M&M Brookies are nothing short of a dessert revelation, seamlessly combining the rich, fudgy depths of brownies with the chewy, sweet nature of cookies. Each bite is a burst of flavor, thanks to the delightful crunch of mini M&Ms and chocolate chips nestled in the batter. The texture is a perfect marriage of soft, gooey brownie edges contrasted by slightly crisp cookie tops—a heavenly treat for any chocolate lover. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a school event, or simply indulging in a moment of self-care, these brookies are the delicious answer to your sweet tooth cravings.
I still remember the first time I shared M&M Brookies with my friends at a potluck. They were an instant hit, and watching their faces light up with each bite was pure joy. The great thing about this recipe is how simple it is to make! With just a short prep time of around 30 minutes and a bake time of 30 to 35 minutes, these treats are easy to whip up on a whim. You’ll find the flavors are so much richer—and the experience so much more rewarding—than any store-bought version. I hope this recipe brings you as much happiness as it has brought to those I’ve shared it with!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can have these delicious brookies ready in just about an hour!
- Irresistible Flavor: The mix of brownie and cookie brings a delightful contrast of textures and rich chocolate flavors.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Those colorful M&Ms make these treats fun and vibrant, perfect for sharing or celebrating.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for snacks, parties, or even as a sweet breakfast indulgence with your morning coffee.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients mean you won’t break the bank to whip up a batch of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of both the cookie and brownie; make sure to spoon and level or weigh it for accuracy.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookie dough rise, creating a soft texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness; avoid margarine for the best flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
- â…“ cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor to the cookies.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together for a cohesive structure.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile, making it more delicious.
- ½ cup mini M&Ms (plus more for topping): Adds color, crunch, and fun, perfect for the kids (and adults!).
- â…“ cup chocolate chips (plus more for topping): For that ooey-gooey chocolate goodness in each bite.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into eight pieces (for brownie layer): Creates a rich brownie batter.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (for brownie layer): Deepens flavor and moisture in the brownies.
- 2 large eggs (for brownie layer): Keeps the brownies rich and fudgy.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for brownie layer): A must for enhancing flavor.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for brownie layer): Provides structure while keeping the brownies soft.
- â…“ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star ingredient that gives the brownies their decadent chocolate flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt (for brownie layer): Again, balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Ensures a fudgy texture without being too cakey.
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for brownie layer): More chocolatey goodness for a rich, indulgent treat.
How to Make M&M Brookies
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×9-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it with nonstick spray.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer with the paddle attachment to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for about 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Then, on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the mini M&Ms and chocolate chips.
- Chill the Cookie Dough: While you prepare the brownie batter, place the cookie dough in the refrigerator for a quick chill.
- Create the Brownie Batter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and brown sugar. Microwave this mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the butter is melted (this should take about a minute). Whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until thoroughly combined, and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients for Brownies: Once cooled, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients for Brownies: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and cornstarch.
- Combine Brownie Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until well combined. Then, fold in the chocolate chips, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl for an even distribution.
- Layer the Brownie Batter: Set aside about ½ cup of this brownie batter. Pour the remaining brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer. Note: If the parchment paper shifts, you can secure it with small binder clips, just be sure to remove them before baking.
- Add Cookie Dough on Top: Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator. Grab pieces of the dough and press them into flat, irregular shapes. Place the cookie dough over the top of the brownie batter. The cookie dough should mostly cover the brownie layer. Spoon the reserved brownie batter in random spots over the cookie dough to create a marbled effect. For a pretty presentation, press a few more M&Ms and chocolate chips on top.
- Bake: Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Start checking around 28 minutes. If the cookie dough is browning too much, loosely tent it with foil. The brookies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist or fudgy crumbs (avoiding melted chocolate chips). The very center might be slightly underbaked when you remove them; that’s fine—it will firm up as they cool. Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.
Storing & Reheating
You can store the M&M Brookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, but remember to keep them in a sealed container to maintain freshness. You can also freeze these delights for up to 3 months. To do so, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, though keep in mind that the texture may slightly change after freezing. A quick zap will refresh that delicious warmth!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the flour with the wet ingredients, mix just until combined to prevent tough brookies.
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation with the other ingredients.
- Timing is Key: Start checking for doneness a couple of minutes early to avoid overbaking—aim for that perfect gooey center!
- Texture Troubleshooting: If you find your brookies are too cakey, consider reducing the flour slightly next time.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
These M&M Brookies are truly a delightful combination that’s perfect for any occasion, providing a crowd-pleasing treat loved by kids and adults alike. As you pour the brownie batter and layer in the cookie dough, I encourage you to enjoy the process and maybe even sneak a few bites along the way! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins or toppings to make them your own.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will add a rich depth of flavor, making your brookies even more decadent. Adjust the sweetness slightly by reducing the sugar if you prefer a less sweet treat.
How should I store M&M Brookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to save them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap them tightly!
Can I make these brookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the all-purpose flour in this recipe. Make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to tell when the brookies are done baking?
Check for a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Remember that the center might look a bit underbaked; it will set as it cools. Enjoy your baking!
Print
M&M Brookies
M&M Brookies combine chewy brownies and cookies for an irresistible treat. With chocolate chips and colorful M&Ms, these delights are easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, making them perfect for gatherings or a simple indulgence at home.
- Total Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (188g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled or weighed
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- â…“ cup (70g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (84g) mini m&m's , plus a few more for topping
- â…“ cup (55g) chocolate chips, plus a few more for topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into eight pieces
- 1 cup (220g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (63g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled or weighed
- â…“ cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ cup (85g) chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center. Line a 9×9-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both types of sugar until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.
- Gradually add the flour mixture while mixing on low speed until the dough is just combined.
- Stir in the mini M&Ms and chocolate chips, then refrigerate the cookie dough while preparing the brownie batter.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Using a metal baking pan helps achieve optimal browning.
Chilling the cookie dough makes it easier to handle and enhances flavors.
Feel free to substitute M&Ms with your favorite chocolate in this recipe.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 63 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
