If you have a soft spot for classic chocolatey treats but want to add a fun and colorful twist, this M&M’s Brownies Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Bursting with melty chocolate and crunchy, sweet M&M’s, these brownies combine every childlike delight with a rich, fudgy texture that feels homemade with love. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a casual weekend treat, or simply craving a cheerful bite, these brownies deliver irresistible charm in every square. Get ready to bring a smile to your kitchen with this joyful M&M’s Brownies Recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this M&M’s Brownies Recipe are wonderfully simple but essential, each one playing a special role in crafting that perfect fudgy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and just the right pop of sweet color. From melted butter creating a luscious base to M&M’s adding delightful crunch and fun, every element counts.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted and slightly cooled: This adds richness and moisture to your brownies, helping them turn out soft and fudgy.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens your brownies perfectly without overpowering the chocolate.
- Large eggs, 2: Eggs bind the ingredients together while contributing to that tender, chewy brownie texture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: A subtle flavor enhancer that lifts the chocolate taste beautifully.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup: The heart of the chocolate flavor—make sure to sift it for a smooth batter.
- All-purpose flour, 1/2 cup: Provides structure while keeping the brownies wonderfully soft.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances and intensifies the sweetness and chocolate richness.
- Baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon: A gentle lift to give the brownies just a hint of rise without losing their fudgy charm.
- Mini M&M’s, 1/2 cup (plus more for topping): The star ingredient, adding bright candy crunch and charm throughout every bite.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/4 cup (optional): Adds an extra layer of melty chocolate goodness if you’re feeling indulgent.
How to Make M&M’s Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. This step ensures your brownies come out easily without sticking, making cleanup quick and painless.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This creamy base starts the magic, combining fat and sweetness which are essential for the brownie’s rich texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This adds moisture and flavor and helps the batter come together beautifully. Make sure everything is mixed well but avoid overbeating to keep the brownies tender.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then gently fold them into the wet ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined—you want to keep that fudgy texture, so be mindful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the M&M’s and Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in 1/2 cup of mini M&M’s and optional semi-sweet chocolate chips. These candies will provide delightful bursts of color and flavor within the rich brownie batter, making every bite exciting.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle extra M&M’s over the top for a festive, crunchy finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake—slightly underbaking guarantees a fudgier texture.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. Cooling lets them set perfectly so you’ll get clean squares packed with gooey chocolate and colorful candy!
How to Serve M&M’s Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet stunning presentation, top your brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate on top. Adding a few whole M&M’s or colorful sprinkles can make them even more festive, perfect for birthdays or special treats.
Side Dishes
Serving these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes dessert to another level. Fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce can add a bright contrast that complements the chocolate and candy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your M&M’s Brownies Recipe brownies into a playful dessert platter? Cut into small bite-sized pieces and serve alongside a selection of nuts, marshmallows, or even a chocolate fondue dip for an interactive sweet experience that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them perfect for weekday treats or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
Warm your brownies slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their gooey, melty texture. Be careful not to overheat or they might dry out, but a little warmth can truly bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Regular M&M’s work just fine and will give you a bigger, chunkier candy bite throughout the brownie. Minis blend more evenly for subtle pops of color and candy crunch.
How fudgy are these brownies?
This M&M’s Brownies Recipe yields brownies that are delightfully fudgy with just the right chew. For extra fudginess, pull them from the oven a little earlier and make sure to cool completely before slicing.
Can I substitute butter with oil or margarine?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but if needed, a neutral oil can work. Margarine tends to add moisture but might slightly alter the taste and texture.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
No worries! The chocolate chips add extra gooey surprise but are optional. You can omit them or replace with another type of chocolate chips or chunks you have handy.
How do I prevent the M&M’s from bleeding color into the batter?
Using mini M&M’s and folding them gently into the batter without overmixing helps keep the colors bright. Also, sprinkling some on top before baking creates a fun, visible candy topping that doesn’t melt away.
Final Thoughts
This M&M’s Brownies Recipe is pure joy in a pan, blending that perfect fudgy brownie with fun, vibrant candy pieces that bring a smile to every bite. It’s simple, quick, and sure to become your go-to dessert for any occasion that calls for a little extra happiness. Don’t wait to try it—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
M&M’s Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These M&M’s Brownies are a delightful twist on classic fudgy brownies, packed with mini M&M’s for a fun, colorful crunch and optional semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra chocolaty goodness. Perfectly chewy with a rich cocoa flavor, they’re ideal for dessert or kid-friendly treats.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to incorporate.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir this mixture gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the brownies.
- Incorporate M&M’s and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mini M&M’s and semi-sweet chocolate chips if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill Pan and Top: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula and sprinkle extra mini M&M’s on top for added texture and decoration.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before removing them for slicing into 9 squares. This helps achieve the perfect fudgy texture.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and let them cool fully before cutting.
- You can use regular or mini M&M’s based on your texture preference.
