The $250.00 Cookie Caper

Rumors have been swirling around for years about the $250.00 Neiman Marcus cookie recipe. I am sure you have all hear about it (see here). Over the years I have made several versions; recipes from the Internet, Cooks Illustrated featured one, but the one that I like most is Maida Heatter's from her Brand-New book of Great Cookies.

I like these because they are simple and authentic. I double the recipe and store pre-shaped cookies in the freezer. The perfect snack on those days when it feels like every child in the neighborhood is in our backyard.

Recipe:

ingredients:

2 c. unbleached flour

1 tps. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 1/2 c. oatmeal

4 oz. milk chocolate, chopped

3/4 c. light brown sugar

1/2 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips

6 oz. chopped walnuts (I use pecans)

directions:

1. pre heat oven to 375*. Line baking sheets w/parchment.

2. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt. Set aside

3. Chop milk chocolate in food processor. Add oats and mix together until almost powder.

4. Mix butter until creamy. Add sugars & vanilla, mix evenly. Add eggs, one at a time. Add sifted ingredients and the oatmeal mixture, beat on low speed until combined. Mix in chocolate and nuts.

(I refrigerate my dough over night to let it rest).

5. Use a 1 tablespoon ice cream scooper and form dough into balls.

6. Bake two sheets at at time for 14 minutes, rotating and reversing trays half way through.

7. Let cool on wire racks.

8. Enjoy