Fudgy M&M Brownies come together quickly using common pantry ingredients. These brownies are thick and ultra-fudgy, packed with M&Ms and melting pockets of chocolate chips—better than any box mix and perfect for sharing.

Why you’ll love M & M Brownies:
- Ultra fudgy: These brownies stay moist and dense thanks to a balanced mix of butter and oil and a minimal amount of flour.
- Loaded with M&Ms: Candy adds a pleasant crunch and burst of color that complements the fudgy crumb.
- Better than box mix: Homemade flavor and texture surpass most mixes, with a shiny, crackly top when sugars are fully dissolved.
- Thin, crinkly tops: Dissolving the sugar and using melted chocolate help create the desirable paper-thin crust.

Ingredient overview:
The full recipe with measurements and directions is in the recipe card below.
- Butter: Salted butter works well for flavor, but unsalted is fine if you prefer.
- Vegetable oil: A small amount of oil keeps the brownies tender and adds to a fudgy texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Melted chocolate paired with cocoa powder gives depth without making the brownies too sweet.
- Cocoa powder: Adds extra chocolate intensity and balances the melted chocolate.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for best texture.
- Sugars: A combination of granulated and powdered sugar helps achieve a glossy, crinkly top because the sugars dissolve more easily.
- Vanilla & salt: Real vanilla and a pinch of salt round out the flavors.
- Flour: Measure by spooning into a cup and leveling or use a scale to avoid over-measuring and drying the brownies.
- M&Ms: Use your favorite variety—plain, peanut, peanut butter, or seasonal flavors all work nicely.
Substitutions & variations:
- Gluten-free & dairy-free: This exact recipe wasn’t tested that way. Instead, try a dedicated gluten-free brownie base and substitute dairy-free butter and chocolate, then fold in M&Ms.
How to make these M&M brownies:
Step 1 — Melt the butter & chocolate: Melt cubed butter with chopped semi‑sweet chocolate in a bowl (microwave in short bursts or use a double boiler), then whisk in vegetable oil and cocoa powder. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 2 — Start the batter: In a large bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar for 1–2 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, and whisk to combine.

Step 3 — Finish the batter: Whisk the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Fold in the flour and a pinch of espresso powder if using.


Step 4 — Add mix-ins: Gently fold in semi‑sweet chocolate chips and M&Ms, reserving a few for the top if you like.

Step 5 — Bake: Pour the batter into a prepared 8×8 metal pan lined with parchment and bake. Remove when the edges look set and the center still has a slight wobble; the top should be shiny with a thin crust. By cooling, the brownies finish setting to a fudgy texture.


Serving & storing:
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes before slicing. Warm slices briefly in the microwave for best results. Once completely cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Expert baking tips:
- Oven thermometer: Use one to confirm your oven temperature. Many ovens run hot or cold and accurate temperature is important.
- Kitchen scale: Weighing flour gives more consistent results than cups.
- Metal pan vs. glass: Metal pans conduct heat more evenly than glass, helping the brownies bake consistently.
- Don’t overbake: Remove the brownies when the center still wobbles slightly; they’ll set as they cool to a fudgy finish.
- Neat slices: Use a plastic knife or warm a sharp knife under hot water and dry it between cuts for clean edges.

FAQs
Yes. Halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8 pan, starting around 15 minutes and check doneness. Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan, beginning around 25–28 minutes and checking until done.

Special tools:
- Metal 8×8 pan: Preferred for even heat distribution and a fudgy center.
More brownie recipes to love:
- Best-Ever 5 Ingredient Brownies (cocoa powder only)
- Biscoff Stuffed Brownies
- Decadent Turtle Brownies
- Fudgy Red Velvet Oreo Brownies
- Buckeye Brownies
- Layered Mint Chocolate Brownies
- Best Cheesecake Brownies
Photography for this recipe is courtesy of Creating Kaitlin. Other photos are by Stephanie Simmons unless otherwise credited.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and star rating in the recipe card below.
Fudgy M&M Brownies
Prep: 15 mins • Cook: 32 mins • Total: 47 mins • Servings: 12 (about 12–16 brownies)
Ingredients
- 10 tbsp salted butter, cubed (140 g)
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (113 g)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (56 mL)
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder (63 g)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (158 g)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (174 g)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (65 g)
- Pinch of espresso powder (optional)
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (177 g)
- 1 cup M&Ms, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8 metal pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment.
- Melt butter and chopped chocolate together until smooth. Whisk in oil and cocoa powder; cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolk, and granulated sugar for 1–2 minutes until sugar dissolves. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Whisk in the cooled chocolate mixture. Fold in flour and optional espresso powder, then stir in chocolate chips and M&Ms.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 29–32 minutes. The center should have a slight wobble, edges set, and top shiny with a thin crust. If desired, use an instant-read thermometer—center should reach at least 160°F for food safety.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes before slicing. Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Notes
Use any flavor of M&Ms you prefer. A 9×9 pan works but will bake faster; reduce baking time accordingly.
Nutrition (approx.)
Per brownie: ~493 kcal; carbs 57g; protein 6g; fat 28g. Nutrition is an approximation.