Picture a cozy afternoon, the aroma of baked goods wafting through the kitchen. You open the oven door to reveal a tray of cookies that are not just any cookies, but a decadent blend of sweet and savory that will spark joy in every bite. Marry Me Cookies, featuring crisp edges and a warm, chewy center, bring together the unexpected combination of caramel, chocolate, and crumbled bacon. These cookies are the perfect treat for gathering friends and family around the table, and they just might win your heart – or someone else’s!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Marry Me Cookies are what happens when you let your sweet and savory cravings collide. The richness of the brown sugar and buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the crunchy bacon bits, creating a taste sensation you simply can’t resist. Each bite offers a delightful blend of textures: the soft, chewy center with a subtle crunch from the bacon and caramel bits. It’s a cookie that surprises, satisfies, and is destined to become a favorite.
Ingredients Needed For Marry Me Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter (225 g): Opt for unsalted so you can control the saltiness of your cookies. Brown it for a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (200 g): This sugar brings a depth of flavor, moisture, and that classic caramel taste that you crave in a cookie.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (135 g): A little bit of granulated sugar helps achieve that perfect sweetness and helps cookies spread a bit while baking.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Room temperature eggs blend in more smoothly for a nicely mixed dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor—it’s worth the difference!
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (340 g): This forms the structure of your cookies. Be sure to spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: This ingredient enhances the chewiness by helping to retain moisture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: It helps the cookies rise a bit, creating a lighter texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This provides leavening and helps the cookies spread appropriately.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling, optional): This adds a delightful finishing touch, creating a contrast between sweet and salty.
- 2/3 cup caramel bits or chopped caramels: These melt beautifully in the oven and give pockets of gooey sweetness.
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate bar (finely chopped): The chocolate adds richness and depth; chop it finely for even distribution throughout the dough.
- 1/2 heaping cup crumbled bacon (about 5 slices): Use crispy bacon for added texture. The smokiness complements the sweetness of caramel and chocolate wonderfully.
How to Make Marry Me Cookies
- Brown your butter: Place the unsalted butter in a medium-sized saucepan and melt it over medium/low heat. Once melted, increase the heat and stir constantly until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Pour it into a heatproof bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: Once the butter has cooled, mix in both sugars, the room temperature eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add the extras: Fold in the caramel bits, chopped chocolate, and crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
- Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Marry Me Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own or served alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. For a richer dessert experience, consider sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between two cookies. They also make a charming centerpiece for gatherings or celebrations—just watch them disappear!
How to Store Marry Me Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls for later baking—just make sure to separate them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips to Make Marry Me Cookies
- Experiment with bacon: If you’re not a bacon lover, try substituting with crispy bits of toffee or crushed pretzels for additional crunch.
- Chocolate options: Feel free to use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of semisweet for a different flavor profile.
- Caramel tips: Give your cookies an extra treat by stuffing them with a bit of extra caramel right before baking!
Variations and Substitutions
- Add nuts: Try adding pecans or walnuts for an extra crunchy texture.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Vegan option: Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute and flax eggs in place of the regular eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bacon bits instead of real bacon?
Yes! Pre-packaged bacon bits can save time, but for the best flavor, freshly cooked and crumbled bacon is highly recommended.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. They can be frozen for several months.
How can I make these cookies softer?
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and consider adding an extra egg yolk to the mix for added moisture.
What can I use instead of caramel bits?
Chopped chocolate-covered caramels or even butterscotch chips can work as flavorful substitutions.
With their sweet and salty surprise, Marry Me Cookies are bound to become a cherished recipe in your baking arsenal. Enjoy the cozy experience of baking and savoring these delightful treats!
Marry Me Cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness.
- 1 cup light brown sugar Provides moisture and caramel flavor.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps cookies spread.
- 2 large eggs Use room temperature for better mixing.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Use pure extract for best flavor.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch Enhances chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Provides leavening.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
Mix-ins
- 2/3 cup caramel bits or chopped caramels Melts to create gooey pockets.
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate bar (finely chopped) Adds richness.
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon Use crispy bacon for better texture.
Finishing Touch
- flaky sea salt Optional for sprinkling.
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown your butter in a saucepan over medium/low heat until golden brown and nutty.
- Pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the cooled butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
Combining Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in caramel bits, chopped chocolate, and crumbled bacon.
Baking
- Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls on prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
