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!

Marry Me Bars in a white pan with a bar removed on a wooden table from overhead.
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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.
Close up of Marry Me Bars cut into bars on a wooden table from overhead.

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.

Stack of Marry Me Bars that is stacked three high and shows texture of bars.

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 cut into bars on a wooden table from overhead.
5 from 1 vote

Marry Me Bars

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Marry Me Bars are soft dessert bars made with browned butter and loaded with both white and semi-sweet chocolate chips. 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.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 ยผ cups (250 g) light brown sugar
  • ยฝ 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
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon baking soda
  • ยผ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (168 g) white chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons reserved for topping
  • 1 cup (168 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons reserved for topping

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 325ยฐF. 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, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Mix until combined.
  • Gently fold in the most of the white chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving about 2 tablespoons of each 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.

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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!

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Meet Amanda Rettke

Amanda Rettke is the creator of I Am Baker, and the bestselling author of Surprise Inside Cakes: Amazing Cakes for Every Occasion โ€“ With a Little Something Extra Inside.Over the course of her 15+ year blogging adventure, she has been featured in and collaborated with the Food Network, New York Times, LA Times, Country Living Magazine, People Magazine, Epicurious, Brides, Romantic Homes, life:beautiful, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Mail, Star Tribune, The Globe and Mail, DailyCandy, YumSugar, The Knot, The Kitchn, and Parade, to name a few.

Reader Comments

  1. I made these โ€œMarry Me โ€œ squares as a substitute for fudge brownies that I took to a party. I have to sayโ€ฆ once the guests tasted my offering โ€ฆ my platter was empty within 15 min !! Many asking for the recipe or promises from me to share it .

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