Christmas Countdown | The Neiman Marcus Cookie

Though this recipe isn't specifically a Christmas cookie recipe, It is a Christmastime staple in our house. As usual, I have tweaked the recipe just a smidgen, using apple butter in place of the egg. What can I say, I like to experiment. It's equal parts sweet and richly bold, with a touch of warmth. Hopefully you will love it just as much as I do!

You will need:

• 1/2 cup ( one stick ) butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup of apple butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 Tsp instant expresso powder ( or favorite instant coffee )

Preparation 


Preheat oven to 325˚

In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. 

With a hand mixer, blend together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 30 seconds, until the mixture is fluffy. Beat in the apple butter and vanilla until well combined, about 30 seconds. Add in flour mixture a little bit at a time, and beat on slow speed until well blended. Beat in expresso powder, about 15 seconds, and fold in the chocolate chips.

On a prepared cookie sheet, drop the cookie dough onto the cookie sheet in dollops about 2 inches apart, using a 2 tablespoon measure ( or a good old spoon out of the drawer ) Transfer to the oven and  bake for about 20 minutes or until the cookies are slightly browned around the edges. For chewier cookies, bake for 15 minutes.

Apple butter in the Neiman Markus cookie? I know it sounds odd, but, it adds a little warmth in the undertones of the cookie that makes it just a bit more special. Give it a try! It's easy to make and abundant in sweet, rich flavor. Enjoy!

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