M&M Brownies Recipe

If you’re ready to treat yourself to a dessert that brings childhood joy in every bite, then you absolutely have to try this M&M Brownies Recipe. I’ve made these countless times, and every single batch comes out rich, fudgy, and studded with colorful M&Ms that add a playful crunch. Whether it’s for an after-school snack with the kids or a casual weekend dessert, these brownies will quickly become your go-to sweet fix.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that classic, deep chocolate flavor we all crave in brownies, while balancing sweetness just right. When shopping, look for quality Dutch-process cocoa powder, as it really makes a difference in the final taste.

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt levels perfectly.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: Goes hand-in-hand with the butter for a velvety melt.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note that amps up richness.
• Granulated sugar: Helps balance sweetness and texture.
• Large eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
• Dutch process cocoa powder: For that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch to bring out all the flavors.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate notes.
• All-purpose flour: Use the spooned and leveled method to avoid dense brownies.
• M&M chocolate candies: The star ingredient for colorful, melty surprises.

Variations

I love amping up this recipe depending on the occasion or who I’m baking for. Feel free to get creative — brownies are the perfect blank canvas!

• Nutty Upgrade: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch; my family goes crazy for this mix.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Before baking, swirl some creamy peanut butter into the batter — it gives a delicious salty-sweet balance.
• White Chocolate Lover’s: Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate chunks and add white chocolate M&Ms for a fun twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend; I’ve used Bob’s Red Mill with great results.

How to Make M&M Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spraying the bottom of an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. I like lining the pan with parchment paper that hangs over the edges — this little trick makes lifting the brownies out cleanly a total breeze once they’re baked.

Step 2: Melt Butter, Chocolate & Sugars

Here’s a crucial step I learned after messing around with direct microwave melts: use a double boiler! Fill a saucepan with about 2 inches of water and keep it at medium-low heat. Place a heat-safe bowl over the pan (don’t let the bowl touch the water) and add the butter, chopped semi-sweet chocolate, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir frequently until everything is melted and just combined — the mix will look a bit grainy but glossy, which is perfect.

Step 3: Whisk in Eggs and Flavorings

Remove the bowl from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. You’ll notice the batter lightens in color and becomes silky smooth — that’s your cue that you’re on the right track! Next, stir in the cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Fold in Flour Gently

Now, sift the flour to avoid any lumps and gently fold it into the batter using a spatula. It’s important not to overmix here — just fold until there are a few streaks of flour left. Overmixing can make your brownies tough instead of fudgy, and that’s one mistake I’ve definitely learned to avoid!

Step 5: Bake and Add M&Ms

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and level the top with an offset spatula. Now, sprinkle the M&M candies generously all over the surface — they’ll melt slightly and add fun color and texture. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The edges should look set and a toothpick inserted about two inches from the side should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Resist the temptation to overbake; fudgy brownies are the goal here!

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Slicing

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Cooling completely is key for clean slicing and the perfect texture — I once sliced too soon and ended up with a melty mess, so trust me on this one!

How to Serve M&M Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple here because the M&Ms do all the talking. Sometimes I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top right after baking — that salty-sweet combo is incredible. For a party, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a nice creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk (classic forever). If you want to get fancy, serve alongside some fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or celebrations, I’ve arranged these brownies into a colorful platter with contrasting toppings like chopped nuts and drizzles of caramel sauce. Cutting them into bite-sized squares and placing on skewers for a fun dessert kabob presentation was a hit at my last gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and they stay soft and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend storing them in the fridge, but bring them back to room temp before serving to keep that fudgy texture.

Freezing

These brownies freeze brilliantly. I cut them into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you want a treat, just thaw at room temperature or gently reheat.

Reheating

To refresh your brownies, I warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back the melty chocolate goodness without drying them out. If you prefer, a quick zap in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes with foil loosely covering works just as well.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This M&M Brownies Recipe is truly one of my favorite go-to desserts because it hits all the marks: fun, easy, and fantastically fudgy. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a little chocolate indulgence, these brownies hit the sweet spot every time. I hope you’ll enjoy making them as much as I do, and don’t be shy to experiment — after all, some of the best memories in the kitchen come from these little tasty adventures!

Print