These fudgy brownies loaded with colorful M&M's will disappear in minutes. Just like your favorite candies, these M&M's Brownies are "melt in your mouth" delicious. This is the perfect homemade brownie recipe for weeknight desserts, birthday parties, or lunchbox treats.
Looking for more M&M recipes, try these M&M blonde brownies or these M&M granola bars next.
M&M's Brownies
Brownies are one of those desserts that just about everyone loves. Whether you make from a box mix or make homemade brownies, they satisfy that chocolate craving.
I used to use box mixes all the time until I made these chocolate chip brownies. Then I realized that made from scratch brownies are just as easy to make.
Over the years I have made so many different variations of brownies using candies, frostings, and brownies with marshmallows on top. But these simple fudge brownies loaded with M&M's candies are one of my favorites.
This brownie recipe is made with cocoa powder and brown sugar which makes these homemade brownies so rich and delicious. Fudge brownies are great on their own, but adding M&M's gives the brownies a fun crunch and a bigger chocolate flavor.
You are going to love these fudgy brownies with M&M's because they are easy to make with simple ingredients, and they taste amazing! For an extra special dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge to the warm M&M's brownies.
Ingredients for Fudge Brownies with M&M's
These homemade brownies are made with simple ingredients. Dark cocoa powder gives these M&M fudge brownies a rich dark color! Using almond extract gives the brownies a slightly different, but amazing flavor. I LOVE almond extract, but if you do not care for it, please use vanilla!
- Butter - Unsalted and softened. Set the butter out at least 30 minutes ahead of time, so it is easier to cream.
- Brown Sugar - Sweetens the brownies and gives them a moist fudgy texture.
- Eggs - Adds moisture to the brownie batter.
- Almond Extract - Gives these fudge brownies a delicious flavor. You can also use vanilla extract if you prefer that instead.
- Salt - Balances out the sweetness.
- Baking Powder - Provides a small lift as the brownies are baking.
- Flour - Gives structure to the M&M brownies.
- Dark Cocoa Powder - I like using dark cocoa powder in most of my baked goods because it gives such a great flavor, and I love the dark rich color. Regular cocoa powder works just 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. If you want a different candy, try this Oreo Reese's brownie.
How to make M&M's Brownies
The batter for these fudgy brownies comes together using just one bowl. The best part about this recipe is that the brownies can be made in minutes. In less than 40 minutes, you can be enjoying warm fudgy brownies for dessert.
- Beat the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until creamy.
- Add eggs and extract and beat again.
- Stir in the dry ingredients until a soft brownie batter forms.
- Add M&M's and stir gently.
- Spread the brownie batter in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with more M&M's before baking.
- Let the brownies cool to room temperature before cutting them into squares. The fudgy chewy center will set up as the brownies cool.
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, brownie, 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 sprinkle with M&M's.
Tips and Tricks
Do NOT over mix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Stir or mix just until the flour is gone. Over mixing will add excess air and the brownies could bake cakey.
Line your baking dish with foil or parchment paper if you want to lift the brownies out easily.
Keep an eye on your 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.
Use a plastic knife to cut the brownies cleanly.
Recipe FAQ's
How long do these brownies last?
The brownies will keep for 2-3 days in a tightly sealed container.
Can you double this recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and spread them in a greased 9x13 pan. The baking time should be about the same.
Can you freeze these brownies?
Yes. Let them cool completely, then wrap the entire pan or individual brownies in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw on counter before serving. The moisture from thawing may make the M&M's discolor as they thaw out.
More Brownie Recipes
- Reese's Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies
- Rainbow Brownies - copycat Cosmic Brownies
- Truffle Brownies
- Zucchini Brownies with Frosting
- Coffee Brownies
Other M&M Desserts
Love a recipe you tried from Inside BruCrew Life?
Please leave a 5 star ⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further below.
M&M’s Brownies Recipe
These fudgy brownies loaded with colorful M&M's will disappear in minutes. Just like your favorite candies, these M&M's 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
**If you do not care for the taste of almond extract, you can use vanilla in place of it.
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 for M&M's Brownies was first published September 2015. The post was updated and republished August 2021.
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?
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