Just like your favorite candies, these M&M Brownies will "melt in your mouth". This fudgy brownie recipe loaded with candy is perfect for weeknight desserts, birthday parties, or lunchbox treats.
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Brownies are one of those desserts that just about everyone loves. Whether you make brownies from a box or make homemade brownies, they satisfy that chocolate craving.
There are so many ways to change up a brownie. We love adding a chocolate topping to these zebra brownies and these cosmic brownies. Or you can load them with lots of toppings like these caramel marshmallow brownies, Oreo brownies, and our favorite fudgy M&M brownies.
Why You Will Love Brownies with M&M's
- Rich and fudgy. This homemade brownie recipe is made with cocoa powder and brown sugar making them rich and delicious.
- Loaded with candy. Adding mini chocolate candies gives the brownies a fun crunch and a bigger chocolate flavor. Try using your favorite version of M&M's for a fun twist.
- Easy to make. You can make a pan of brownies using 1 bowl and simple ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now.
- Great party dessert. They are great for parties, picnics, or a quiet night at home. Everyone always asks for this recipe when we bring them with us.
Key Ingredients
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a batch of rich and chocolatey brownies ready in no time.
- Unsalted Butter - We always choose unsalted butter, so we can control the saltiness of a recipe. If you are using salted butter, reduce the salt.
- Brown Sugar - Sweetens the brownies and gives them a moist fudgy texture.
- Almond Extract - Gives these fudge brownies a delicious flavor. You can also use vanilla extract if you prefer that instead.
- Baking Powder - Provides a small lift as the brownies are baking..
- Cocoa Powder - I like using Hershey's dark cocoa in most of my baked goods because it gives such a great flavor. Plus, I love the dark rich color. Regular unsweetened cocoa powder is fine too.
- Mini M&M's - Small M&M's mean more chocolate candies get spread all through the brownies. The regular sized M&M's can also be used.
Bonus: If you love desserts with M&Ms, then you will love these chocolate candy cookies, and M&M blonde brownies.
How to Make M&M Brownies
The batter for this M&M brownie recipe comes together using just one bowl. The best part is that the brownies can be in the oven in a matter of minutes.
- Mix butter and sugar. Beat the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until creamy. Add eggs and extract and beat again.
- Add dry ingredients. Stir in the dry ingredients until a soft brownie batter forms.
- Stir in candies. Add M&M's and stir gently.
- Bake and cool. Spread the brownie batter in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with more M&M's before baking.
BruCrew Tip: Let the brownies cool completely to room temperature before cutting them into squares. The fudgy center will set up as the brownies cool.
Storage Recommendations
On the Counter - Keep the cooled brownies in an air tight container on the counter for 3-4 days.
In the Freezer - Wrap the whole brownie or brownie squares in plastic wrap and place in a freezer safe bag. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw on the counter or in the fridge before serving. FYI: The moisture from thawing may make the M&M's discolor as they thaw out.
Recipe Variations
- Flavored M&M's - Use any of the other M&M's to give these brownies a great flavor. Some of my favorites to add to brownies are peanut butter, pretzel, mint, and caramel.
- Candy - Swap out the M&M candies for other candies. Reese's Pieces, Snickers, Andes Mints, and Reese's peanut butter cups are great options.
- Chocolate Chips - White, milk, semi-sweet, dark, or peanut butter chips are all great options.
- Marshmallow - Swirl marshmallow fluff into the brownie batter before baking.
- Nuts - Stir 1 cup of your favorite chopped nuts into the brownie batter to add a fun and delicious crunch to the homemade brownies.
- Frosting - Spread dark chocolate frosting on top and add sprinkles or candies.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Brownies
- Do NOT over mix the batter. Stir or mix just until the flour is gone. Over mixing will add excess air and the brownies could bake cakey.
- Line your pan. Use a sheet of foil or parchment paper if you want to lift the brownies out easily.
- Watch the brownies as they bake. You do not want to over bake them. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs on it.
- Baking time may vary. The type of pan you use will determine how long they will bake. A metal pan will bake the brownies a little faster than a glass pan will.
