easter brownies with m&ms Recipe
If you’re searching for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the festive spirit while satisfying your chocolate cravings, look no further than these easter brownies with m&ms. This recipe bursts with rich, fudgy chocolate goodness, punctuated by colorful M&Ms that add a playful crunch and a pop of color that’s just perfect for celebrating the season. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, school parties, or just because, these brownies bring joy to every bite and are sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for these easter brownies with m&ms is refreshingly simple, yet each element plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and festive flair. From the rich butter that ensures a moist base to the M&Ms that brighten every bite, every ingredient is essential for achieving those irresistible brownies you’ll want to make again and again.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Provides a creamy, rich base that keeps the brownies moist.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crackly top crust.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the fudgy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure without making the brownies cakey.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep, intense chocolaty richness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides a slight lift to keep the brownies dense yet tender.
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus extra for topping): Adds colorful crunch and festive fun throughout and on top of the brownies.
How to Make easter brownies with m&ms
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper; this ensures your easter brownies with m&ms come out smoothly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze and presentation flawless.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter either gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. This warm, melted butter is the foundation for an ultra-moist and rich brownie base.
Step 3: Combine Butter and Sugar
Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and whisk vigorously until the mixture looks shiny and well combined — this step helps create that irresistibly crackly crust on top of your brownies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which brings an aromatic depth that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Mixing the dry components first ensures an even distribution and prevents clumps from forming in the batter.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing at this point can toughen the brownies, so be gentle for that perfect fudgy texture.
Step 7: Fold in the M&Ms
Gently fold in one cup of M&Ms, taking care to save some for the topping. This little sprinkle of colorful sweetness inside the batter adds delightful pops of candy-coated texture and charm.
Step 8: Pour Batter and Add Topping
Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface, then sprinkle the reserved M&Ms across the top. This colorful crown turns your easter brownies with m&ms into an instant showstopper!
Step 9: Bake Until Perfect
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This ensures your brownies remain fudgy and luscious inside.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, let your brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This cooling step is key to making clean slices without crumble, so plan your patience carefully — it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve easter brownies with m&ms
Garnishes
Enhance your brownies by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra sweetness and elegance. Fresh berries can also add a lovely tart contrast to the rich chocolate profile.
Side Dishes
These easter brownies with m&ms pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or softly whipped cream, turning a simple dessert into a decadent experience. For a festive brunch, consider serving alongside a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into festive shapes using cookie cutters or arrange them on a colorful platter surrounded by Easter grass and mini chocolate eggs to make your dessert table truly pop with holiday spirit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover easter brownies with m&ms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them moist and flavorful, preserving all the fun candy crunch.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these brownies later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, gently warm your brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. This helps soften the chocolate and energize the M&Ms’ delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the M&Ms with other candies?
Absolutely! While M&Ms give a classic, colorful crunch, you can swap in other candies like Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, or chopped Easter-themed chocolates to tailor the brownies to your taste or occasion.
How do I make these brownies more fudgy?
For extra fudginess, try reducing the flour to ¾ cup and slightly increasing the butter by a couple of tablespoons. Also, avoid overbaking—pull the brownies out when a toothpick has moist crumbs attached.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute and contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! These easter brownies with m&ms are perfect for prepping a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and festive for your celebration.
Why do the M&Ms sometimes lose color during baking?
This can happen if M&Ms are baked for too long or at high temperatures. Try placing some M&Ms on the top of the batter as a finishing touch (like in this recipe) to keep their colors vivid and their crunch intact.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about easter brownies with m&ms — the way they bring together simple ingredients into a treat that’s both nostalgic and joyous. I hope you give this recipe a try and create moments of happiness with every colorful, chocolatey bite. Happy baking and happy Easter!
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easter brownies with m&ms Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies (2-inch squares) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Brownies with M&Ms are rich, fudgy, and perfectly sweetened chocolate brownies loaded with colorful M&Ms both inside and on top for a festive, fun treat. Perfect for celebrating Easter or any special occasion, they offer a delightful crunch and chocolate burst in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Mix-ins
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Melt Butter: In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter either in the microwave or over the stovetop until fully liquefied.
- Combine Butter and Sugar: Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and whisk together until the mixture is well combined and slightly glossy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to incorporate fully. Then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the brownies.
- Fold in M&Ms: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&Ms, reserving some to sprinkle on top later for added color and texture.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan to ensure even baking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms generously over the top of the batter to create a fun, colorful crust once baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes, which helps them set for easier slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the brownies into squares and serve your festive Easter treats packed with chocolate joy and colorful M&Ms.
Notes
- To get the fudgiest brownies, avoid overbaking; start checking at 23 minutes.
- You can substitute M&Ms with any colorful candy-coated chocolates or even chopped nuts for variety.
- For easier cleanup, lining your pan with parchment paper with overhang helps lift the brownies out in one piece.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These brownies are not gluten-free due to all-purpose flour; use gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (2-inch square)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Easter brownies, M&Ms brownies, chocolate brownies, festive dessert, holiday brownies, easy brownies recipe
