Confession time: I made these M&M brownies thinking I’d share them with friends… but somehow, half the pan vanished before they arrived. There’s something about the irresistible combination of ultra-fudgy brownie batter and colorful, crunchy M&M’s that makes these treats a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re gooey, rich, and bursting with chocolatey goodness, plus they look absolutely adorable with their pops of color! Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just a Tuesday treat, these M&M brownies will be your new go-to dessert.

I still remember the first time I made these brownies for a family gathering. My little niece’s eyes lit up as she saw the M&M-studded brownies come out of the oven. “Rainbow brownies!” she squealed, and that name has stuck ever since. Watching everyone reach for seconds (and thirds) made me realize just how magical these brownies are. They’re simple to make, kid-friendly, and oh-so-satisfying.

Why You’ll Love These M&M Brownies

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these brownies, but let’s start with the obvious: the flavor. The brownies themselves are rich and chocolatey, thanks to a blend of unsweetened cocoa powder and butter. They’re fudgy without being overly dense, with just the right balance of gooeyness and structure. The M&M’s add a delightful crunch and bursts of sweetness, creating a texture contrast that makes every bite exciting.

And let’s talk about how EASY they are to make! The batter comes together in one bowl—no fancy equipment or complicated steps required. You don’t even need to be a pro baker to nail this recipe. If you can stir a whisk and fold in candy, you’re good to go. Plus, these brownies are endlessly customizable. You can swap the M&M’s for other candies, mix in nuts for extra crunch, or even use seasonal M&M’s to match the occasion.

These brownies are perfect for:

Busy bakers who want a quick yet impressive dessert.
Families looking for a fun and colorful treat.
Chocolate lovers who crave a rich, indulgent dessert.
Anyone who just needs a little extra joy in their day. Because let’s face it, M&M’s are pure happiness.

Prep Time, Bake Time, and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes
Servings: 12–15 brownies

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these brownies:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (butter gives the brownies their rich, buttery base)
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar (for sweetness and that classic shiny top)
4 large eggs (they help bind the ingredients and make the brownies fudgy)
1 tbsp vanilla extract (adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor)
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (the star of the show—use high-quality cocoa for best results)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (provides structure)
1/2 tsp salt (balances the sweetness)
1 1/4 cups M&M’s, plus extra for topping (the colorful crunch factor!)
Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for even more gooeyness)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make M&M Brownies

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your brownies come out easily.

Make the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This step helps dissolve the sugar, which is key to achieving that beautiful shiny top.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated and helps create a silky batter. Stir in the vanilla extract—it’s a small addition, but it makes a big difference in flavor.
Now, sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we’re aiming for ultra-fudgy here!

Add the M&M’s

Fold in 1 cup of M&M’s and, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, the chocolate chips. These little pops of color and gooey goodness take the brownies to the next level. Save the remaining M&M’s for sprinkling on top—this makes them look extra festive!

Assemble the Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved M&M’s over the top. Don’t be shy here—the more, the merrier!

Bake the Brownies

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still look slightly underbaked. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it—this is the sweet spot for fudgy brownies. If the toothpick is clean, they might be overbaked.
Once done, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This part is tough because the smell is incredible, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. Cooling allows the brownies to set properly, making them easier to slice.

Slice and Serve

When the brownies are fully cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper as handles. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. For the cleanest slices, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts. Serve with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Additional Tips for Perfect Brownies

Don’t Overbake: Fudgy brownies depend on baking just the right amount. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
Use Quality Cocoa: The better the cocoa, the richer the flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa works wonderfully for these brownies.
Mix Gently: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough brownies. Fold the ingredients until just combined.
Customize Your M&M’s: Use seasonal M&M’s for a holiday-themed dessert—think pastel colors for Easter or red and green for Christmas.
Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them!

Variations and Customizations

These brownies are amazing as-is, but if you’re feeling creative, here are some fun ideas:

Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl in a few dollops of peanut butter before baking.
Nutty Brownies: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Caramel Swirls: Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before sprinkling on the M&M’s.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate M&M’s for an extra rich treat.

How to Serve M&M Brownies

There’s no wrong way to enjoy these brownies, but here are some serving suggestions:

As a standalone treat with a glass of milk.
Warmed up and topped with a scoop of ice cream.
Cut into smaller pieces and served on a dessert platter.
Paired with a cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

If you miraculously have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place the brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Final Thoughts

These fudgy M&M brownies are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and downright delicious. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. I can’t wait to see how your brownies turn out—be sure to share your creations and tag me. Happy baking! 🍬🍫

M&M Brownies Recipe: Fudgy, Colorful, and Easy to Make

Author: TAYLOR HARRISON
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12–15 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These fudgy M&M brownies are rich, gooey, and packed with colorful candy for a delightful crunch. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
Gently fold in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until combined.
Add M&M’s and chocolate chips (optional).
Spread batter in the pan and top with extra M&M’s.
Bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use seasonal M&M’s for festive occasions.
Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a fudgy texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American