Get ready to bake the most irresistible and decadent dessert imaginable: Fudgy M&M Brownies! These delightful chocolate treats are packed with both regular and mini M&M’s, offering a vibrant burst of color and a satisfying crunch in every single bite. Exceptionally easy to prepare, this recipe promises an amazing flavor experience that will have everyone asking for more. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations, these homemade brownies are a true crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed hit for any sweet tooth.
Our ultimate M&M brownies boast an incredibly rich, deep chocolate flavor, complemented by the playful crunch of colorful candy-coated chocolates. This recipe perfectly marries the classic chewiness of a perfect brownie with the iconic taste and texture of M&M’s, creating a truly memorable dessert. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a school bake sale, a special holiday event, or simply craving a sweet treat for a “just-because” baking session, these fudgy wonders are the ideal choice. They’re more than just brownies; they’re an experience of chocolatey bliss combined with the fun of everyone’s favorite candy, promising to be the best brownies you’ve ever tasted.
Looking for more exciting ways to incorporate M&M’s into your baking repertoire? Be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes:
- M&M Cheesecake – A creamy, dreamy cheesecake infused with colorful M&M’s.
- Mini M&M Cookies – Tiny cookies bursting with mini M&M goodness.
- M&M Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches – The ultimate frozen treat combining cookies and ice cream.
Why This Fudgy M&M Brownie Recipe Is a Must-Try
This M&M brownie recipe stands out for several compelling reasons, making it a staple for any dessert lover’s collection. It delivers on all fronts: texture, flavor, ease, and visual appeal. Here’s why these delightful bars will become your new go-to indulgence:
- Irresistibly Fudgy Texture: What makes a brownie truly exceptional? It’s that dense, moist, and wonderfully fudgy interior that practically melts in your mouth. Our recipe achieves this quintessential fudgy texture, providing a rich, satisfying bite that’s perfectly complemented by the delightful crunch of the M&M’s. This is the kind of brownie that disappears from the pan almost as soon as it’s cooled – sometimes even before! The contrast between the soft, chewy brownie and the crispy candy shell creates a joyful eating experience that’s hard to beat and ensures a whole pan of brownies doesn’t last long.
- Deep, Rich Chocolate Flavor: For true chocolate enthusiasts, compromise is not an option. This recipe delivers an intense, profound chocolate flavor that is both satisfying and luxurious. We’ve carefully selected ingredients and techniques to ensure every bite is bursting with genuine chocolate goodness, making it a dream come true for anyone with a serious chocolate craving. The quality of chocolate shines through, creating a truly gourmet experience without being overly complex to prepare.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: Don’t let the professional results fool you; these M&M brownies are surprisingly simple to whip up. With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, even beginners. It’s an ideal project for those moments when you want a quick, rewarding baking session without any complicated techniques or extensive preparation. Enjoy a delicious, homemade treat without the stress!
- Visually Stunning and Fun: Beyond their incredible taste, these brownies are a feast for the eyes. The vibrant, colorful M&M’s scattered throughout and on top add a playful and attractive element, making them perfect for celebrations or as a delightful gift. The bright candy shells offer a beautiful contrast against the deep brown of the brownie, elevating their presentation while also contributing an exciting textural crunch. They’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect M&M Fudge Brownies
Achieving the perfect fudgy M&M brownies starts with understanding your ingredients. While a full list is provided in the recipe card below, here are some key notes to help you get the best results and ensure a wonderfully moist and chewy homemade brownie:
- Oil: For optimal moisture and a tender crumb, we recommend using a neutral-flavored oil like canola oil or vegetable oil. These oils contribute to the brownie’s fudginess without imparting any unwanted flavors, allowing the rich chocolate to truly shine through. They keep the brownies moist for days.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you precise control over the salt content in your brownies, letting you adjust flavor perfectly. Remember to melt the butter before you begin the baking process, allowing it sufficient time to cool slightly. Adding hot butter to your egg mixture can inadvertently cook the eggs, which is something we want to avoid for a smooth, cohesive batter.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs are crucial for creating a smooth, emulsified batter that results in a superior brownie texture. Cold eggs can cause the butter to seize and the batter to become lumpy, impacting the final density. For best results, take your eggs out of the refrigerator at least 2 hours before you plan to bake. This simple step makes a significant difference in the final product’s fudginess.
