I still remember the first time I baked the Neiman Marcus cookies in my small kitchen—it was a chilly afternoon, and the smell that filled the house was absolutely irresistible. I had heard all the hype around this cookie, and I wanted to see if it lived up to its reputation. Spoiler alert: it did. These cookies aren’t just your everyday chocolate chip treats—they have texture, richness, and a story that makes every bite feel like a little piece of baking legend.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe slightly to suit my taste, while keeping the heart of it intact. What I love most is how the blend of oats, chocolate, and nuts creates this perfectly chewy yet crisp texture. And let’s not forget the secret ingredient that gives it that extra depth—instant espresso powder. It’s subtle, but it elevates everything. Whenever I bake these cookies, whether for friends, family, or just to satisfy my own craving, they disappear faster than I can set them on the cooling rack.
If you’ve never tried this recipe before, you’re in for something special. It’s not just about the cookie—it’s about the moment it creates. There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven cookie, with melty chocolate chips and that satisfying crunch from the oats and nuts. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your baking tradition.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just a quiet evening at home, these cookies will always be a hit. Trust me—once you make them, they’ll be requested again and again. So grab your ingredients and let’s start baking something unforgettable.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 1/2 cups rolled oats (blended into a fine powder)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
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1 tbsp instant espresso powder (optional but recommended)
How to Bake the Neiman Marcus Cookies
To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures the cookies bake evenly and release easily after baking.
Start by blending the rolled oats in a food processor until they resemble fine flour. This trick gives the cookies a chewy texture while keeping them soft inside. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
Next, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and the instant espresso powder. The espresso adds a rich depth that enhances the chocolate without making the cookies taste like coffee.
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, oat flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir slowly to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies. Continue until the dough forms and all flour is incorporated.
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving each cookie the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading.
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft. Do not overbake—this helps keep the chewy texture intact. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now you have a batch of rich, chewy, and unforgettable Neiman Marcus cookies, perfect for any sweet craving.
How Long to Bake the Neiman Marcus Cookies
Timing is everything when it comes to baking these cookies. To get the ideal texture—crispy edges and chewy centers—you’ll want to bake them for 10 to 12 minutes at 375°F (190°C). That short window makes all the difference. Pulling them out when the edges are just golden, but the center still looks slightly underdone, is the secret. As they cool on the baking sheet, they continue to cook slightly and set up perfectly.
Baking times can vary slightly based on your oven, so it’s always smart to test with one cookie first. If it spreads too much, chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking the rest. Also, rotating the trays halfway through baking helps ensure even browning, especially if you’re baking two sheets at once.
How to Store Leftovers
Although they tend to vanish fast, if you do have leftovers, they store really well. Once the cookies are completely cool, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread inside the container—the cookies absorb the moisture from the bread, preventing them from drying out.
If you’re planning to store them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. For fresh-baked flavor, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Tips for Perfect Neiman Marcus Cookies
Start with room temperature butter—it creams better with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy base. Cold butter won’t blend as well and could lead to dense cookies. Also, make sure not to skip blending the oats. That one step adds structure and texture that makes these cookies different from typical chocolate chip ones.
Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Overworking the flour can make the cookies tough. Mix just until everything is combined, then stop. And while chocolate chips are a must, feel free to experiment with mix-ins. White chocolate chunks, chopped pecans, or even shredded coconut can give your batch a fun twist without losing the essence of the original recipe.
Spacing the dough balls properly on the baking sheet is another key to success. Give them enough room to spread naturally. Too close, and they’ll fuse together. If you want perfectly round cookies, you can gently shape the dough balls before baking or use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
Lastly, always let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before moving them to a rack. This step helps them firm up and avoids breakage. Following these simple baking tips ensures your Neiman Marcus cookies turn out bakery-quality every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute the oats with regular flour?
While you can experiment, I highly recommend using oats in this recipe. The oats give the cookies their signature chewy texture. If you must, you can substitute with a little more flour, but the texture will change. For the best results, stick to the oats as the recipe intended.
2. What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts or simply don’t have any on hand, you can easily substitute with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts. For a nut-free option, try adding coconut flakes or sunflower seeds for crunch. The flexibility in this recipe allows for many tasty alternatives!
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Simply scoop out the dough into individual portions, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls into a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the frozen dough balls onto a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
4. How can I make these cookies even chewier?
To make these cookies extra chewy, you can slightly underbake them. The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Additionally, you can increase the amount of brown sugar slightly, as it adds moisture and tenderness to the cookies. Just be careful not to overmix the dough, as that can result in a denser texture.
The Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Neiman Marcus cookies are the epitome of indulgence. With a perfect balance of chewy oats, rich chocolate chips, and crunchy walnuts, these cookies are sure to impress. Their unique flavor profile, enhanced by a hint of espresso, makes them stand out from typical chocolate chip cookies. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies will never disappoint.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 1/2 cups rolled oats (blended into a fine powder)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
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1 tbsp instant espresso powder (optional but recommended)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Blend the oats in a food processor until they resemble a fine flour.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and espresso powder.
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In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oat flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
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Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
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Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are soft.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
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If you prefer, substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
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Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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For a fun variation, add white chocolate chunks or dried fruit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes