We’ve always been fans of the luxurious treats from Neiman Marcus, and their brownie recipe stands out as a chocolate lover’s dream. This decadent delight brings a touch of high-end elegance right to your kitchen, blending rich flavors that make every bite unforgettable.
Originating from the iconic department store, it’s packed with premium ingredients that elevate simple baking into something extraordinary. We’re excited to guide you through this easy yet impressive recipe, perfect for impressing friends and family.
Ingredients
In our Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe, we select premium, high-quality ingredients that elevate simple baking into a decadent masterpiece. Below, we list them in the order they’re used, with prep notes for precision and ease.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup (melted): We start with rich, creamy butter as the base for moisture and flavor, ensuring it’s melted and cooled slightly to blend seamlessly.
- Granulated sugar, 2 cups: Next, we add this fine sugar to create a perfect sweetness that balances the deep chocolate notes, promoting a glossy, crackly top.
- Large eggs, 4 (at room temperature): These provide structure and a fudgy texture; we recommend room-temperature eggs for better incorporation and a velvety result.
- Pure vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: We incorporate this aromatic extract early to infuse the batter with warm, luxurious vanilla undertones that enhance the overall richness.
- All-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups (sifted): Sifted for fluffiness, this flour goes in next to give our brownies their ideal chewy consistency without overwhelming the chocolate.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, ¾ cup (high-quality, like Dutch-processed): We use this premium cocoa for its intense, bold chocolate flavor, which defines the signature Neiman Marcus depth.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup: Added for gooey pockets of chocolate, these elevate the brownies to a gourmet level with their melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans, 1 cup (optional, toasted): Finally, we include toasted nuts for a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast, making the treat even more irresistible for those who enjoy texture.
This carefully curated list ensures our Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe delivers on rich, sensory indulgence—from the buttery aroma to the fudgy bite.
Required Tools and Equipment
To seamlessly transition from selecting our premium ingredients—like unsalted butter and unsweetened cocoa powder—for the Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe, we need the right tools to mix, bake, and perfect these decadent treats. Having the proper equipment ensures precise measurements, even baking, and that fudgy texture we crave, making our baking process efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools List
We’ll organize our tools by category for clarity, focusing on items used in sequence during preparation and baking. Here’s a detailed list:
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized stainless steel or glass bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients. We recommend one large bowl for the batter to avoid spills.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of dry measuring cups (1 cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, ¼ cup) and spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon) for accurate portioning of granulated sugar and pure vanilla extract.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: A sturdy whisk for blending eggs and sugar, or an electric hand mixer for quicker incorporation of butter and flour—opt for the mixer if we want a smoother batter.
- Spatula: A silicone spatula for folding in semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional toasted walnuts, ensuring we scrape the bowl cleanly without damaging nonstick surfaces.
- Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch rectangular metal pan for even heat distribution, which helps achieve that signature rich, fudgy center in our brownies.
- Parchment Paper or Grease: Non-stick parchment paper or cooking spray to line the pan, preventing our brownies from sticking and preserving their luxurious texture.
- Oven: A standard home oven preheated to the required temperature—ensure it’s accurate for consistent results.
- Cooling Rack: A wire rack to let the brownies cool evenly after baking, locking in that buttery aroma and preventing sogginess.
By using these tools, we elevate our Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe from simple mixing to professional-level baking, guaranteeing a sensory delight with every gooey bite.
Instructions
With our premium ingredients and essential tools at hand, we’re excited to guide you through crafting the decadent Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe, ensuring each step yields a rich, fudgy treat that’s sure to impress.
Prepare the Batter
First, preheat your oven to 350°F while we focus on mixing. In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of unsalted butter with 2 cups of granulated sugar using a whisk or electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—this creates a smooth base that locks in moisture for that signature fudgy texture.
Next, add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and enhance the brownies’ rise. Stir in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the flavor profile.
In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour and ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to ensure even distribution and remove lumps, then gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. This step keeps the batter silky and prevents overmixing, preserving the brownies’ tender crumb.
Finally, gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup of optional toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch and bursts of melted chocolate, resulting in a batter that promises a luxurious, nutty aroma and irresistible gooey centers as it bakes.
Bake the Brownies
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal, then pour the prepared batter evenly into the pan to ensure uniform baking.
Place the pan in the preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—this timing guarantees a perfect balance of soft, chewy edges and a molten interior without overcooking.
