If you are craving a dessert that’s wonderfully fudgy, bursting with color, and packed with playful sweetness, then the M & M Brownies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These brownies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining rich cocoa goodness with the fun crunch and vibrant hues of M & M’s. Whether you’re baking for a casual get-together or just indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between gooey, chewy, and chocolaty perfection that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the M & M Brownies Recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a truly irresistible flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the rich butter and cocoa that give these brownies their intense chocolate base, to the brown sugar that adds moistness and depth, topped off with a joyful sprinkle of M & M’s for a fun finish.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter: Melted for a rich, creamy base that makes the brownies irresistibly fudgy.
- ½ cup cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and a lovely dark color to the batter.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate notes and adds warmth.
- 1 ¾ cup brown sugar (packed): Brings sweetness and a chewy texture with a hint of molasses.
- 3 large eggs: Bind ingredients together, providing structure and moisture.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Just enough to create a soft, cakey crumb without drying out the brownies.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- 1 cup M & M’s: Delivers a colorful, crunchy pop with every bite.
How to Make M & M Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350ºF to get it nice and ready. Meanwhile, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your brownies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze, plus it helps keep their perfect edges intact for slicing.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine with Cocoa and Vanilla
In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter until smooth and warm. Then, whisk in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract. This creates a luscious chocolatey liquid base that’s smooth and oh-so-good—without any lumps in sight.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Eggs
Next, stir in the packed brown sugar followed by the eggs. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat everything together until the mixture becomes glossy and slightly thickened. This step is key to developing the chewy and moist texture these brownies are loved for.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Gently add the flour and salt to the batter, mixing just until it’s smooth and combined. Don’t overmix here—overdoing it can make the brownies tough. The flour gives the structure, while the salt subtly amps up all the chocolate flavor.
Step 5: Transfer Batter and Add M & M’s
Pour the heavenly batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Now sprinkle the M & M’s across the top, gently pressing them in so they nestle just right without sinking too much. They’ll add a beautiful pop of color and a satisfying crunch once baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can dry them out, so trust your senses!
How to Serve M & M Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle a few extra M & M’s on top right after baking while the brownies are still warm. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce to amp up the decadence before serving.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic treat. Fresh berries or a drizzle of berry coulis also complement the rich chocolate with a burst of brightness and tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares and serving them on a colorful platter for parties. You could also layer them in a dessert trifle with layers of pudding and whipped cream for a show-stopping presentation everyone will talk about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
M & M Brownies stay moist and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them out of direct sunlight to maintain their vibrant color and fresh texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these brownies later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Frozen brownies maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months—just thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your brownies again, warm them briefly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that fudgy softness. Or heat them in a low oven for about 5 minutes to freshen up the edges and melt the M & M’s slightly.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular chocolate chips for M & M’s?
Absolutely! While the M & M’s add a fun crunch and color, regular chocolate chips will still deliver that rich chocolate flavor and gooey texture you crave. Just sprinkle them on top or fold some into the batter instead.
Is it necessary to line the pan with parchment paper?
Using parchment paper is highly recommended because it prevents sticking and makes removing the brownies much easier. You can grease the pan instead, but parchment ensures perfect edges and effortless cleanup.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, if salted butter is all you have, just omit or reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting the brownies. The unsalted butter simply gives you more control over the seasoning.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Check with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures the brownies are cooked through but still fudgy inside.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measurement. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture right.
Final Thoughts
The M & M Brownies Recipe is a surefire way to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings with its rich chocolatey goodness and playful colors. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and perfect for just about any occasion. Ready to whip up a batch and watch the joy unfold? Go ahead—your taste buds (and friends) will thank you!
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M & M Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings
Description
Delight in these rich and fudgy M&M Brownies, featuring a perfect balance of chocolate and colorful candy for a fun, indulgent treat. This easy-to-make dessert combines a smooth cocoa batter with bursts of candy-coated chocolate, baked to perfection for a chewy and satisfying brownie experience.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
Topping
- 1 cup M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the brownies evenly.
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Melt Butter: In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter completely, either using a microwave or stovetop, creating a smooth base for your batter.
- Mix Cocoa and Vanilla: Add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract to the melted butter, whisking thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Incorporate the packed brown sugar and eggs into the butter mixture. Use a whisk or an electric mixer on medium speed to combine everything until the batter is smooth and slightly glossy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, then beat the mixture gently until smooth, ensuring no flour pockets remain.
- Transfer Batter: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared 8×8-inch pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add M&M’s: Sprinkle the 1 cup of M&M’s evenly over the top of the batter, pressing them slightly into the mixture so they adhere but do not sink.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Start checking at 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, indicating the brownies are done.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into 9 squares and serve.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake by removing them at 40 minutes.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
- You can substitute M&M’s with other chocolate candies or chocolate chips according to preference.
- Ensure the butter is not too hot when mixing cocoa powder to avoid a grainy texture.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