- Powdered Sugar: While granulated sugar provides structure, powdered sugar contributes to an incredibly smooth and fudgy texture in your brownies. For the silkiest brownies possible, be sure to sift your powdered sugar. This prevents any clumps from forming in the batter, which could lead to an undesirable gritty texture in your finished brownies. Don’t skip this step for the best results!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For a truly deep and intense chocolate flavor, we highly recommend using Dutch-process cocoa powder. This type of cocoa has been treated to reduce its acidity, resulting in a darker color and a mellower, richer chocolate taste compared to natural cocoa powder. It greatly enhances the overall chocolate experience of these brownies, giving them that signature dark, decadent appearance and taste.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are our preferred choice for this M&M brownie recipe. Their balanced sweetness complements the richness of the cocoa powder without making the brownies overly sweet. We generally advise against using milk chocolate chips, as they can result in a brownie that is excessively sugary, potentially overwhelming the other delicious flavors.
- M&M’s: The magic of these brownies lies in the M&M’s! While you can certainly use just one size, we find that a mix of both regular and mini M&M’s offers the best experience. The combination ensures you get a delightful burst of M&M crunch and flavor in almost every single bite, adding both visual appeal and textural variety to your fudgy brownies. It’s the best part!
Smart Ingredient Substitutions and Dietary Adjustments
This M&M brownie recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for several substitutions to accommodate different dietary needs or preferences without compromising on flavor or texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make these delectable brownies suitable for those with dairy sensitivities or a vegan diet, simply substitute your favorite high-quality dairy-free butter and milk alternatives. Ensure any chocolate chips or M&M-like candies you choose are also certified dairy-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe. Many excellent plant-based options are available today that perform beautifully in baking.
- Gluten-Free Exploration: While this specific recipe hasn’t been officially tested with gluten-free flour, many readers have found success by swapping in a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. If you decide to experiment with a gluten-free version of these fudgy M&M brownies, we’d love to hear about your results and any tips you discover along the way! Adjustments to liquid might be needed based on your chosen blend.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Best M&M Brownies
Follow these clear and concise steps to create a batch of perfectly fudgy, M&M-packed brownies that will impress everyone. Precision in each step ensures a successful and delicious outcome.
STEP 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan by generously spraying it with nonstick baking spray. To ensure easy removal and a clean finish, line the bottom and two opposing sides of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to act as “handles.” Spray the parchment paper again for extra non-stick insurance. This careful preparation is crucial for preventing your delicious brownies from sticking and for easy lifting after baking.
STEP 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (ensure it’s spooned and leveled), unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process), cornstarch, and salt until they are thoroughly combined and no lumps remain. This ensures an even distribution of leavening and flavor throughout your brownies. Set this bowl aside for later use.
STEP 3: Beat Sugars and Eggs. Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer), combine the granulated sugar, sifted powdered sugar, room temperature large eggs, and the extra room temperature egg yolk. Beat these ingredients together on high speed for at least 2 minutes. This crucial step incorporates air, creating a light, fluffy, and pale yellow mixture that contributes significantly to the brownies’ ultimate fudgy and chewy texture.
STEP 4: Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Carefully add the slightly cooled melted unsalted butter, vegetable or canola oil, and pure vanilla extract to the beaten egg and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Next, gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture, continuing to mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to a tougher, more cake-like brownie instead of the desired dense, fudgy texture.
STEP 5: Fold in the Candies. Remove the bowl from the mixer to avoid overmixing the M&M’s. Now it’s time for the stars of the show! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, regular M&M’s, and mini M&M’s using a sturdy rubber spatula. Mix just until they are evenly distributed throughout the rich brownie batter. This ensures every slice will have plenty of chocolatey and candy goodness, creating that delightful texture contrast.
STEP 6: Pour and Optionally Top. Pour the prepared brownie batter into your lined and sprayed 9×9 inch baking pan. Use your rubber spatula to spread the batter into an even layer, ensuring consistent thickness for uniform baking. For an extra pop of color and visual appeal, you can optionally sprinkle a handful of additional M&M’s on top of the brownie batter before baking. This makes sure those vibrant candies are prominently visible on the surface of your finished brownies, making them even more inviting.
STEP 7: Bake to Perfection. Carefully place the baking pan into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. The brownies are perfectly done when the edges appear set and firm, but the very center still looks slightly underdone and perhaps a little jiggly. This is the secret to ultimate fudginess! Resist the urge to overbake; the brownies will continue to set and finish cooking from residual heat as they cool, ensuring that desired soft, dense, and moist texture.
