Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies - Rumored and Real

Quick note before I get to the cookies today. When I was making the cookies for this week, I decided to surprise my Germany gals with boxes of cookies. (Two of my Germany girls are stateside now, so the package didn't have far to go!) My friend, Erica, who is still in Germany, has decided to rate the cookies on "travelbility" and is posting her findings in the comment section of each cookie (minus NYT and Real Neiman Marcus). If you are interested in shipping ccc's, her info will be useful considering the cookies were in a box for a week! :) Now, onto the cookies.....

Today I have two chocolate chip cookies for you, both with associations to Neiman Marcus.

The rumored Neiman Marcus cookie is an urban legend that has a classic "small guy takes out big guy" story. The rumor is that while at Neiman Marcus, a lady asked for the recipe for their chocolate chip cookies. She was told it would cost her two fifty. She assumed this meant $2.50 but was shocked when her credit card was charged $250.00. In an effort to get back at Neiman Marcus, she decided to share the recipe with the world for free.

This, of course, is not true according Neiman Marcus (and snopes!). On their website, Neiman Marcus discounts the claim and provides their chocolate chip cookie recipe free of charge. The funniest thing about this is that the two recipes have NOTHING in common! But, you gotta love that chocolate chip cookies are so popular that there are urban legends about them! :)



The rumored Neiman Marcus cookie is not your classic chocolate chip cookie. It has ground oatmeal, nuts, chocolate chips, and a grated Hershey bar. It is a good cookie and I do like it. However, if you are wanting a classic chocolate chip cookie, this isn't the cookie you are looking for. But, if you are looking for something different, something that is outside of the ccc box, then give it a try!

The real Neiman Marcus cookie has espresso powder in it to enhance the chocolate flavor. Nathan enjoyed this cookie and thought the coffee taste made the cookie better. I, however, don't like coffee in my desserts, so this one wasn't a favorite. But, I know there are coffee loving dessert people out there, so this may be the cookie for you!


Enjoy!




Rumored Neiman Marcus Cookie


2 cups butter
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups sugar
5 cups blended oatmeal
24 ounces chocolate chips
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 (8 ounce) Hershey Bars (grated)
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups chopped nuts

Measure oatmeal and blend in a blender to a fine powder. Cream the butter and both sugars.
Add eggs and vanilla.


Mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder and soda. Add chocolate chips, grated Hershey Bar and nuts.


Roll into balls and place 2-inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 375° or until golden.



Real Neiman Marcus Cookie

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder
1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Cream the butter with the sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy (approximately 30 seconds)

Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract for another 30 seconds.

In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and beat into the butter mixture at low speed for about 15 seconds. Stir in the espresso coffee powder and chocolate chips.

Using a 1 ounce scoop or a 2 tablespoon measure, drop cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into a 2 inch circle. Bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned around the edges. Bake a little longer for a crispier cookie.