The $250 Neiman Marcus Cookie

The $250 Neiman Marcus Cookie

The rumored recipe for Neiman Marcus cookies, which was passed around via email for years, and later debunked by the company. These cookies are made with ground oats, chocolate chips, grated chocolate and chopped walnuts.

Ingredients

  • rolled oats
    2 ½ c
  • all-purpose flour
    2 c
  • baking powder
    1 tsp
  • baking soda
    1 tsp
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • unsalted butter

    at room temperature

    1 c
  • granulated sugar
    1 c
  • light brown sugar
    1 c
  • eggs
    2
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp
  • semisweet chocolate chips
    12 oz
  • milk chocolate

    grated or finely chopped

    4 oz
  • chopped walnuts
    1 ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Blend the oats in a food processor or blender to a fine powder. In a medium bowl, whisk together the blended oats with the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.

  3. 3

    In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, beating just until incorporated. With a rubber spatula, fold in the chocolate chips, grated chocolate and walnuts.

  4. 4

    Roll the dough into 2-ounce balls (or about 2 heaping tablespoonfuls worth) and place about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake one sheet at a time until the edges are set but the center still looks undone, about 10 minutes. Cool the cookies completely on the baking sheets. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days (they can also be frozen for up to 2 months).

The $250 Neiman Marcus Cookie

The $250 Neiman Marcus Cookie

291 cal

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About this Recipe

Remember the legendary email that circulated for years, claiming to reveal the secret to the Neiman Marcus $250 cookie? While the origin story might be a charming myth, this recipe delivers on the promise of a truly exceptional chocolate oat cookie right in your own kitchen. It's a copycat recipe that captures the essence of that rumored, decadent treat, perfect for when you're craving something truly special.

Why This Cookie Recipe Works

The magic in these chocolate cookies lies in their thoughtfully combined ingredients. Ground rolled oats lend an unexpected, tender chewiness that sets them apart from standard chocolate chip cookies. This unique texture is perfectly complemented by a dynamic duo of semisweet chocolate chips, providing melty pockets of richness, and grated milk chocolate, which distributes a smooth, creamy chocolate flavor throughout every bite. Finally, generous chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty depth that elevates the entire experience.

What to Expect

Prepare for a hearty, substantial cookie that is deeply satisfying and complex in flavor. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of intense chocolate, from the sweet creaminess of the milk chocolate to the bolder notes of the semisweet. The texture is a delightful contrast: slightly chewy from the ground oats, yielding to the burst of melting chocolate, and finishing with the crisp snap of walnuts. These aren't just any chocolate cookies; they're a luxurious indulgence designed to be savored.

Customization & Variations

These cookies are wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. If you're not a fan of walnuts, you can easily omit them for a simpler chocolate oat cookie, or swap them out for toasted pecans for a different nutty flavor. For a bolder chocolate experience, consider using dark chocolate chips in place of some of the semisweet. You could even introduce a pinch of flaky sea salt before baking to enhance all the sweet notes.

Serving & Context

These substantial cookies are ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up, a comforting dessert after dinner, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Frequently Asked Questions