Move over boring brownies—these M&M Brownies are here to steal the show! Packed with rich chocolate flavor, chewy centers, and colorful treats, they’re the perfect dessert for special occasions, bake sales, or satisfying that ultimate chocolate craving. You’ll love how these homemade brownies are as fun as they are delicious, with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch in every bite.

I love these m&m brownies – they are so colorful, just like my m&m sugar cookies, except they are intensely chocolatey. Speaking of chocolate.. I am obsessed with brownie recipes! I mean, I cannot stop making them! Some of my favorites are my walnut brownies, brown butter brownies, funfetti brownies, milk chocolate brownies, cheesecake chocolate brownies, and my reese’s peanut butter cup brownies. 

If you’re looking for another colorful, playful dessert, my lucky charms cookies or lucky charms rice krispies treats definitely do the trick!

Connection/Linking to other recipes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Box Mix Needed: These brownies deliver a fudgy texture and bold chocolate flavor without relying on a brownie mix.
• A Fun Twist: The colorful pop of regular milk chocolate M&M candies adds a playful, delicious variation to this classic brownie recipe.
• Chewy and Fudgy Centers: This recipe is all about achieving that perfect chewy texture with moist crumbs and fudgy centers.

Ingredients for M&M Brownies

Wet Ingredients:

• Butter: Melting butter over low heat gives these brownies a velvety texture. If you want extra depth, you can brown the butter instead for a nutty undertone.
• Vanilla extract: A key ingredient that enhances the overall chocolate flavor. Choose pure vanilla extract for the best results.
• Room temperature eggs: Essential for creating a smooth batter. Let your eggs sit out for 30 minutes before starting for even mixing.

Dry Ingredients:

• Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and a deep, dark color. Opt for high-quality brands for a noticeable difference in taste.
• Granulated sugar: The right amount of sweetness and a contributor to that chewy brownie texture.
• Dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses for fudgier brownies.
• Plain flour: Properly measured flour ensures no streaks of flour and helps achieve thicker brownies. Use a kitchen scale if possible.
• Salt: A small amount makes the chocolate flavor pop and balances the sweetness.
• M&M candies: Regular milk chocolate M&Ms bring sweetness and crunch. Mini M&Ms also work great if you want smaller bursts of color and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

• For a Nutty Flavor: Swap regular M&Ms for peanut butter M&Ms to add a creamy, nutty touch.
• Darker Chocolate Option: Replace M&Ms with dark chocolate chunks for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut instead of some of the M&Ms for a chewy, tropical variation.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of plain flour to keep it simple for gluten-free bakers.

Ingredient Additions

• Sea Salt Sprinkle: Top the brownie batter with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty combination.
• Espresso Powder: Stir in a teaspoon to enhance the chocolate flavor—perfect for chocolate lovers.
• Extra M&Ms: Mix in some mini M&Ms for an extra colorful, fun twist.
• Chopped Nuts: Fold in walnuts or pecans for added crunch and texture.

Step by Step Instructions

Melt or Brown the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt 1 cup unsalted butter over low heat. If you’d like to deepen the flavor, continue cooking the butter over medium heat, stirring often, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes before proceeding.

Mix in Cocoa and Sugars: Whisk in 3/4 cup cocoa powder until smooth. Add 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar, whisking until combined.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in 3 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and smooth.

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Add 3/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt directly to the saucepan. Stir until just combined.

Fold in M&Ms: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&Ms.

Prepare the Pan and Bake: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. Top with extra M&Ms for a colorful finish. Bake at 350°Fahrenheit (175°Celsius) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Line the Pan Well: Place parchment paper in your prepared pan to make it easier to lift out the brownies after baking.
• Perfect Bake Time: Start checking at 25 minutes—look for moist crumbs on a toothpick for chewy brownies. Avoid overbaking for extra fudgy brownies.
• Choose the Right Pan: Metal pans bake evenly and help achieve the right texture. Avoid using a glass pan, which can lead to uneven baking.
• Cooling is Key: Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to keep clean edges. Use a plastic knife for the best cuts.

Serving Suggestions

• Dessert Charcuterie: Cut into small squares and pair with other treats like cookies and chocolate-dipped fruit for a special occasions platter.
• Ice Cream Sundae: Serve warm brownies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of melted chocolate.
• Party Brownies: Add festive sprinkles on top of the brownie batter before baking to match any holiday or celebration theme.
• Brownie Parfait: Layer chunks of brownies with whipped cream and berries in a glass for an elegant dessert.

Storage Instructions

• At Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy centers.
• Freezer Option: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the same fudgy texture as freshly baked brownies.
• Reheating Tip: For a warm treat, microwave a brownie for 10-15 seconds to bring back that melty chocolate flavor.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @onebowlbakery on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!

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