M\&M’s Brownies Recipe
If you’re craving a brownie moment that brings both nostalgia and a pop of fun, say hello to M&M’s Brownies. These chewy, chocolate-packed squares truly deliver on every front: a glossy, fudgelike top, a tender crumb, and those bursts of melting chocolate layered with rainbow-crunchy candies. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, bringing treats to the office, or simply need an after-dinner pick-me-up, this recipe works magic with hardly any fuss. Trust me, M&M’s Brownies are always a crowd-pleaser—and soon enough, you’ll have everyone asking for the secret!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of M&M’s Brownies is all about a short yet powerful lineup of pantry staples, each playing a vital role in the rich texture and warming, chocolatey flavor. Let’s break down why every ingredient matters (and how they make these brownies so irresistible).
- Unsalted butter (melted): Lends that signature fudgy bite and an indulgently rich flavor—don’t skip melting for smoothest mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Not only sweetens, but also creates that irresistible crackly brownie top.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure for the perfect tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the chocolaty notes with a mellow, aromatic warmth.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives these M&M’s Brownies their deep, chocolate flavor without making them overly sweet.
- All-purpose flour: A little goes a long way for just the right amount of body, keeping everything dense but not heavy.
- Salt: Makes all the other flavors pop—a tiny pinch does wonders!
- Baking powder: Lifts the batter just slightly so the brownies don’t get too dense.
- Mini M&M’s (plus extra for topping): Our not-so-secret ingredient for crunch, color, and those melty chocolate puddles in every bite.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): Highly recommended if you love even more pockets of gooey chocolate.
How to Make M&M’s Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Heat the Oven
Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give an 8×8-inch baking pan a good greasing, or line it neatly with parchment paper. This makes it a breeze to lift out your brownies for perfect, clean squares (and less mess). Don’t skip this step; it makes all the difference in easy removal!
Step 2: Whisk the Butter and Sugar
Pour your melted butter and sugar into a large mixing bowl, then whisk them until fully blended. You’ll notice the mixture turning thick and glossy—that’s exactly what you want. This step creates that shiny, delicate top that sets M&M’s Brownies apart.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in your eggs and drizzle in the vanilla extract, then whisk again until the batter is completely smooth and just a little lighter in color. This really brings the batter together and helps lock in that fudgy texture that sets these brownies apart.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful here—stir just until the dry streaks disappear. Overmixing means cakey brownies, and we want these M&M’s Brownies to stay wonderfully fudgy!
Step 5: Add the M&M’s and Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mini M&M’s and chocolate chips (if using) until just distributed. The batter will look thick and glossy, dotted with color and gems of chocolate. Save a few M&M’s for topping if you love a dramatic finish!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, then scatter the reserved M&M’s over the top for the ultimate bake shop look. Pop into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes—closer to 20 for super fudgy brownies, or nearer 25 if you want a slightly cakier crumb. Check with a toothpick: a few moist crumbs is the sign you’ve nailed it.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan so they set up well and are easy to slice. Lift out with the parchment (if used), and cut into generous squares. Admire those bright pops of color (and resist the urge to snag one before they’re fully cooled—if you can!).
How to Serve M&M’s Brownies
Garnishes
Take your M&M’s Brownies over the top with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of extra M&M’s, or a gentle drizzle of melted chocolate. For parties, try sprinkles or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to play up the colors and flavors!
Side Dishes
Pair a warm brownie with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort combo, or serve alongside fresh berries to cut through the richness with a burst of tartness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of gelato turns these M&M’s Brownies into a decadent dessert worthy of any celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut brownies with fun cookie cutters for festive shapes, layer squares into a parfait glass with whipped cream and fruit, or stack mini bites on a tiered dessert stand. For a birthday, wrap individually in parchment with a bow—M&M’s Brownies make irresistible party favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay moist and chewy, and sometimes, the chocolate flavor deepens as they rest—assuming you can resist that long!
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap the squares individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or zap for a few seconds in the microwave when a craving strikes.
Reheating
Want that fresh-from-the-oven warmth? Microwave a brownie square for 10 to 15 seconds to revive the gooey chocolate chips and soften the center. Top with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate after-school treat or quick dessert!
FAQs
Can I use regular M&M’s or other flavors?
Absolutely! Swap in regular, peanut, or even seasonal M&M’s for your M&M’s Brownies to suit holidays, color themes, or personal favorites—the brownies will bake up just as deliciously.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
You’re aiming for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. That’s how you get fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth M&M’s Brownies every time.
Why do I need to let the brownies cool before cutting?
Cooling allows the brownies to set, making it easier to slice clean, picture-perfect squares instead of a crumbly mess. This patience really pays off with gorgeous M&M’s Brownies.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Watch the baking time—you may need a few extra minutes, but keep your eye on the center and test with a toothpick.
What makes my brownies dry instead of fudgy?
Typically, overbaking or using too much flour can dry out your brownies. Stick to the recommended measurements and check for doneness early for moist M&M’s Brownies every time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you bake them for birthdays, school lunches, or simply treating yourself, these M&M’s Brownies are pure joy to make and share. Try them out for your next special occasion—or just because—and watch those colorful bites disappear!
Print
M&M’s Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent M&M’s brownies that are rich, fudgy, and loaded with colorful candy-coated chocolates. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, beat until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in M&M’s and chocolate chips. Pour batter into the pan, sprinkle extra M&M’s on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, bake closer to 20 minutes.
- Experiment with different M&M varieties for fun twists.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