STEP 8: Cool Completely and Serve. Once baked, remove the hot pan from the oven and immediately place it on a wire cooling rack. It’s crucial to let the brownies cool completely in the pan, preferably for several hours or even overnight, before attempting to remove or cut them. This allows them to firm up properly, develop their full fudgy texture, and prevents them from crumbling. Patience is key here! Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan. Cut them into neat squares and get ready to enjoy your magnificent M&M fudgy brownies!
Mastering Fudgy Brownies: Expert Baking Tips
Achieving bakery-quality fudgy brownies consistently involves a few key techniques and understanding how your ingredients work. Here are some expert tips to ensure your M&M brownies turn out perfectly every time:
- The Secret to Fudginess: Extra Egg Yolk & Cornstarch: To elevate your brownies from merely good to truly spectacular and fudgy, incorporating an extra egg yolk along with a touch of cornstarch is a game-changer. The additional egg yolk introduces more fat into the batter, which is essential for creating that moist, dense, and soft texture we all crave, as opposed to a drier, more cake-like consistency often caused by too much gluten development in flour.
- Cornstarch’s Role in Tender Texture: Cornstarch plays a vital supporting role by gently interfering with the gluten strands that form when flour is mixed with liquid. By hindering excessive gluten development, cornstarch helps to maintain a wonderfully tender and fudgy crumb, preventing your brownies from becoming tough or chewy in an undesirable way. It’s a subtle addition with a powerful impact on texture, contributing significantly to the signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- The Perfect Doneness: Understanding the Toothpick Test: When performing the classic toothpick test, aim for moist crumbs, not a completely clean toothpick. If your toothpick comes out with wet batter, the brownies definitely need a few more minutes in the oven. However, if it comes out completely clean and dry, you’ve likely overbaked them, which can lead to a dry, crumbly texture. The ideal result is a toothpick that emerges with a few moist, fudgy crumbs clinging to it, indicating the perfect balance of doneness and moisture for the ultimate fudgy brownie.
- Do Not Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, cakey brownies rather than dense, fudgy ones. Gentle folding after dry ingredients are incorporated is usually sufficient.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: We know it’s hard to wait, but allowing your brownies to cool completely, preferably for several hours or even overnight, is crucial. As they cool, the brownies continue to set and become denser and fudgier. Cutting them while warm can result in crumbly, messy edges and a less desirable texture. Patience truly pays off for perfectly structured, fudgy slices.
Frequently Asked Questions About M&M Brownies
Have questions about baking the perfect batch of M&M brownies? Here are answers to some common queries to help you troubleshoot and perfect your recipe:
A sunken middle typically indicates that your brownies were underbaked. While this often results in an extremely fudgy (though potentially gooey) center, it means they didn’t fully set and develop enough structure. To prevent this, ensure the edges are firm but the center is still slightly soft during baking. If you notice sinking, you can sometimes place the pan back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes to help them cook through more completely, though the texture might be slightly altered.
Hard or dry brownies are usually a sign of overbaking. The key to a fudgy brownie is removing it from the oven when the center is still slightly underdone and a little wobbly. They continue to cook from residual heat as they cool, which is essential for that dense, moist texture. When testing with a toothpick, you should see moist brownie crumbs attached, not a completely clean toothpick. Adjust your baking time next time, pulling them out just a few minutes earlier to preserve their fudginess.
Yes, you absolutely can! Using an 8×8 inch pan will result in thicker brownies, which some people prefer for an even more decadent experience. However, because they are thicker, they will require a longer baking time than the 9×9 inch pan to cook through properly. Keep a close eye on them and perform the toothpick test frequently after the initial suggested baking time to ensure they are baked to perfection without overcooking.
Delicious Recipe Variations for Your M&M Brownies
While these M&M brownies are perfect as is, they also serve as a fantastic base for creative variations. Feel free to customize them to your heart’s content and explore new flavor combinations!
- Reese’s Pieces Brownies: For peanut butter and chocolate lovers, replace the M&M’s entirely with Reese’s Pieces, or better yet, combine both for an ultimate super brownie! The distinct peanut butter flavor and unique crunch of Reese’s Pieces add a different color palette and a delightful savory-sweet element that is truly irresistible.
- Alternative M&M Types: Don’t limit yourself to classic M&M’s! Explore the wide variety of M&M flavors available. Peanut M&M’s add a savory, nutty crunch, while seasonal varieties (like mint, caramel, coffee, or pretzel M&M’s) can transform these fudgy brownies for specific holidays or unique cravings, offering endless possibilities.
