gently for maximum moisture retention.

Can I add nuts if I have a nut allergy?
Of course! You can simply omit the nuts altogether if there’s an allergy concern. If you’re looking for an alternative texture, consider adding more chocolate chips or incorporating dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a delightful twist that keeps the chewy factor intact!