M&M’s brownies are a rich and fudgy dessert studded with colorful M&M’s for a fun and irresistible treat. Perfect for parties, birthdays, or satisfying your sweet tooth, these brownies combine the classic chocolatey goodness of brownies with the crunch and sweetness of M&M’s candy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and fudgy: Dense, chocolatey brownies with a soft, chewy texture.
- Fun and colorful: M&M’s add a pop of color and crunch.
- Kid-friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Use seasonal M&M’s for holiday-themed brownies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Salt
- M&M’s (regular or mini)
Directions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the butter and chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add the M&M’s:
- Gently fold in half of the M&M’s, reserving the rest for the top.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved M&M’s over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 12-16 brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Peanut butter twist: Use peanut butter M&M’s for a nutty flavor.
- Holiday-themed: Swap regular M&M’s for seasonal varieties to match the occasion.
- Extra chocolatey: Add chocolate chunks or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Nutty crunch: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Storage
- Room temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Freeze brownies tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, dark chocolate adds a deeper flavor, but the brownies may be slightly less sweet.
2. What size pan works best?
An 8×8-inch pan produces thick, fudgy brownies. Use a 9×13-inch pan for thinner brownies, adjusting the bake time accordingly.
3. Can I make these brownies without cocoa powder?
Yes, omit the cocoa powder and slightly reduce the butter for a lighter flavor.
4. How do I ensure the brownies stay moist?
Avoid overbaking—check for doneness when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
5. Can I add other candies?
Yes, Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, or chopped candy bars work well.
6. How do I cut neat squares?
Cool the brownies completely and use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping between cuts.
7. Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, replace the butter with an equal amount of vegetable or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
8. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
Substitute with an equal amount of granulated sugar, but the flavor may be less rich.
9. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time to 35-40 minutes.
Conclusion
M&M’s brownies are a delicious, fun dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a birthday party, potluck, or cozy night in, these rich and colorful treats are sure to bring smiles. Customize them to match any occasion, and enjoy the perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and candy crunch!
Print
M&M’s Brownies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These M&M’s Brownies are rich, fudgy, and loaded with colorful candy-coated chocolate. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a sweet treat for the family, they combine the classic brownie texture with the crunch and sweetness of M&M’s for a delightful dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until fully combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold gently into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add the M&M’s:
- Fold 1 cup of M&M’s into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra M&M’s on top for decoration.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use peanut butter or caramel M&M’s for a flavor twist.
- For extra fudginess, reduce baking time slightly, or for more cake-like brownies, bake a few minutes longer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.