- Nutty Additions: Enhance the texture and flavor by folding in a half cup of chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds along with the M&M’s. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can deepen their flavor even further, providing a sophisticated contrast to the sweet chocolate and candy.
- Swirls of Flavor: For an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal, swirl in a tablespoon or two of creamy peanut butter, rich Nutella, or luscious caramel sauce into the batter just before baking. Use a knife or skewer to create beautiful, marbled patterns across the surface.
Recommended Tools for Baking Perfect Brownies
Having the right equipment can make all the difference in your baking experience, ensuring consistent, professional-quality results. Here are a few essential tools that will help you achieve brownie perfection with ease:
- 9×9 Inch Baking Pan: We highly recommend using metal square baking pans for brownies. Metal pans conduct heat more evenly than glass, which can sometimes lead to overbaked edges and an underbaked center. A good quality metal pan ensures consistent baking for that ideal fudgy texture throughout the entire batch.
- Parchment Paper: Make cleanup and brownie removal a breeze with parchment paper. We find premade sheets of parchment paper incredibly convenient compared to struggling with a roll. They lay flat, fit perfectly, and make lifting your baked brownies out of the pan effortlessly, leading to clean, beautiful cuts.
- Baking Spray with Flour: For ultimate non-stick assurance, particularly with rich, dense batters like brownies, we use and recommend a nonstick baking spray that contains flour. This combination provides a superior release and prevents any sticking, ensuring your beautiful brownies come out of the pan intact and perfectly formed every time.
Storing and Freezing Your M&M Brownies
Proper storage is key to keeping your fudgy M&M brownies fresh and delicious for as long as possible, whether you plan to enjoy them within days or save them for a future craving.
Store these delightful fudgy M&M brownies in an airtight container, such as a cake carrier or a sealed plastic container, at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them tightly sealed prevents them from drying out and helps maintain their wonderful fudgy texture. If you prefer your brownies warm, you can heat individual slices slightly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them gently in a preheated oven (around 250°F / 120°C) for a few minutes until just warm and gooey, bringing out their fresh-baked aroma.
For longer storage, these fudgy M&M brownies freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests. Cut them into individual brownie slices first. Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours) to prevent them from sticking together. Once firm, transfer the frozen slices to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. They can be frozen for up to 30 days. Thaw them at room temperature for an hour or warm them gently in the microwave or oven for a quick, comforting treat.
Discover More Irresistible Brownie Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these M&M brownies, you’re in for a treat! Expand your brownie repertoire with these other incredible recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved classic:
- Cookie Dough Brownies – The best of both worlds: fudgy brownies topped with edible cookie dough.
- Nutella Brownies – Rich brownies swirled with the irresistible hazelnut spread.
- Strawberry Brownies – A surprising and delightful fruity twist on classic brownies.
- Lemon Brownies – Bright, zesty, and refreshing – a perfect change of pace for citrus lovers.
- Birthday Cake Brownies – Celebrate with festive sprinkles and a fun, sweet cake flavor baked into a fudgy brownie.
Did you create these amazing M&M brownies? We’d love to hear about it! Please take a moment to leave a STAR REVIEW below if you enjoyed this recipe. Share your creations and tag me on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats. For more delicious baking inspiration and ideas, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!
Fudgy M&M Brownies Recipe
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16
slices
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups White granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
- 3 Large eggs, room temperature
- 1 Egg yolk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1/2 cup Vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup All-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 cup Unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 TBSP Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/3 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup M&M’s, regular size
- 1/2 cup Mini M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175°C). Prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the brownies out easily. Spray the parchment paper again.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, room temperature large eggs, and the extra room temperature egg yolk on high speed for 2 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the slightly cooled melted unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Remove the bowl from the mixer. With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, regular M&M’s, and mini M&M’s until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Optionally, sprinkle additional M&M’s on top of the batter for extra color and visibility.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges are set and firm, but the middle is still slightly underdone and appears a bit soft. They will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a perfectly fudgy center.
- Place the hot pan on a cooling rack and allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature before attempting to remove them from the pan and cut them into squares. This step is essential for clean cuts and a dense, fudgy texture.
Notes
High Altitude Baking: If you are baking at a high altitude (generally 3,000 feet or 900 meters above sea level and higher), you may need to adjust the recipe. A common adjustment is to add an extra 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to help with structure, and potentially slightly increase the liquids.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Always pull out your dairy ingredients (butter, eggs) from the refrigerator at least 2 hours before you plan to bake. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better with sugars, leading to a smoother, more uniform batter and a more consistent, fudgy final product.