M&M brownies are rich and fudgy brownies that have M&M candies throughout. These brownies can be whipped up ahead of time for the perfect make-ahead treat!
Brownies are amazing in every form, whether it’s traditional brownies, brownie cookies, brownie bites, brownie cake, or even brownie dip. One of the greatest things about brownies is that you can add just about any mix-in to them, and you get a next level dessert.
This M&M brownie recipe takes fudgy brownies and kicks them up a notch by adding in M&Ms. The brownies are a fun way to use up leftover holiday candy, they also make an easy lunchbox treat, and they’re also a great make-ahead dessert.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Bittersweet chocolate: If you’re using a sweeter chocolate, like semisweet, slightly reduce the sugar in the brownies. Also, if you can’t find bittersweet baking chocolate, a good quality bittersweet chocolate chip will work.
- Butter: If you’re using unsalted butter, increase the salt by about 1/4 teaspoon.
- Cocoa powder: I use regular unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe.
- M&Ms: You can use all mini or all regular sized M&Ms if you prefer.
How to make M&M brownies
Here you’ll find step-by-step photos showing how to make this recipe. The full recipe, including instructions, is given below.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F. Line an 8 inch square metal pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Add the chopped chocolate and butter to a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments stirring well each time then set aside to cool.
Step 3: In the large bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment fitted add the sugar and eggs. With the mixer on a medium speed beat for around 5 minutes or until the mixture is pale yellow and has increased in volume.
Step 4: To the mixing bowl, add the cooled chocolate and butter mixture along with the vanilla extract. Turn the mixer to its lowest speed and beat for a minute or until uniform in color. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the bowl.
Step 5: Add the flour mixture into the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients together. Stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour remaining.
Step 6: Add the 3/4 cup M&Ms 1/4 cup mini M&Ms and very gently fold them to incorporate into the brownie mixture.
Step 7: Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared baking pan, and smooth the top into an even layer.
Step 8: Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup M&Ms over the top and lightly press them into the brownie batter.
Step 9: Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the brownies comes out with a few fudgy crumbs on it.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and let it completely cool in the pan before turning out and slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips!
- Beating: Please don’t cut the mixing time short! Beating the eggs help to provide structure and makes the brownies rich and fudgy.
- Testing for doneness: Brownies are a bit different. They’re done when there are a few fudgy crumbs on the toothpick. If there’s batter, you’ll need to continue baking. If there are no crumbs, the brownies are overbaked.
- Holiday brownies: You can make holiday-themed brownies by using holiday M&Ms in the recipe. For instance, for Halloween M&M brownies, use the ghoul mix M&Ms.
Make ahead tips
The brownies keep well in the fridge. If you’d like to make them ahead of time, store the uncut brownies, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before serving.
To freeze, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month before thawing and serving.
Storage
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
More brownie recipes!
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M&M Brownies
Equipment
- 8×8 metal baking pan
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate finely chopped
- 1 cup salted butter
- 1 ¾ cups light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sifted all purpose flour properly measured
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup M&Ms
- ¼ cup mini M&Ms
- ½ cup M&Ms regular and mini for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F. Line an 8 inch square metal pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add the chopped chocolate and butter to a large microwave safe bowl.8 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate, 1 cup salted butter
- Microwave in 30 second increments stirring well each time then set aside to cool.
- In the large bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment fitted add the sugar and eggs. With the mixer on a medium speed beat for around 5 minutes or until the mixture is pale yellow and has increased in volume.1 ¾ cups light brown sugar, 3 large eggs
- To the mixing bowl, add the cooled chocolate and butter mixture along with the vanilla extract. Turn the mixer to its lowest speed and beat for a minute or until uniform in color. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the bowl.2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients together. Stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour remaining.¾ cup sifted all purpose flour, ½ cup cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Add the 3/4 cup M&Ms 1/4 cup mini M&Ms and very gently fold them to incorporate into the brownie mixture.¾ cup M&Ms, ¼ cup mini M&Ms
- Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared baking pan, and smooth the top into an even layer.
- Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup M&Ms over the top and lightly press them into the brownie batter.½ cup M&Ms
- Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the brownies comes out with a few fudgy crumbs on it.
- Remove from the oven and let it completely cool in the pan before turning out and slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Bittersweet chocolate: If you’re using a sweeter chocolate, like semisweet, slightly reduce the sugar in the brownies. Also, if you can’t find bittersweet baking chocolate, a good quality bittersweet chocolate chip will work.
- Butter: If you’re using unsalted butter, increase the salt by about 1/4 teaspoon.
- Cocoa powder: I use regular unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe.
- M&Ms: You can use all mini or all regular sized M&Ms if you prefer.
- Nutrition values are estimates.
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Connie says
Hi and thank you for sharing M&M Brownie recipe I’m looking for a recipe cake brownie not the fudgy brownie
Kate says
Hi! Unfortunately, I don’t have a cakey brownie recipe. The closest that I have is a brownie cake recipe.