If you’re craving a brownie that’s rich, fudgy, and bursting with colorful pops of chocolate, you’re going to absolutely adore this M&M’s Brownies Recipe. I remember the first time I baked these for a family gathering—let me just say, they disappeared faster than I could say “more please!” This recipe has the perfect balance of chewy texture and melty chocolate candies that make every bite feel like a celebration. Trust me, once you try these, your go-to brownie recipe will never be the same.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fudgy Texture: You’ll get that perfect balance between chewy and gooey that brownies dream about.
- Colorful Crunch: The M&M’s add a fun pop of sweetness and a little crunch that makes every bite special.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy tools or rare ingredients—just stuff you’ll likely already have or find easily.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap in nuts, different candy, or even some espresso powder for a twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this M&M’s Brownies Recipe works together to create that rich and indulgent flavor that you can’t help but go back for seconds. Pro tip: use good quality cocoa powder and fresh eggs for the best results.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt level precisely; plus, it melts beautifully for that creamy base.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Adds a deep chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the M&M’s.
- Light brown sugar: Gives moisture and a hint of caramel that keeps the brownies soft and rich.
- Granulated sugar: Balances texture and sweetness for the perfect chewiness.
- Large eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better for a smooth batter, helping with rise and texture.
- Dutch process cocoa powder: The star of the show for that intense chocolate taste.
- Salt: Just a pinch to amplify all those chocolatey notes.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth—you can’t skip this.
- All-purpose flour: Spoon and level it to avoid a dense, tough brownie.
- M&M chocolate candies: The fun ingredient that sparks joy and adds bursts of color and flavor.
Variations
I love that you can easily tweak this M&M’s Brownies Recipe to make it your own. Whether you’re feeling nutty or want an extra chocolate punch, there’s a way to switch things up that keeps the brownies just as irresistible.
- Nutty Addition: I often toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch—my family goes crazy for it.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirling in some peanut butter before baking adds richness and a playful flavor combo.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Espresso Boost: Adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder enhances the chocolate depth without making it coffee-flavored.
How to Make M&M’s Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Now, spray the bottom of an 8×8 inch pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper. Here’s a tip: let the parchment overhang on the sides by an inch or two—this makes lifting the brownies out after baking a breeze.
Step 2: Melt Butter, Chocolate, and Sugars
Set up a double boiler by filling a saucepan with a couple of inches of water and heating it over medium-low. Place a heat-safe bowl on top, making sure it doesn’t touch the water. Add butter, chopped semi-sweet chocolate, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir frequently until everything melts together into a glossy but slightly grainy mixture. I discovered this slow melting method keeps the chocolate silky and stops the sugar from crystallizing.
Step 3: Whisk In the Eggs
Remove the bowl from heat and let it cool just a bit so you don’t scramble your eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the batter lightens and shines. This step makes a big difference for that soft, velvety texture I love.
Step 4: Add Cocoa, Salt, and Vanilla
Stir in the Dutch-process cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract until everything’s combined. The salt here is subtle but essential—it makes all the chocolate flavors pop.
Step 5: Fold in the Flour
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour with a spatula just until you see a few streaks of flour left. I used to overmix this part and ended up with tougher brownies, so just be patient and stop once combined.
Step 6: Add M&M’s & Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Sprinkle the M&M’s evenly over the top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Here’s what I learned—you want to pull them out when edges are set, and a toothpick inserted about 2 inches from the side still has a few crumbs, not wet batter. Overbaking turns these from fudgy delights to cakey disappointments.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, set your pan on a wire rack to cool completely. This patience pays off because the brownies firm up and slice cleanly without crumbling. Use the parchment edges to carefully lift the whole batch out before cutting into squares.
Pro Tips for Making M&M’s Brownies Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Flour: Folding gently preserves the fudgy texture that makes these brownies irresistible.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: They incorporate more smoothly, giving you a silkier batter and better rise.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 45 minutes to avoid dry, cakey results.
- Parchment Paper Hack: Use extra-long edges so you can lift brownies out easily without breaking.
How to Serve M&M’s Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle a few extra M&M’s on top right after baking to keep things colorful and festive. Sometimes, I’ll dust just a little powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. It’s simple but really elevates the look.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk also complements the flavors perfectly!
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or special occasions, I like to cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a parchment-lined tray with colorful paper liners. It turns these simple brownies into party bites that everyone reaches for. You could even drizzle some melted white chocolate or caramel for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover brownies tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.
Freezing
Because these brownies freeze beautifully, I often slice them into squares, wrap each in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Whenever a chocolate craving strikes, I just thaw one or two at room temperature—it’s like having fresh brownies on demand!
Reheating
To warm up, pop brownies in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and livens up the M&M’s colors, making each bite feel like it’s straight out of the oven.
FAQs
-
Can I use different types of chocolate candies instead of M&M’s?
Absolutely! You can swap the M&M’s for chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or even chopped candy bars. Just keep in mind that some candies melt differently, which might change the texture slightly.
-
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Look for set edges and a toothpick inserted a couple inches from the edge coming out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. This usually happens around 45-50 minutes, but ovens vary, so keep an eye on them toward the end!
-
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for safety.
-
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
You sure can. Just double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Increase the baking time accordingly, but start checking around 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
-
What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?
Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and, for extra clean cuts, wipe the blade with a warm damp cloth between slices.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this M&M’s Brownies Recipe enough for anyone who loves a decadent, fun, and easy-to-make treat. It’s honestly one of those recipes that brings smiles and happy memories every time I make it. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, you’ll enjoy the rich chocolate flavor combined with those sweet M&M bursts. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a favorite in your baking arsenal just like it did in mine.
Print
M&M’s Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and fudgy M&M’s Brownies, combining smooth chocolate, buttery richness, and colorful M&M candies for a fun twist on a classic dessert. Perfectly baked to achieve a moist and shiny texture with a subtle crunch from the candy toppings, these brownies make an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 1/4 cups (285 g) unsalted butter
- 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (100 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cups (95 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
Topping
- 2/3 cup M&M chocolate candies
Instructions
- Prepare the baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the bottom of an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray and line it with parchment paper. Let the parchment hang over the sides by an inch or two to allow easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Melt Butter, Chocolate, and Sugars: Using a double boiler setup, melt the unsalted butter, semi-sweet chocolate, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. To do this, fill a medium saucepan with 2 inches of water and place it over medium-low heat. Place a heat-safe bowl over the pan ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Stir frequently until the mixture is melted and glossy but still grainy. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Add Eggs: Whisk the eggs into the cooled chocolate mixture one at a time, making sure each egg is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes lighter in color and smooth with a shiny finish.
- Mix Cocoa, Salt, and Vanilla: Stir the Dutch process cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract into the mixture until fully combined.
- Add Flour: Fold in the all-purpose flour gently using a large spatula, mixing just until a few streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Transfer Batter and Add Toppings: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and level the surface with an offset spatula. Evenly sprinkle the M&M’s candies on top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The edges should be set and a toothpick inserted two inches from the pan’s side should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Be careful not to overbake to ensure fudgy brownies.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment overhang and slice into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth incorporation into the batter.
- Do not overmix the flour to maintain the fudgy texture of the brownies.
- Allow the brownies to cool fully before slicing to get clean, neat squares.
- You can substitute M&M’s with other chocolate candies or nuts if preferred.
- To make cutting easier, refrigerate the brownies briefly after cooling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 2.5 inch square)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
