The Best M&M Brownie Recipe

This m&m brownie recipe is a one-bowl recipe that comes together in minutes. It’s also an easy brownie recipe for kids to bake and enjoy! Packed with fudgy chocolate flavor, M&M’s, and chocolate chips, these brownies have the perfect balance of richness—without being overly buttery or too heavy. This super easy brownie recipe starts with a box mix, and transforms into something out-of-this-world delicious. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just in need of a quick sweet fix, this m&m brownie recipe balances fudgy goodness with just the right amount of decadence. You’ll be reaching for this recipe over and over again!

Ingredients for this M&M Brownie Recipe:

• Baking Dish (8×8 or 9×9)
• Non-Stick Baking Spray
• Box of Brownie Mix (I love Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix)
• Cocoa Powder (Dutch Processed is preferred)
• Milk
• Egg
• Unsalted Butter
• Vegetable Oil
• Vanilla Extract
• Salt
• M&M’s or Mini M&M’s
• Oreo’s (Optional)
• Milk, Dark, or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• Food Scale (Optional, but highly recommended!)

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Here is a short video of the process:

Recipe Tips for Better Boxed Brownies:

Listed below are a few simple tips on how to make box brownies better:

1. Add Extra Chocolate

• Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful (or more) of chocolate chips, chunks, or chopped chocolate bars for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Cocoa Powder: Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder (my favorite is Ghirardelli Dutch-Processed) to intensify that chocolate flavor.

2. Use Milk Instead of Water

• Swap out the water for milk to level up the richness! Whole milk is best for this, but 2% and skim will work as well. You can also use a lactose-free milk, it will work just fine!

3. Butter and Oil

• I love using butter and vegetable oil. I always use melted butter for brownie recipes! This is essential to nailing the perfect chewy brownie. I find brownie that use only butter are too rich and buttery for me, so I love incorporating vegetable to lessen the intensity of the butter. This creates a perfectly balanced flavor and the best texture!

4. Add Vanilla Extract

• Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and overall flavor of your brownies. I love using 2 teaspoons in brownie recipes!

5. Add Salt to Balance Sweetness

• Salt can really balance out the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor. It can make a huge difference! I recommend 1/2 teaspoon in this m&m brownie recipe.

6. Customize with Mix-Ins

• Customize with mix-ins like chopped nuts, candy bars, or cookies (m&ms, Reeses, crushed Oreos, etc.) I love using this base brownie recipe because it’s so easy to customize! I put a festive twist on these brownies with the holiday m&ms and a layer of red Oreos in the middle.

7. Underbake Slightly

• For the ultimate fudgy texture, slightly underbake your brownies. Start checking a few minutes before the recommended baking time. When a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done!

8. Let Them Cool Completely

• Brownies need to sit and cool after baking! They are usually better once they’ve had a little time to set. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to allow the texture to firm up. This is super important! When they are given longer to cool I swear the flavor gets better and better!

Well, there you have it—a few simple tips and tricks for baking the best M&M brownie recipe ever! These brownies are a guaranteed hit and surprisingly easy to make. It’s a one-bowl recipe that comes together in minutes! With their rich chocolate flavor and the crunch of M&Ms, they’re the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. With that being said, next time you’re craving something sweet and delicious, give this ultimate M&M brownie recipe a try!

Continue below for the easy-to-follow recipe, dig in, and enjoy every bite!

Print Recipe

M&M Brownie Recipe

Packed with fudgy chocolate flavor, M&M's, and chocolate chips, these brownies have the perfect balance of richness—without being overly buttery or too heavy.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Dessert

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 box Brownie Mix (Duncan Hines) Dark Chocolate Fudge
• 1 tbsp Cocoa Powder Dutch Processed
• 1/3 cup Milk 83 grams
• 1 Egg
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (melted) 57 grams
• 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil 60 grams
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract 8 grams
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 cup M&Ms
• 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips Milk, Dark, or Semi-Sweet

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare 8×8 square pan with baking spray or a homemade pan release. You can also use parchment paper at the bottom for extra insurance and easy removal.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the butter at 15-30 second intervals until completely melted. Set aside until ready to incorporate into your recipe.
• Combine brownie mix, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium-size bowl and whisk together.
• Now, add milk, egg, melted butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
• Mix ingredients together on low with an electric hand mixer, or by hand with a silicone spatula. Make sure all ingredients are incorporating and not stuck on the bottom.
• Add m&ms and chocolate chips. Gently fold in until evenly distributed.
• Pour brownie batter into prepared square pan.
• Top with extra m&ms and chocolate chips if you'd like.
• Bake for 35-37 min. Use a toothpick or knife and insert into the center – if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s good to go.
• Let brownies cool in pan for 30-45 minutes, and transfer to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.