- Cut squares with a plastic knife. Once the brownies have cooled, cut into pieces using one smooth motion.
- Serve with ice cream. Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream to a warm brownie and get ready to indulge.
FAQs
The brownies will keep for 2-3 days in a tightly sealed container.
Yes, this recipe will work with a regular cocoa powder.
Most likely they are over baked. Use a toothpick to look for moist crumbs 1-2 minutes before the timer goes off.
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Recipe
M&M Brownies
Just like your favorite candies, these M&M Brownies are "melt in your mouth" delicious. This is the perfect homemade brownie recipe for weeknight desserts or birthday parties.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (see note below)
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
- ½ cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups mini M&M's candies, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray. You can also line the pan if you want to lift the brownies out easily.
- Beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and extract and mix again.
- Stir together the salt, baking powder, flour, and cocoa powder. Slowly beat into the butter mixture until combined.
- Add 1 cup mini M&M's and stir gently with a spatula or spoon.
- Spread into the prepared pan. Top with the remaining candies. Bake for 23-25 minutes.
- Remove and let cool completely before cutting into 24 squares. Store in a tightly sealed container.
Notes
- Do NOT over mix the batter. Stir or mix just until the flour is gone. Over mixing will add excess air and the brownies could bake cakey.
- Line your pan. Use a sheet of foil or parchment paper if you want to lift the brownies out easily.
- Watch the brownies as they bake. You do not want to over bake them. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs on it.
- Baking time may vary based on what type of pan you use. A metal pan will bake the brownies a little faster than a glass pan will.
- Cut squares with a plastic knife. Once the brownies are cooled, cut into pieces using one smooth motion.
- Serve with ice cream. Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream to a warm brownie and get ready to indulge.
- Store in tightly sealed container on the counter for a few days. Freeze for 2-3 months, thawing on the counter when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 203Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 104mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 1gSugar: 23gProtein: 2g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*The post was first published September 2015. The pictures were updated August 2021 and the post was republished June 2023.
Anike
Hello! what are the measurements for the ingredients? I cant seem to find them anywhere
Jocelyn
The full recipe card is at the very bottom of the post. You can manually scroll down or use the "jump to recipe" button at the very top. I hope that helps and you enjoy the brownies.
Brenda Bruce
Ok I tried this recipe. I followed it to the letter. It was a thick crumbly dough. Is the recipe correct?
Jocelyn
Yes, the recipe is correct. You should have had a batter that resembles a brownie batter, not a crumbly dough. Are you sure you didn't miss an ingredient? Also how soft was your butter?
CJ Carstens
My first comment ever to anyone. :). Brownies are delicious. I was concerned bc dough was too thick to spread. Also quite difficult to mix in MMs. I hand patted it in place. BTW, Butter was soft and beat well with sugar. It’s going to our New Year’s party,
Katie
I followed the recipe exactly and my mix came out as a crumbly dough as well! Dry and crumbly-more like cookie batter. Not at all like a brownie batter! What on earth happened?! I have not tried them yet (they are cooking)-but they look cakey even though I didn’t overmix!
Jocelyn
How soft was your butter when you started? The butter and brown sugar needs to be mixed until very smooth and creamy. Are you using a hand mixer or stand mixer? A hand mixer will take you a longer time to cream the butter nad sugar. Once you get that creamy and add the rest of the ingredients it should be smooth like brownie batter, not crumbly at all.
Vanessa
Yuck! If I knew the almond extract was going to taste so...yuck...I wouldn’t have used it. It took over the taste of the brownie and nobody in my family could eat them. It might be an alright recipe without the extract but I won’t try it again. They look amazing in the picture and even when I baked them they did; but the taste left a little something to be desired.
Jocelyn
I'm so sorry you didn't care for these. We love the taste of the almond extract. But yes, you could totally use vanilla extract in place of it. Sounds like you would probably like that better!
Vanessa
I would totally try vanilla extract if I made them again! Thanks ????
