If you’ve ever wanted the perfect cookie recipe that makes everyone swoon, Marry Me Cookies are your answer. These buttery, chewy, golden cookies are packed with white chocolate chips, toasted pecans, and jewel-toned dried cranberries for a dreamy bite every single time. Whether you bake them for a holiday exchange, sharing at a cozy gathering, or just because you crave something outrageously delicious, this recipe guarantees love at first taste. Get ready for a cookie that will inspire marriage proposals—or at the very least, a lot of happy smiles!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Marry Me Cookies is how each ingredient works a little bit of magic. Familiar basics are elevated by a few stand-out mix-ins that give these cookies unmatched flavor and irresistible texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Be sure it’s room temperature for easy creaming, lending rich flavor and tenderness to every cookie.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): This gives the cookies a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep them moist.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): For just the right level of sweetness and that perfectly soft chew.
- Large eggs (2): These bind everything together for a cohesive, rich dough.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): The touch of vanilla really brings out the warmth of the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Your structure and base for the perfect cookie bite.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives just the right amount of lift so the cookies don’t go flat.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup): Creamy pops of sweetness add that bakery-worthy taste.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Pecans bring toasty crunch and a hint of buttery, nutty flavor.
- Dried cranberries (3/4 cup): Tart, chewy, and colorful; these little gems are the secret to what makes Marry Me Cookies really unforgettable.
How to Make Marry Me Cookies
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and no sticking, setting you up for cookie success from the start.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and beat until everything looks light and fluffy—this step creates air pockets that result in a soft, chewy texture within your Marry Me Cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will add that signature warm aroma and flavor that makes these cookies so crave-worthy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. You’ll want to avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft and tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Goodies
Now the fun begins: gently fold in the white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries. These are the heart of Marry Me Cookies, giving every bite a mix of creamy, crunchy, and tangy-sweet delight.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepped baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft—don’t overbake if you want irresistible chewiness!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief resting time helps the cookies set up just right, so every Marry Me Cookie stays soft and luscious.
How to Serve Marry Me Cookies
Garnishes
Make your Marry Me Cookies extra gorgeous by sprinkling a few extra white chocolate chips or chopped pecans over the tops while they’re still warm, or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a bakery-inspired finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert combo. If you’re serving at a party, a fruit platter or coffee bar makes an elegant spread alongside your cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering Marry Me Cookies in a clear jar tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift, stacking them on tiered trays for a cookie buffet, or sending them in treat bags for party favors or wedding showers—these cookies are a show-stopper however you serve them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Marry Me Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Pop a slice of bread in the container if you want to keep them extra soft—it really works!
Freezing
Both the baked cookies and raw dough freeze beautifully. Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. For dough, shape into balls, freeze on a tray, then stash in a freezer bag until you’re ready for fresh-baked cookie magic whenever you crave it.
Reheating
If you like your Marry Me Cookies warm and gooey, just pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Frozen cookies can thaw at room temperature, or be warmed gently in a low oven for a freshly-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts or dried fruit in Marry Me Cookies?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews all work beautifully, and you can swap in dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots for a different twist on this beloved classic.
Why should I chill the dough before baking?
Chilling helps the dough firm up so your Marry Me Cookies bake thicker and chewier. It also lets the flavors meld for an even richer cookie experience—30 minutes in the fridge is perfect if you have time.
Can I make Marry Me Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and check your other ingredients for cross-contamination. Expect a slightly different texture, but still a delicious result.
How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter isn’t too warm and, if needed, chill the dough before baking. Using parchment and avoiding overmixing the dough also helps create those beautifully soft, slightly thick Marry Me Cookies.
Are Marry Me Cookies good for holiday gifting?
They’re perfect! The festive colors from cranberries and the decadence of white chocolate make them a holiday favorite. Just pack them in cute tins or bags and get ready for lots of happy gratitude.
Final Thoughts
For a cookie that delivers a big wow-factor and comfort in every bite, Marry Me Cookies truly have it all. Bake them for someone special—or just for yourself—because everyone deserves a treat this irresistible. Once you’ve tried them, I bet you’ll agree: these are the ultimate cookie to fall in love with!
Print
Marry Me Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Marry Me Cookies are a delightful combination of white chocolate, pecans, and dried cranberries in a soft and chewy cookie. Perfect for holiday baking or any time you crave a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
- Bake the cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but soft.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies freeze well and can be made in advance.
- Swap cranberries for cherries or raisins if desired.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
