Why are they called "Marry Me" Cookies?

These cookies earned their name because they're so delicious that serving them to someone might just prompt a marriage proposal! The combination of browned butter, two types of chocolate, and the perfect chewy texture makes them irresistible enough to inspire lifelong commitment.

Can I make these cookies without browning the butter?

While you can use melted butter instead of browned butter, you'll miss out on the distinctive nutty flavor that makes these cookies special. The brown butter step only takes about 7 minutes and makes a world of difference in the final taste.

Why does the recipe use one whole egg plus two egg yolks?

This specific egg combination creates a richer dough with a chewier texture. The extra yolks add fat and emulsifiers that result in cookies that stay soft longer and have a more tender bite than cookies made with whole eggs alone.

My cookies spread too much! What went wrong?

The most common reason is not chilling the dough long enough. Make sure your dough is properly chilled before baking. Another possibility is too little flour—be sure to measure correctly. Lastly, check that your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.

Marry Me Cookies Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Name: Marry Me Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 7 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks); 1 1⁄4 cups packed light brown sugar; 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 large egg yolks; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 cup old-fashioned oats; 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda; 3⁄4 teaspoon salt; 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped nuts, optional

These incredible Marry Me Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy, nutty, and chocolate-packed indulgence that might just inspire a proposal! With browned butter, two types of chocolate chips, and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies have a rich, complex flavor that makes them irresistibly special. Whether you’re baking for someone you love or simply treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brown Butter Magic: The nuttiness from brown butter elevates these cookies from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Texture Heaven: The combination of all-purpose flour and oats creates cookies with perfectly crisp edges and chewy centers.
Double Chocolate Goodness: White chocolate and semisweet chocolate chips provide delightful contrast in every bite.
Customizable: Add nuts for extra texture or keep them simple – either way, they’re fantastic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Unsalted Butter: The star of the show – we’ll brown it to create a deep, nutty flavor that makes these cookies special.
Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a rich molasses flavor that complements the browned butter perfectly.
Granulated Sugar: Works with brown sugar to create the perfect texture and sweetness balance.
Eggs: One whole egg plus two yolks creates an incredibly soft, rich texture that stays chewy for days.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds warmth to the cookies.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies – measure it properly for the best results.
Old-Fashioned Oats: Adds wonderful texture and a subtle nuttiness that complements the browned butter.
Baking Soda: Just enough for a slight rise without making the cookies cakey.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon: A hint of warmth that pairs beautifully with browned butter and chocolate.
White Chocolate Chips: Adds creamy sweetness and visual contrast.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Provides depth and richness to balance the white chocolate.
Chopped Nuts: Optional but fantastic for adding texture and complementary flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make these cookies your own? Try these delicious twists:

Dark Chocolate Lover’s Version: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks for an intense chocolate experience.
Dried Fruit Addition: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet-tart contrast.
Spice It Up: Double the cinnamon and add a pinch of nutmeg for a more pronounced spice profile.
Salted Caramel: Add caramel bits and finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking.

How to Make Marry Me Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it foams, then turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine brown and white sugars. Add the browned butter and whisk by hand until smooth and well blended. Refrigerate this mixture for 10-15 minutes to cool.

Step 3: Complete the Wet Mixture

After cooling, add the egg, egg yolks, and vanilla to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Create the Dough

Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently stir with a spatula until mostly combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients, both types of chocolate chips, and nuts (if using). Fold everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Portion the cookie dough into 2-tablespoon balls using a cookie scoop. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet (they can be close together at this stage), cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a second baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chilled dough balls between two sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underdone.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets until firm enough to handle, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown Butter Carefully: Watch the butter closely as it browns—it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. The butter is ready when it smells nutty and has amber-colored flecks.
Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling steps! This develops flavor and prevents over-spreading.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup to avoid dense cookies.
Chocolate Chip Trick: Reserve a handful of each type of chocolate chip to press into the tops of the dough balls before baking for picture-perfect cookies.
Underbake Slightly: For that perfect chewy center, take the cookies out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone.

How to Serve

These cookies shine in so many settings:

With Beverages:

Pair with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a dessert wine for special occasions.

As Gifts:

Stack in a beautiful tin or package them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon—they make wonderful homemade gifts.

For Special Occasions:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an extraordinary dessert sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

The dough balls freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze them solid on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To refresh stored cookies, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Why are they called “Marry Me” Cookies?

These cookies earned their name because they’re so delicious that serving them to someone might just prompt a marriage proposal! The combination of browned butter, two types of chocolate, and the perfect chewy texture makes them irresistible enough to inspire lifelong commitment.
Can I make these cookies without browning the butter?

While you can use melted butter instead of browned butter, you’ll miss out on the distinctive nutty flavor that makes these cookies special. The brown butter step only takes about 7 minutes and makes a world of difference in the final taste.
Why does the recipe use one whole egg plus two egg yolks?

This specific egg combination creates a richer dough with a chewier texture. The extra yolks add fat and emulsifiers that result in cookies that stay soft longer and have a more tender bite than cookies made with whole eggs alone.
My cookies spread too much! What went wrong?

The most common reason is not chilling the dough long enough. Make sure your dough is properly chilled before baking. Another possibility is too little flour—be sure to measure correctly. Lastly, check that your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.

Final Thoughts

These Marry Me Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re an experience worth sharing with someone special. The time you invest in browning the butter and chilling the dough pays off tremendously in flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking to impress someone new, celebrating with loved ones, or simply treating yourself, these cookies deliver satisfaction in every bite. Go ahead—preheat that oven and prepare for cookie magic!