Jocelyn
Thank you for the feedback on the recipe. I appreciate it, and I added a note to the recipe for future bakers. 🙂
Paige Caldwell
Have you ever tried m&ms in brownies, frosting on top with starbursts on top.
Jocelyn
That's not a combo I have ever tried. Not sure that I would like it either. Do you really eat this???
Juliette
Made these last night and they are delicious!! We used vanilla but that was just a personal preference. Thank you so much for the fantastic recipe 🙂
Jocelyn
I am so glad to hear your family enjoyed them 🙂
Susan
Just made these. They are very good but next time I would only use 1 tsp of almond extract. It's very overpowering with 2.
Jocelyn
I'm so sorry you didn't enjoy the almond extract. Definitely bump it down to 1 teaspoon next time, or change it out for vanilla if you like. I hope you still try them again!!!
Kayla Zachary
Hello!
I also found the almond extract overpowering, but otherwise loved these brownies! I was wondering if you would recommend an equivalent measurement of vanilla, or if 1t. would prove sufficient? Thoughts? I'm making them again this weekend for a crowd!
Thank you!
Jocelyn
I am so sorry to hear that. One quick question...are you using pure almond extract or an imitation almond extract? That's the only thing that I think could be making the almond flavor in this recipe not right. I absolutely loved these with the extra almond, but that's me. You can definitely change it out and use 2 teaspoons vanilla extract instead. I hope everyone enjoys these!
Christina
Wow, these look amazing. Thanks for all of the great recipes you post.
Jocelyn
Thank you...and you are very welcome! I love sharing all these fun treats with my readers!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting
Brownies loaded with MnMs?! These are right up my alley!
Jocelyn
I had a feeling everyone would agree with me and loaded brownies!!!
Jessica @ Sweetest Menu
I love ANY treat with M&M's. These are gorgeous!!!
Jocelyn
Thank you!!!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
Love how rich and chocolaty these brownies look! So good!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
First. I love these brownies!! And I'm glad you didn't listen to family and kept those m&m's on there. LOVE the little crunch of the candy coating with the brownies.
Second. Yes you are old and probably shouldn't be driving, LOL!!!!
Jocelyn
Hahaha! Yes, I am getting old...BUT I'm not as old as others I know. LOL!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
Oh do these brownies look amazing, Jocelyn! I'm in love with the rich chocolate and color M&Ms. Sounds like the perfect treat for me!
Mir
The first time I ever drove my SUV, I felt so tall and powerful! But yeah, it's hard to adjust back. Being skittish at first is totally normal. It's not old lady driving yet. 🙂
These look really good. The perfect antidote for a nerve-wracking day of driving!
Jocelyn
Brownies all day long to help with the nerves!!! I'm good with that!
Wendy
Little, mini m&m's are the BEST! For awhile they were hard to find (I even bought them by the pound at the supermarket bakery counter once when I was "desperate"!), but recently I have found them at both Target and my supermarket. 🙂 Unlike your alien relatives, I think the added crunch of m&m's on top makes these brownies special!
Jocelyn
I'm glad all my blog friends realize that mini M&M's are the way to go with brownies! And I'm so glad you can find the mini's again!!!
Krystle
Yum these look so good! They remind me of the M&M cookies/brownies I grew up loving from the mall.
Jocelyn
I hadn't thought about it, but yes, these are just like those mall treats!
Anna @ Sunny Side Ups
Brownies + M&Ms...the two loves of my life, together where they definitely belong!! 🙂 These are so gorgeous and delicious, I'm sure!! Can't wait to try them out! Pinned!
Jocelyn
Thank you so much! I have to agree with you on the brownie and M&M's love!!! Two of my favorites too!!
Michelle @ My California Kitchen
Yessss these look so good. I could use a few of these right about now. And definitely don't listen to the candy-haters! Love that little crunch that M&Ms add! Yumm!
Jocelyn
Yeah, they are crazy! How can you not like the M&M's crunch?!?!?!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
That opening shot of the stack of brownies is just EPIC! I'm sold! 🙂
Jocelyn
Thank you so much, Averie! These were so fun to take pictures of...and eat, of course. LOL