M&M Brownies
There’s something undeniably delightful about a pan of freshly baked brownies, especially when they’re packed with colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips. These M&M Brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream come true, combining the rich fudginess of classic brownies with the sweetness and crunch of everyone’s favorite candy-coated chocolates. They make for a perfect dessert for family gatherings, birthday parties, or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try these brownies, they’ll become your go-to recipe for any occasion!
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe for M&M Brownies is delightful for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort while yielding maximum satisfaction. The combination of semi-sweet mini chocolate chips and M&Ms creates a wonderful texture and flavor profile that is both rich and playful. Plus, these brownies are perfect for customizing according to the season or any special occasion. You can use festive M&Ms for holidays or even add nuts for an extra crunch. Every bite is a celebration of chocolatey goodness, making them a favorite among both kids and adults alike!
What Goes Into M&M Brownies
To make these scrumptious M&M Brownies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch Process recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
- 1-2 cups M&Ms candies
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before you start baking, gather these essential tools to streamline your process:
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix your batter until smooth.
- Spatula: For folding in chocolate chips and M&Ms.
- 8×8-inch baking pan: The perfect size for your brownies.
- Parchment paper: For easy removal of brownies from the pan.
- Oven: To bake your delicious M&M Brownies.
M&M Brownies Cooking Guide
Ready to whip up a batch of these delectable M&M Brownies? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the brownies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the brownies out once they’re baked.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once fully melted, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined. Then, add in the pure vanilla extract and the eggs, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips and M&Ms
Fold in the semi-sweet mini chocolate chips and 1 cup of M&Ms, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle any remaining M&Ms on top for a colorful finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Variations by Season
These M&M Brownies can be easily customized to fit the season:
- Spring: Use pastel-colored M&Ms for a springtime vibe.
- Summer: Add chopped fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Fall: Incorporate pumpkin spice or swap M&Ms for candy corn during Halloween.
- Winter: Opt for red and green M&Ms for a festive holiday treat.
Chef’s Rationale
The combination of ingredients in these M&M Brownies is what makes them so special. The use of Dutch-process cocoa powder gives the brownies a deep, rich chocolate flavor, while the addition of both chocolate chips and M&Ms creates a delightful texture contrast. The butter adds to the fudginess, making every bite melt in your mouth. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that keeps everyone coming back for more!
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your M&M Brownies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Handy Q&A
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?
Yes, you can use regular semi-sweet chocolate chips if that’s what you have on hand. The brownies may have a slightly different texture, but they will still be delicious!
What if I don’t have Dutch-process cocoa powder?
If you don’t have Dutch-process cocoa powder, you can use natural cocoa powder instead. Just note that it will give the brownies a different flavor profile, but they will still be tasty!
Can I add nuts to the brownie batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition to M&M Brownies, adding a nice crunch to the chewy texture.
How should I serve these brownies?
These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream or drizzling them with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat!
Hungry for More?
If you’re ready to dive into the world of chocolatey goodness, these M&M Brownies are just the beginning. With their rich flavor and delightful texture, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them. So why not grab your ingredients and get started? You’ll soon discover that these brownies are not just a dessert; they are an experience filled with joy and satisfaction!
M&M Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat and remove from heat to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar, then add vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and flour. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and 1 cup of M&Ms until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, spread evenly, and sprinkle remaining M&Ms on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper and cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week for longer freshness.
- Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
