Have you ever heard the legend of the $250 cookie? The story has been making the rounds for decades — whispered in kitchens, shared in email chains, and reposted in online forums. It involves an unsuspecting shopper, a pricey cookie recipe, and a bit of sweet revenge. Whether the tale is fact or fiction, one thing’s for sure: the $250 Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious.
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The Story Behind the $250 Cookie
According to internet lore, a woman and her daughter were shopping at Neiman Marcus in Dallas and stopped at the café for a snack. They loved the chocolate chip cookies so much that they asked for the recipe. The server said it would cost “two fifty,” which the woman assumed meant $2.50. But when her credit card bill arrived, she was shocked to see she was charged $250.
Feeling scammed, she decided to get even by sharing the recipe far and wide so everyone could enjoy the cookies for free.
While Neiman Marcus has confirmed that this story is just a myth (and that they didn’t even sell chocolate chip cookies at the time the legend first surfaced), the company eventually released a now-famous recipe of their own as a playful nod to the tale.
And yes, it’s free!
The Neiman Marcus $250 Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Here’s the recipe Neiman Marcus released to the public… and spoiler alert: it’s absolutely worth trying.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened (or butter substitute)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (or egg substitute)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder (optional but recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans, optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with the brown sugar and white sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir in the espresso powder (if using), chocolate chips, and nuts until evenly combined.
- Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
What Makes These Cookies Special?
The secret ingredient in this recipe is the espresso powder. While it doesn’t make the cookies taste like coffee, it enhances the richness of the chocolate. Combined with the buttery dough, slightly crisp edges, and chewy center, this cookie recipe has stood the test of time.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not you believe the $250 story, there’s no denying that the cookies are worth sharing. In fact, passing the recipe along is half the fun. It’s a little taste of urban legend you can bake at home.
So next time you’re craving something sweet, whip up a batch of Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies and treat yourself to a bite of cookie folklore.
