We’ve always been fans of the legendary Neiman Marcus Brownies, a decadent chocolate treat that originated from the iconic department store’s kitchens. These brownies blend rich flavors and a gooey texture that’ll transport you to a world of indulgence, making them perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.
In our recipe, we’ve simplified the classic while keeping that signature luxury. Join us as we guide you through creating this timeless dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. It’s easier than you think to bake up a batch of pure bliss.
Ingredients
As we dive into our simplified recipe for Neiman Marcus Brownies, let’s gather the key ingredients that deliver their signature rich, gooey texture and luxurious chocolate flavor. We order them here as they’ll be used in the preparation process, with prep notes for accuracy.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened to room temperature for easy melting and mixing.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 ½ cups, melted to create the decadent base we love in these brownies.
- Granulated sugar: 2 cups, added after melting the butter and chocolate for the perfect sweetness balance.
- Large eggs: 4, beaten lightly before incorporating to ensure even binding.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, pure variety for enhanced flavor depth.
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups, sifted to avoid lumps when folding into the wet mixture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: ½ cup, high-quality for that intense chocolate profile.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to heighten the overall taste without overpowering.
- Chopped pecans: 1 cup (optional), toasted for a nutty crunch if you want to elevate our brownies further.
Required Equipment
Before we dive into preparing our Neiman Marcus Brownies, let’s gather the essential tools that make the process smooth and efficient. Having the right equipment ensures we achieve that perfect gooey texture and rich chocolate flavor without any hitches.
We recommend the following items, listed in the order they’ll be used during preparation:
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients separately. This helps maintain the batter’s consistency and prevents overmixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of standard measuring cups (for dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder) and spoons (for liquids like vanilla extract). Accurate measurements are key to replicating the brownies’ decadent taste.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: A rectangular metal or glass pan for baking the brownies evenly. Grease it well to ensure easy release and that signature fudgy edge.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: A sturdy whisk for blending the batter by hand, or an electric mixer for quicker results if you’re making a larger batch.
- Spatula: A silicone spatula for folding in ingredients and scraping down the sides of the bowl, ensuring every bit of our luxurious mixture is used.
- Oven: A conventional or convection oven preheated to the correct temperature—essential for that even bake that locks in the brownies’ irresistible moisture.
- Cooling Rack: Optional but highly recommended for allowing the brownies to cool uniformly, preventing sogginess and enhancing the final texture.
With these tools at hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly from measuring our ingredients to crafting a batch of these iconic treats.
Instructions
We guide you through crafting our Neiman Marcus Brownies with simple, precise steps that build on the ingredients and tools we’ve prepared, ensuring a decadent treat with that signature rich chocolate flavor and gooey center.
Prep
First, we preheat our oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking while we mix the batter. In a large mixing bowl, we melt 1 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips together in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring until smooth and glossy for that irresistible fudgy base.
Next, we whisk in 2 cups of granulated sugar until fully dissolved, followed by 4 large eggs one at a time for a velvety texture, and then 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the deep, aromatic notes.
We sift 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula to avoid overmixing and preserve the brownies’ moist crumb. If desired, fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans for added crunch.
Finally, we pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula to ensure uniform baking and that perfect gooey edge.
Bake
We place the prepared pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking at the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs for the ideal fudgy consistency, not completely clean.
Throughout baking, we monitor the aroma of rich chocolate filling our kitchen, pulling the pan out promptly at the right time to prevent overcooking and maintain the brownies’ signature decadent moisture.
Cool
Immediately after baking, we transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let the brownies cool for at least 1 hour at room temperature to set their structure and intensify the flavors.
Once cooled, we cut them into squares with a sharp knife, revealing the glossy top and tender interior that make our Neiman Marcus Brownies a luxurious favorite.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To keep our Neiman Marcus Brownies fresh and flavorful, we recommend planning ahead for convenience and proper storage to preserve their gooey texture and rich chocolate essence.
Making Ahead
We love the flexibility of making these brownies in advance, allowing you to enjoy their decadent fudgy center without last-minute hassle. Here’s how we suggest preparing them:
- Prepare the Batter Early: Mix the batter up to 24 hours before baking. After combining the wet and dry ingredients as outlined in our instructions, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This step helps the flavors meld, enhancing the brownies’ signature moist crumb.
- Bake and Cool in Advance: For longer planning, bake the brownies completely, then cool them on a rack for at least an hour as directed. Once cooled, wrap the uncut pan tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Simply reheat individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that irresistible warm, glossy top.
This approach ensures our Neiman Marcus Brownies retain their luxurious chocolate flavor and tender interior, making them perfect for events or busy schedules.
Storing Your Brownies
Proper storage is key to maintaining the brownies’ decadent texture and preventing them from drying out. We always emphasize using airtight containers to lock in freshness.
Below is a quick guide to storage options, complete with durations and tips for optimal results:
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days | Store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. This keeps the brownies soft and fudgy, ideal for enjoying their rich, gooey center. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Wrap individual squares or the whole pan in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container. Refrigeration helps preserve the chocolate’s deep flavor, but let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to regain that melt-in-your-mouth texture. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Freeze brownies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best results, ensuring the brownies emerge with their original glossy top and moist consistency intact. |
By following these storage guidelines, we ensure our Neiman Marcus Brownies stay as delightful as the day you baked them.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this decadent Neiman Marcus Brownies recipe with you as it’s a simple way to bring luxury to your kitchen. It’s perfect for creating memorable moments whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself.
Remember we’re here to inspire your baking adventures so dive in and enjoy the rich fudgy goodness that makes these brownies a timeless favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Neiman Marcus Brownies?
Neiman Marcus Brownies are a luxurious, gooey chocolate treat known for their rich flavor and fudgy texture. Originating from the famous department store, they’re perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence, featuring a decadent mix of chocolate, butter, and optional nuts.
What ingredients are needed for Neiman Marcus Brownies?
The key ingredients include unsalted butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, granulated sugar, large eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and optional chopped pecans. These simple items combine to create the brownies’ signature rich, moist texture.
What equipment is required to make Neiman Marcus Brownies?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a 9×13 inch baking pan, a whisk or electric mixer, a spatula, an oven, and a cooling rack. These tools ensure smooth preparation and help achieve the perfect fudgy edge and glossy top.
How do I prepare Neiman Marcus Brownies?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter and chocolate, mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then fold in dry ingredients. Pour batter into a greased pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool on a rack for at least an hour before cutting into squares for that ideal gooey consistency.
How long should I bake Neiman Marcus Brownies?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs for the perfect fudgy texture. Avoid overbaking to maintain the brownies’ signature moisture and shine.
Can I make Neiman Marcus Brownies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it to enhance flavors. You can also bake and cool the brownies, then store them wrapped in the fridge for up to two days or freeze for up to three months for later enjoyment.
How should I store Neiman Marcus Brownies?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature to keep them soft, fudgy, and fresh. This ensures maximum flavor for any occasion.