Neiman Marcus $250 Cookie
Most everyone has heard the story – that a woman enjoyed the chocolate chip cookies so much while eating at the Neiman Marcus Cafe in Dallas that she asked for the recipe and was told by the waitress that she could have it for only two-fifty.” But when her bill arrived, it was for nearly $300. So it was a $250 cookie recipe. However, the story is more of a myth than anything…
That myth endured, though, so in 1997 Neiman Marcus actually came up with a cookie recipe and gave it out for free. While I don’t know that it’s a recipe worth a $250 price tag, it is a wonderful cookie – a chocolate chip cookie amped up with nuts, ground oats, and chocolate grated right into the batter.
The original recipe calls for Hershey’s chocolate but you can use whatever kind happens to be your favorite. It gives the overall cookie a subtle chocolate flavor but there’s plenty of melty chocolate chunks too. The other thing that makes these unique is that the dough doesn’t just rely on wheat flour for texture, it also uses ground up oatmeal, which gives the cookies a nice chewy bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Neiman Marcus $250 Cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful experience to bake. You’ll love the rich, chocolatey goodness combined with the crunchy texture from the nuts and oats. Plus, the story behind the recipe adds a fun twist to your baking session. Whether you’re a fan of urban legends or simply a cookie enthusiast, this recipe will win you over.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Blender or food processor
- Microplane grater
- Cookie sheets
- Cooling racks
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups oatmeal
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 ounces semisweet or milk chocolate, grated
- 1 1/2 cups pecans or walnuts, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the rack in the top third of the oven and preheat to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and both sugars with an electric mixer until creamy. Scrape down sides of the bowl, add eggs and vanilla, and beat until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Grind oatmeal in a blender or food processor until fine. Combine oatmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl and gradually add to the butter mixture. Beat until just combined.
- Grate the chocolate bar using a microplane grater and add to the dough along with chocolate chips and nuts. Mix just to combine.
- Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. When grinding the oatmeal, make sure it becomes a fine powder to blend seamlessly with the flour. Also, be cautious not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to maintain the cookies’ chewy texture.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or even adding a dash of cinnamon for a spiced twist. If you prefer a different kind of chocolate, try using white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each cookie is approximately 200 calories, with 10g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. Remember, these are treats, so enjoy them in moderation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to form them into balls before freezing.
What if I don’t have a microplane grater? You can use a regular cheese grater or chop the chocolate finely with a knife.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making these legendary Neiman Marcus $250 Cookies as much as you enjoy eating them. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, or even as a sweet indulgence just for you. Give them a try, and please share your baking adventures in the comments below. Happy baking!