M&M’s Brownies

Thick and fudgy chocolate M&M’s Brownies packed with candies and chocolate. Use your favorite version of M&M’s for festive flavor twist.

Love M&M’s candies? Try this delicious M&M’S Cookie Bars for a chocolate chip cookie dessert. Or make our delicious M&M’s Fudge recipe for a holiday treat.

Squares of M&M brownies on a piece of parchment paper.

Why This Recipe is Best

This M&M Brownies recipe features double the M&Ms. You fold some in to the the batter, then reserve the rest for sprinkling on top.

  • Uses melted butter in the brownie batter to bake up thick, soft brownies, not cake-y.
  • Melted chocolate AND cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.
  • A fudgy consistency.
  • One bowl brownies (or I should say one saucepan)
  • Thick brownies based of my Best Brownie Recipe!

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed for M&M's brownies.
  • M&M’s candies. I used the original milk chocolate M&Ms. Mix up the colors for different occasions and holidays. Or try peanut M&M’s or peanut butter M&M’s for a tasty twist.
  • Cocoa powder. Make sure it is unsweetened cocoa powder, NOT dutch processed.
  • Chocolate chips. I prefer the taste of semi-sweet chocolate morsels in brownies. Milk chocolate can be substituted if you prefer.
  • Vanilla Extract. Pure vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor!
  • Unsalted Butter. I always choose unsalted butter in 99% of my recipes. Brands vary in the amount of salt in salted butter. If you can ONLY use salted butter, skip the extra salt in the recipe.

Easy Instructions

Step by step photos showing how to make chocolate M&M brownies.

Melt Butter. Start by melting the butter then combining it with granulated sugar and chocolate morsels. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and melted.

Make Batter. Add the eggsto the butter mixture one at a time, then the vanilla extract. Add in the dry ingredients JUST until combined. Fold in half of the M&Ms.

Prepare Pan. Pour the batter into a square baking dish lined with parchment paper and add the rest of the M&Ms on top.

BAKE. Bake for 38 minutes and let cool completely before cutting and serving!

Tips and Tricks

  • Avoid over mixing. Mixing the batter too much or too vigorously will incorporate more air, making the brownies cakey and crumbly. Use large even strokes and stop mixing once you can no longer see the dry ingredients.
  • Line your pan. Put a square of parchment paper at the bottom of your brownie pan for easy removal and clean up.
  • Use a plastic knife for easiest cutting. Make sure the brownies are completely cooled, then slice in long smooth motions.
  • Storing. Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy within 1 week.
  • Make cookies. These fudgy chocolate M&M cookies have a brownie like texture and are packed with flavor!
M&Ms brownies in a square baking dish with parchment paper cut into 9 squares.

Recipe FAQs

Why do you use melted butter for brownies?

Using melted butter for brownies helps them stay moist, fudgy and chewy. If you use softened butter instead, the action of mixing it in with the sugar will create air pockets making your brownies more similar to a cake.

What kind of pan is best for brownies?

A square baking pan is best for brownies. I use a 9 inch baking pan for this M&M brownie recipe.

Why are my brownies falling apart when I cut them?

Your brownies may be falling apart when you cut them because they aren’t fully cool. Even slightly warm brownies will tear when sliced.
Try waiting a few more minutes and using a plastic knife.

Can you freeze M&M brownies?

Yes, these brownies will keep well in the freezer for about 3 months.

M&M brownies cut into squares with bowl of candies in background.

Variations

In addition to changing up the color and flavor of M&M candies, but I’ve also got some delicious variation of my classic brownie recipe.

  • Peanut Butter Brownies– swirls of peanut butter added to my favorite brownie create the ultimate chocolate pb treat!
  • Salted Caramel Brownies– rich caramel is added to our classic brownie and topped with sea salt flakes for a delicious sweet and salty dessert.
  • Walnut Brownies– fudgy brownies with a delicious nutty crunch! These decadent brownies are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate craving.
  • Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites– two bite brownies packed with Dove Caramel candies and a sweet frosting!

More Dessert Bar Recipes

M&M’s Brownies Recipe

4.82 from 27 votes
By: Aimee
Thick and fudgy chocolate M&M's Brownies packed with candies and chocolate. Use your favorite version of M&M's for festive flavor twist.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 38 minutes
Total Time: 48 minutes
Servings: 9 large brownies

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels divided
  • 2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup M&M’s candies divided
Save this Recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a medium sized saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and add in 1/2 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate morsels with the sugar. Stir until combined and morsels are melted.
  • Add in eggs, one at a time, stirring after each addition.
  • Add in vanilla extract.
  • Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Using big stroked, stir JUST until combined and no longer see dry ingredients.
  • Fold in remaining semi-sweet morsels and 1/2 cup of the M&M’s candies. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the top with the remaining M&M’s candies.
  • Bake for 38 minutes. Remove from oven and cool COMPLETELY before cutting.

Notes

  • Avoid over mixing. Mixing the batter too much or too vigorously will incorporate more air, making the brownies cakey and crumbly. Use large even strokes and stop mixing once you can no longer see the dry ingredients.
  • Line your pan. Put a piece of parchment paper in your brownie pan for easy removal and clean up.
  • Use a plastic knife for easiest cutting. Make sure the brownies are completely cooled, then slice in long smooth motions.
  • Storing. Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy within 1 week.
  • Freeze. Freeze brownies wrapped individually in plastic wrap then in a freezer safe bag for up to one month. Thaw on counter or refrigerator.
  • Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1brownie, Calories: 673kcal, Carbohydrates: 89g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 34g, Saturated Fat: 20g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 140mg, Sodium: 196mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 70g
    Course: Brownies and Bars
    Cuisine: American
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

    Fudgy brownies meets candy-coated milk chocolate in this recipe. Make them for a party, a bake sale or just for yourself. M&Ms Brownies are always a good idea!

    Avatar photo

    About Aimee

    Aimee is a dessert lover (specifically rice krispie treats), workout enthusiast, self-taught foodie, and recipe creator.

    Learn more about Aimee.

    Affiliate Disclosure:**There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I love! Thank you for supporting Shugary Sweets! See my disclosure policy for more info**

    Learn How To Become a Better Home Baker
    Sign up for the Shugary Sweets FREE Email Course Today—soon you’ll say, "I made it from scratch!"

    Categories: ,


    Posted on February 13, 2021

    Comments & Reviews

    1. 5 stars
      Chef’s kiss! Made these for a party and they are decedent and rich. Recipe was easy to follow. I’m glad I read the tips.

    2. Just wondering what if any changes I can do to make into 13×9 pan, so that I may take to a family get together? 3 grown sons, 2 teen boys n more.
      Thank you!

    3. I’m not a big fan of brownies tbh. Made these purely based on a Google search for M&M brownies as I had a massive bag of M&Ms that needed using up. Well! Guess who loves brownies now???!! Really yum! And my kids and their friends agree wholeheartedly! Yet another batch in the oven 1 week later 🙂 have shared your recipe with loads of others!

      Thank you!!!

    4. 5 stars
      Some of the best brownies I have ever had! I love the addition of the M&Ms! I’ll be doing green ones next month! My kids love these, too!

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating