M&M’s Brownies

Introduction

M&M’s Brownies are the ultimate chocolate indulgence, blending rich, fudgy brownie bliss with the playful crunch of colorful M&M’s candies. Every bite is a perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor and bursts of candy-coated chocolate, making these brownies a showstopper for any dessert table. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party, holiday, bake sale, or simply craving something sweet, these brownies deliver both flavor and fun with their vibrant, eye-catching appearance.

The first time I made M&M’s Brownies, I was instantly hooked on how simple yet rewarding they were to create. Mixing the batter felt like crafting a chocolate masterpiece, and when I sprinkled those bright M&M’s on top, it instantly transformed the brownies into a festive, joyful treat. As they baked, my kitchen filled with the rich aroma of chocolate, and I knew something special was in the oven. Once cooled, the brownies had that perfect crinkle top with gooey centers and the delightful crunch of M&M’s in every bite.

What makes these brownies so special is their versatility. They’re perfect for birthdays, school events, or even just a weekend baking project with the kids. You can customize them too—try using seasonal M&M’s for different holidays or swapping classic milk chocolate for peanut butter or caramel-filled M&M’s for a fun twist. No matter how you bake them, M&M’s Brownies bring sweetness, nostalgia, and a whole lot of chocolatey goodness to any occasion.

Perfect for:

• Birthday parties
• Holiday dessert tables
• Bake sales
• Movie nights
• Kids’ lunchboxes

Why You’ll Love This M&M’s Brownies

Here’s why these M&M’s Brownies will become a staple in your dessert collection:

• Ultra Fudgy Texture: These brownies are rich, dense, and perfectly fudgy, satisfying every chocolate lover’s craving.
• Colorful and Fun: The vibrant M&M’s make these brownies visually appealing, perfect for themed parties or holidays.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these brownies are easy to whip up anytime.
• Versatile for All Occasions: Great for holidays, birthdays, or casual family nights.
• Perfect Crunch: The candy coating of the M&M’s adds a delightful crunch to balance the soft, gooey center.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 brownies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 320 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your M&M’s Brownies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

Ingredient Highlights

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture, contributing to the fudgy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a crackly brownie top.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
• M&M’s Candies: The colorful chocolate candies provide a sweet crunch and festive touch.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Enhance the chocolate richness for a double chocolate experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make M&M’s Brownies:

Prepare the Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Melt the Butter: In a large bowl, melt the butter and whisk in the sugar until fully combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

5. Fold Ingredients Together: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Add the Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips and half of the M&M’s candies into the batter.

Bake the Brownies:

7. Transfer to Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Top with M&M’s: Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s candies on top for a colorful finish.
9. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve:

10. Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing for cleaner cuts.
11. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy the fudgy, chocolate-packed brownies!

How to Serve M&M’s Brownies

M&M’s Brownies can be served in various fun ways:

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: Add an extra drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel for a richer experience.
• Cut into Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for themed parties.
• With a Glass of Milk: The classic combination of brownies and cold milk never fails.
• As a Party Platter: Arrange the brownies on a platter with extra M&M’s scattered around for a festive dessert table.

Additional Tips for M&M’s Brownies

Here are some tips to ensure perfect M&M’s Brownies every time:

• Avoid Overbaking: Brownies continue to set as they cool, so take them out when a toothpick has a few moist crumbs.
• Use Quality Cocoa Powder: For the best chocolate flavor, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level the flour to avoid dense brownies.
• Add More M&M’s Mid-Bake: If you want the M&M’s to stay vibrant, press a few on top halfway through baking.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate the brownies for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner, sharper edges.

Recipe Variations for M&M’s Brownies

Try these 10 variations for your M&M’s Brownies:

• Peanut Butter M&M’s Brownies: Use peanut butter-flavored M&M’s for a nutty twist.
• Dark Chocolate Brownies: Substitute dark cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
• Holiday-Themed Brownies: Use red and green M&M’s for Christmas or pastel M&M’s for Easter celebrations.
• Brownie Bites: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
• Mint Chocolate M&M’s Brownies: Use mint-flavored M&M’s for a festive touch.
• Double Chocolate Brownies: Add white chocolate chips along with the semisweet chips.
• Salted Caramel Brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top after baking.
• Nutty Brownies: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Cookie Dough Brownies: Layer cookie dough over the brownie batter before baking.
• Gluten-Free Brownies: Substitute almond flour for a gluten-free version.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: Refrigerate for up to a week for a firmer texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment for M&M’s Brownies

Here are 10 special tools for making perfect M&M’s Brownies:

• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect for baking brownies evenly and ensuring they come out the right thickness.
• Mixing Bowls: Use for combining the dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together for a smooth batter.
• Whisk: Ideal for whisking dry ingredients and mixing wet ingredients together thoroughly to avoid lumps.
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Helps easily mix the brownie batter, especially when incorporating butter and sugar to achieve a smooth texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate measurements of ingredients like flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper prevents the brownies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Cooling Rack: Allows brownies to cool evenly and quickly after baking, preventing sogginess.
• Knife or Bench Scraper: Perfect for cutting the brownies into neat squares once they’ve cooled, ensuring uniform portions.
• Large Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop: Helps evenly distribute the M&M’s into the batter before baking, ensuring a uniform spread of candy throughout the brownies.

FAQ Section for M&M’s Brownies

1. Can I use brownie mix instead of making from scratch?
   Yes, you can use a boxed brownie mix and add M&M’s for a quicker version.
2. Can I make these brownies eggless?
   Yes, replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.
3. How can I make them more fudgy?
   Reduce the flour slightly and avoid overbaking for a fudgier texture.
4. Can I use different M&M’s flavors?
   Absolutely! Peanut, caramel, and crispy M&M’s all work beautifully.
5. Do I need to refrigerate them?
   No, they store well at room temperature, but refrigeration helps them last longer.

Print

Conclusion

M&M’s Brownies are a vibrant, fudgy, and fun dessert perfect for any occasion. The rich chocolate base pairs beautifully with bursts of colorful candy, creating a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, holiday gathering, or a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to bring smiles all around.

The recipe offers plenty of versatility, allowing you to customize with different M&M’s varieties or even a mix of chocolates for extra decadence. Their chewy texture combined with the satisfying crunch of candy makes them a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip up a batch whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

I’d love to see your M&M’s Brownies creations! Snap a picture and tag me on Instagram to share your baking success. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your thoughts or any fun twists you added to make this recipe your own!