As the brownies bake, you’ll notice the irresistible scent of chocolate and vanilla filling your kitchen, signaling that our Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe is transforming into a glossy, crackly-topped masterpiece ready for cooling.
Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes to set their structure, allowing the rich flavors to intensify and the fudgy texture to firm up slightly.
After initial cooling, transfer the pan to the rack for an additional 1 to 2 hours until completely cool to the touch—this prevents crumbling and ensures clean cuts.
Using a sharp knife, cut the brownies into 16 equal squares for serving, revealing the glossy, chocolatey layers and nutty accents that make our Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe a standout dessert with every indulgent bite.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
As we wrap up our guide to creating the irresistible Neiman Marcus Brownies, let’s explore how to plan ahead and keep these fudgy, chocolate-rich treats at their peak. Proper make-ahead strategies and storage methods ensure that every bite retains its glossy layers, nutty accents, and buttery aroma, making it easy to impress guests even days later.
Make-Ahead Options
We recommend preparing Neiman Marcus Brownies in advance to save time without sacrificing quality. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Prepare the Batter Ahead: Mix the batter up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator to preserve its silky texture. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even rising and that signature gooey center.
- Bake and Cool First: Fully bake the brownies as instructed, then cool them completely on a rack. You can make them up to 2 days ahead—simply wrap the cooled pan tightly in plastic wrap or foil to lock in moisture and prevent the edges from drying out.
- Freeze Unbaked or Baked: For longer planning, freeze the unbaked batter in a lined pan for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Alternatively, freeze baked and cooled brownies for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy their decadent flavor whenever the craving hits.
Storage Guidelines
Storing Neiman Marcus Brownies properly helps maintain their fudgy texture and rich chocolate essence. Follow these tips to keep them fresh and sensory-delightful:
- Room Temperature Storage: Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the brownies soft and chewy, with the chocolate chips retaining their melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
- Refrigeration for Extended Freshness: For brownies with nuts or if your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. The cool environment preserves the nutty crunch and prevents any softening, but let them sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore that warm, fudgy sensation.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage: Wrap individual brownies or the entire batch in freezer-safe wrap, then place in a resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to capture the fresh-baked aroma and texture—thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to revive the glossy top.
To help you track storage durations effectively, we’ve compiled the key details in the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days | Use an airtight container to maintain chewiness and aroma. |
| Refrigeration | Up to 1 week | Ideal for nutty variations; avoid condensation by wrapping well. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Thaw slowly to preserve the fudgy center and rich flavors. |
By following these straightforward steps, we ensure your Neiman Marcus Brownies stay as extraordinary as when they first came out of the oven.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our take on the Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe with us. It’s more than just baking—it’s creating moments that linger with every rich, fudgy bite.
By trying this at home, you’ll discover how simple ingredients turn into luxurious treats we all crave. Let’s make it a staple in our kitchens and share the joy it brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe?
The Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe is a luxurious take on classic brownies, featuring high-end ingredients like unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, cocoa, chocolate chips, and optional nuts. It’s designed for easy baking that delivers rich, fudgy results, perfect for impressing guests with its decadent flavor and texture.
What ingredients are needed for the Neiman Marcus Brownies?
Key ingredients include unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large eggs, pure vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and optional toasted walnuts or pecans. These premium choices ensure a rich, moist brownie with a buttery aroma and fudgy bite, elevating simple baking to gourmet levels.
What tools are required to make these brownies?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk or electric mixer, spatula, baking pan, parchment paper or grease, an oven, and a cooling rack. These help achieve precise measurements and even baking, turning your kitchen into a pro setup for perfect, glossy brownies.
How do I prepare the Neiman Marcus Brownie batter?
Start by creaming butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Gradually fold in flour, cocoa, and chocolate chips for a silky batter. Use a whisk or mixer for even mixing, avoiding over-stirring to keep it fudgy. This step ensures a smooth, decadent base ready for baking.
How long should I bake the Neiman Marcus Brownies?
Bake in a greased pan at the specified oven temperature for about 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs and you smell that rich aroma. Watch closely to avoid over-baking, ensuring gooey centers and perfect edges for that signature fudgy texture.
Can I make the Neiman Marcus Brownies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance or bake and cool brownies up to 2 days ahead. For longer storage, freeze unbaked batter for up to a month or baked brownies for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh-tasting treats whenever you need them.
How should I store the Neiman Marcus Brownies?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Let refrigerated or frozen brownies thaw at room temperature before serving to maintain their rich flavor and fudgy texture.