M&M’s Brownies

M&M’s Brownies are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the fudgy, gooey goodness of brownies with the colorful crunch of M&M’s candy. The brownies are rich and chocolatey, with a slightly crispy edge and a soft, chewy center. The M&M’s add a burst of sweetness and fun, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. These brownies are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth and make a great dessert for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.

I first made M&M’s Brownies when I was craving a classic brownie but wanted to add a little extra something to make them more exciting. The M&M’s melted slightly while baking, leaving behind pockets of gooey candy and creating little bursts of color throughout the rich chocolate base. They were a big hit at the gathering, with everyone asking for the recipe!

What’s great about these brownies is how versatile they are. You can switch out the M&M’s for your favorite candy, like Reese’s Pieces or crushed-up cookies, or even add a swirl of peanut butter or caramel for a fun twist. Whether you’re baking them for a family dessert, a bake sale, or just for yourself, M&M’s Brownies are sure to be a sweet success!

Perfect for:

Casual get-togethers
Family gatherings
Kids’ parties
School bake sales
Chocolate lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these M&M’s Brownies will become your new favorite treat:

Chocolate Heaven: The rich, chocolatey base delivers the perfect indulgent flavor.
Colorful and Fun: M&M’s add a pop of color and crunch to each bite.
Fudgy Texture: These brownies have a chewy, fudgy texture that’s irresistible.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and steps, these brownies come together quickly.
Perfect for Sharing: These brownies are great for parties, picnics, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Versatile: You can customize them with different types of M&M’s or even add other mix-ins like nuts.
One-Bowl Recipe: Less cleanup—just mix everything in one bowl and bake.
Make Ahead: You can bake them a day in advance for a stress-free dessert.
Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the colorful candies and chocolatey goodness.
Addictively Delicious: Once you start, it’s hard to stop at just one!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup M&M’s (plus extra for topping)

Ingredient Highlights

M&M’s: These colorful candies bring a fun, crunchy texture and a burst of sweetness to the brownies.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor.
Butter: Ensures a rich, fudgy texture that holds everything together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Brownie Base:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Add Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
Fold in M&M’s: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M’s into the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

Top with Extra M&M’s: Sprinkle extra M&M’s on top of the cooled brownies for added color and crunch.
Cut and Enjoy: Slice the brownies into squares and serve.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for M&M’s Brownies:

With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra treat.
For a Kid-Friendly Snack: These are perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
As a Birthday Dessert: Serve at birthday parties to add a colorful and fun element to the celebration.
With Whipped Cream: Top each brownie with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
With a Glass of Milk: A classic pairing with brownies, especially for kids.
For Movie Nights: Serve these chewy brownies with popcorn during your next movie marathon.
As Party Favors: Wrap individual brownies in cellophane for a sweet party favor.
With Hot Fudge: Drizzle warm fudge sauce on top for a gooey, extra indulgent dessert.
As a Picnic Treat: Pack them in a lunchbox or picnic basket for a simple, portable dessert.
With Coffee or Tea: Serve alongside your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat.

Additional Tips

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better consistency and smoother batter.
Mix M&M’s Into the Batter – Add M&M’s directly into the brownie batter to ensure they are evenly distributed for each bite.
Add Extra M&M’s on Top – After pouring the batter into the pan, sprinkle additional M&M’s on top before baking for an extra pop of color and crunch.
Chill the Dough for Firmer Brownies – If you like your brownies on the firmer side, let the batter chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
Use a Lighter Hand with the Flour – When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense brownies.
Experiment with Chocolate Types – Try using milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips in the batter to mix up the flavor profile.
Add a Dash of Vanilla – A teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor of your brownies, making them richer and more aromatic.
Check for Doneness Early – Every oven is different, so check your brownies 5-10 minutes before the recipe’s recommended time to prevent overbaking.
Let the Brownies Cool Completely – Cool the brownies in the pan before cutting them for cleaner edges and better texture.
Top with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream – Serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Recipe Variations

Peanut Butter M&M’s Brownies: Use peanut butter M&M’s for a peanut butter-chocolate flavor twist.
Nutty Brownies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Brownies: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version.
Mint M&M’s Brownies: Swap in mint M&M’s for a refreshing mint-chocolate flavor combination.
Caramel M&M’s Brownies: Use caramel M&M’s for a sweet, caramel-infused brownie.

Special Equipment

8-inch Square Pan: For baking the brownies evenly.
Mixing Bowls: To mix all the ingredients together.
Whisk and Spoon: To combine the wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
Parchment Paper: To line the baking pan for easy removal.

FAQ Section

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of M&M’s?
Yes, you can use chocolate chips or any other mix-ins of your choice.
How long do these brownies last?
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Can I use other candy instead of M&M’s?
Absolutely! You can swap in other candies like mini peanut butter cups or chocolate-covered nuts.
Are these brownies nut-free?
Yes, this recipe is nut-free unless you choose to add nuts as a variation.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and cool them a day in advance. They store well at room temperature.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Check for moist crumbs on a toothpick inserted into the center. The brownies should not be wet or overly gooey.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I skip the M&M’s on top?
Yes, the brownies will still be delicious without the extra M&M’s on top, but they’ll be less colorful.
Can I add frosting to these brownies?
Yes! You can top these brownies with chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of indulgence.

Conclusion

M&M’s Brownies are the ultimate sweet treat, combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the colorful crunch of M&M’s. These brownies are made with a classic brownie batter, filled with plenty of chocolate chips or cocoa, then topped with M&M’s for a burst of color and a fun, candy-coated crunch. The M&M’s add a playful touch to the brownies, making them both visually appealing and delicious, with a slight crunch that contrasts perfectly with the gooey, dense texture of the brownie base.

What makes M&M’s Brownies so special is the balance between the indulgent, rich chocolate of the brownie and the sweet, crunchy pop of M&M’s. They’re perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or any time you need a dessert that’s easy, fun, and guaranteed to please everyone. Plus, the colorful M&M’s make them festive for any occasion.

I can’t wait to see how your M&M’s Brownies turn out! Snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made it your own—I’d love to hear about your personal twist on these sweet, chocolatey treats!