Want to add some colorful crunch to your classic chocolate brownies? These M&M Brownies do just that, taking a simple one-bowl brownie recipe and packing it with a generous amount of the candy-coated chocolate for a fun and decadent treat!
I love adding M&M’s to my desserts to add some color and whimsy (see also: M&M Rice Krispie Treats!). To me, M&M’s are to chocolate treats what rainbow sprinkles are to vanilla treats, instantly elevating both the flavor and appearance of your baked goods.
As a time-strapped mom who loves to bake, a simple chocolate recipe like this that requires just one bowl, about 10 minutes of hands-on time, and only 30 minutes in the oven is a no-brainer. Plus, they’re totally toddler (and choco-holic husband) approved!
Chocolate Brownies with M&M’s Ingredient Highlights
I prefer baking with unsalted butter so that I have more control over the salt content. However, you can use salted butter and omit the added salt.
Whichever butter you use, it needs to be softened, so you can easily cream it with the sugar. For more info, check out: How to Quickly and Easily Soften Butter.
I prefer dark cocoa powder, but any unsweetened cocoa powder will work. All-purpose flour is best.
I have only tested this recipe with classic M&M’s, but I don’t see why you can’t use peanut M&M’s, peanut butter M&M’s, or really any other M&M’s you love! I used standard size. If you want to use mini, you can substitute them 1:1.
M&M Brownies Tips and Tricks
How to Make a Simple Fudgy Brownie Batter
This recipe is easy and foolproof, so long as you pay attention to the order in which you’re adding your ingredients.
Start by creaming the butter, oil and sugar together, to aerate the butter and make for the perfect batter. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer on high.
Note from Marley: Hey fellow baker bestie! If you enjoy licking the bowl more than you do the actual brownies (absolutely no judgement here!), check out this Edible Brownie Batter instead! You can absolutely add M&M’s to it!
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract and combine. Then, add the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Use a rubber spatula to scrape any dry ingredients clinging to the side of the bowls and integrate them.
Finally, fold in half of the M&M’s. Save the rest to sprinkle on top.
How I Get Fudgy Brownie Every Time
Transfer your M&M brownie batter to a lined square 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan. Sprinkle the rest of the M&M’s on top.
Depending on how fudgy you want your brownie, you may want to slightly underbake them. After 25 minutes, you’ll get brownies that hold together once they are completely cooled, but they’ll be ultra-fudgy, borderline gooey.
If you want your brownies fudgy but a little firmer, bake them for a full 30 minutes.
It’s important to note that cutting and eating your brownies before they cool completely may be a little bit messy (hint: you may wanna use a spoon!). For best results, wait until the brownies are completely cooled before diving in!
How I Store My Colorful Chocolate M&M Brownies
Keep your chocolate brownies with M&M’s in an airtight container or cover them up to keep them fresh. At room temperature, the fudgy chocolate squares will stay delicious for 3-4 days.
If you want to extend the life of your homemade brownies, you can freeze them for up to 4 months in an airtight container. Just allow them to thaw at room temperature before biting into them.
One-Bowl Fudgy M&M Brownies
SAVE RECIPE TO COLLECTION PIN PRINT RATEIngredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (½ cup usually = 1 stick)
- 1 tablespoon oil (canola, vegetable, grapeseed, or coconut in liquid form)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I used dark)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup classic M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line your pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on high to combine the softened butter, oil, and sugar for 2-3 minutes to cream together.½ cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon oil
- Add the eggs and vanilla and use the hand mixer on low until combined.2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Mix in flour, cocoa powder, and salt and combine until smooth. Your batter should be light and airy.½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Use a spatula to fold in half of the M&M's. Transfer the brownie batter to your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it out in an even layer. Sprinkle the rest of the M&M's on top.1 cup classic M&M's
- Bake for 25-30 minutes on the top rack of the oven, until the middle doesn't wobble when shaken. Allow to cool completely before removing from the pan and slicing into 9 or 16 brownies!
Pro Tips
- When the brownies first come out of the oven, they may seem slightly underdone. This is intentional as they will continue to cook as they cool. However, if you are one of those people who prefers the corner pieces and not the ooey-gooey middle bits, leave them in the oven for 5 extra minutes in order to get a crispier treat.
- I like my brownies chunkier, so I use a 9-inch by 9-inch pan or an 8-inch by 8-inch pan. If you want thinner brownies, you can easily use a 13-inch by 9-inch pan. No need to alter the cooking time or anything. I’ve made them in this size pan before, and they are equally delicious.
Video
Support directly HERE or leave a rating and comment to help others find this recipe!
