Description
These Fudgy Christmas M&M Brownies are rich, chocolatey, and filled with festive candy pieces in every bite. Made with melted chocolate, dark cocoa powder, and a crackly brownie top, they’re the perfect homemade treat for Christmas parties, holiday dessert tables, and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup + ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup dark cocoa powder
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup Christmas M&M’s
- ⅓ cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate bar or chocolate chips
- Extra Christmas M&M’s for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers all four sides.
- Melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips together until smooth.
- Whisk the dark cocoa powder into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Slowly whisk the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Add the flour, espresso powder, and salt. Gently fold until almost combined.
- Fold in the Christmas M&M’s and chopped chocolate until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle additional Christmas M&M’s over the top.
- Bake for 33–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the brownies to cool completely.
- Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper, cut into 16 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Serving: Cut the brownies into 16 squares and arrange them on a festive Christmas platter.
- With ice cream: Serve slightly warmed brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.
- Holiday presentation: Add extra red and green M&M’s on top before baking for a colorful Christmas appearance.
- Room temperature storage: Store brownies in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerator storage: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.
- Thawing: Let frozen brownies thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make-ahead tip: Bake the brownies a day before your holiday gathering. Their chocolate flavor becomes even more pronounced as they rest.
- Clean slices: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.
- Avoid overbaking: Remove the brownies when a toothpick has a few moist crumbs attached to maintain their fudgy texture.