Marry Me Bars are soft dessert bars made with browned butter and loaded with both white and semi-sweet chocolate chips, oats, and cinnamon! If you are waiting for that proposal, may I suggest offering these bars?!? All kidding aside, these are such a delicious treat that is really elevated in flavor by browning butter. They are based on my popular Marry Me Cookies, which you will also want to try, even if you are already married!
This is the pan I used above, I love it! (affiliate link)
Marry Me Bars Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
- Butter: Browning the unsalted butter does make a difference when it comes to flavor in these bars. It is worth the extra few minutes, for sure. If using salted butter, you may want to lessen the amount of salt in the dough.
- Sugars: I used a little more light brown sugar than granulated sugar for added chewiness and flavor.
- Oats: Old-fashioned oats, also called rolled oats, give the bars a little extra texture. Quick oats can also be used, but there might be a slight difference in texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Both white chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips are added to the bars. Feel free to use all of one kind if preferred. Or, try the bars with peanut butter or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile. No matter what kind you use, reserve a few to sprinkle over the top of the bars before baking.
Can I Make These Bars Without Browning the Butter?
Yes, you can make the bars without browning the butter, but it will change the flavor a bit. The bars will still be delicious, though. If you do skip browning the butter, just melt the butter and continue with the recipe as written.
Can I Make The Dough Ahead Of Time?
Yes. Preparing the dough for the bars ahead of time can save you time when you’re ready to bake. After mixing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to bake the bars, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to work with.
How To Store Marry Me Bars
Marry Me Bars can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or freezer.
Room Temperature: Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container. They will last up to 2-3 days.
To Refrigerate: If preferred, you can store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 5-7 days.
To Freeze: For even longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them individually or in layers with plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, frozen Marry Me bars can maintain their quality for about 2 to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the desired number of bars to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw gradually.
Marry Me Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cups (250 g) light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (256 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (90 g) old-fashioned oats
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (168 g) white chocolate chips
- 1 cup (168 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter to create browned butter. It will begin to foam, which signals the water in the butter is boiling off. Watch closely at this stage. Tiny brown specs of milk solids will begin to appear at the bottom of the pan. Constantly stir and scrape these off using a spatula so they don’t stick. As soon as the butter turns chestnut brown and smells nutty, remove the pan from the heat. (This takes about 6-7 minutes.)
- Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the warm pan and stir until the sugars are incorporated and smooth. Place the mixture into the refrigerator to chill for 10 minutes.
- While the mixture is chilling, preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- After the brown butter mixture has cooled slightly, remove it from the refrigerator. Add it to a large bowl. Stir in the eggs and vanilla.
- Add the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until combined.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving about 2 tablespoons for the topping.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Press evenly into the pan using a spatula or your fingertips. Top with the reserved chocolate chips.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. (The top may appear slightly wet, but that is okay. Do not overbake.) Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
These marry me bars are irresistible! The combination of white and semi-sweet chocolate chips adds a perfect balance of sweetness to the buttery, oat-filled base. I can't stop at just one.
Elizabeth
These bars were good, but I am not a huge fan of white chocolate chips. If I substitute peanut butter chips, I know I will love them!
Bella
I'm in love with these marry me bars! They strike the perfect balance between chewy and crunchy, with just the right amount of sweetness from the two types of chocolate chips.
Annabelle
These bars are good, but they're not my favorite. I find them a bit too sweet for my taste. However, they're still a solid option for those with a sweet tooth.
Selena
These bars are pure heaven! The buttery oat base is complemented perfectly by the melty white and semi-sweet chocolate chips. They're like a hug in dessert form!
Yum!!! Already married. 50 years! June 8!!
Happy belated Anniversary!