If you’re looking for a cookie that’s bound to capture hearts (and cravings), let me introduce you to Marry Me Cookies. These golden, chewy delights are studded with creamy white chocolate, tart dried cranberries, and rich pecans, all nestled in a buttery dough with a hint of caramel thanks to brown sugar. Whether you’re baking for a loved one, a holiday, or just need something sweet to brighten your week, this recipe delivers incredible flavor and a tender texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Marry Me Cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re a declaration of deliciousness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With Marry Me Cookies, the magic comes from a few classic ingredients working in perfect harmony. Each one is there for a reason, adding to the flavor, texture, or appearance—so don’t skip anything unless you’re swapping for a dietary need!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The creamy base of the dough gives a rich, tender crumb and helps cookies stay soft.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that makes the cookies extra irresistible.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and helps the edges crisp just enough.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and provides just the right structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors of every other ingredient; don’t skimp on good vanilla!
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Creates the perfect cookie texture—chewy but never doughy.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise just right and develop a lightly golden edge.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness, brightens flavors, and ensures the cookies don’t taste flat.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Sweet, melty pockets that contrast beautifully with the tart cranberries.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Add a buttery crunch and nutty warmth; substitute walnuts or omit for nut allergies.
- Dried cranberries (1/3 cup): Tart, chewy bites that cut through the sweetness for a perfect balance.
How to Make Marry Me Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step not only makes cleanup a breeze later, but it also ensures the Marry Me Cookies bake evenly and lift off the tray without sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Take a few minutes to really cream these until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process gives the cookies their tender texture and helps create those heavenly chewy centers.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then beat until everything is smoothly incorporated. These two ingredients add rich flavor and structure, turning that fluffy sugar-butter blend into the perfect dough base for Marry Me Cookies.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients on the side helps evenly distribute the baking soda and salt, ensuring you don’t end up with pockets of either in your finished cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to your creamed mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here—stop as soon as you don’t see any more flour. This keeps your cookies soft and prevents any tough, dry spots.
Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries. This is where Marry Me Cookies start to really shine! Every bite should have a little of everything for the perfect medley of sweet, tart, and crunchy.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to scoop even balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are a delicate golden brown and the centers appear just set. Watch them closely toward the end—they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully moving them to a wire rack. This resting time lets them set up beautifully, so you get that amazing chewy texture Marry Me Cookies are known for. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
How to Serve Marry Me Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Marry Me Cookies by drizzling them with a little extra melted white chocolate or giving them a light dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra pop of color and festive touch, a sprinkle of chopped dried cranberries on top can make these cookies just as stunning on the platter as they are delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cozy mug of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. On special occasions, Marry Me Cookies look beautiful set out alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a plate of assorted cheeses if you want a blend of sweet and savory bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack a few of these cookies into clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for thoughtful edible gifts; they’re always a hit at holiday parties and bridal showers. For family gatherings, stack Marry Me Cookies in a rustic jar with a handwritten tag—they practically invite everyone to take one. Arrange on a dessert tier for added height and drama if you’re serving guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the Marry Me Cookies are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days—if they even last that long! Slip a slice of bread into the container to help keep them extra soft.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze these cookies (or even the dough). To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely and layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. For dough, scoop and freeze balls individually, then store in a bag to bake fresh whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
If you love a warm, just-baked treat, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore that soft, melty texture. Frozen cookies can thaw at room temperature or warm up in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes—either way, Marry Me Cookies taste delicious!
FAQs
Can I make Marry Me Cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the pecans or swap them for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if you want a little crunch without nuts. The cookies will still be wonderfully chewy and flavorful.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
If you notice your cookies spreading too thin, make sure your butter isn’t melted (just softened) and consider chilling the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking. Lining your pan with parchment also helps cookies hold their shape.
Can I substitute other dried fruits for cranberries?
Yes, you can! Dried cherries or even chopped dried apricots work beautifully in Marry Me Cookies. Just use the same amount and chop any larger fruit into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
Look for light golden edges and centers that are just set (they’ll look slightly underbaked). The cookies continue to cook a bit as they cool, so pull them from the oven as soon as they look right—they’ll be soft but firm up as they rest.
Are Marry Me Cookies good for gifting?
They are fantastic for gifts! Packaged in a cute tin or a cellophane bag, these cookies stay chewy and delicious for days and always impress with their flavor and festive look. They travel well and make thoughtful homemade presents.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up a batch of Marry Me Cookies—they truly have a magical way of bringing smiles and sparking joy. Whether you’re wooing a special someone or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to win hearts (and tastebuds) every time. Happy baking!
Print
Marry Me Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Marry Me Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Packed with white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, these cookies are sure to win over anyone’s heart.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F 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.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
- Bake: Drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
- These cookies freeze well and are perfect for gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
