These ultra-thick M&M's brownies are made by doctoring boxed brownie mix for the softest, chewiest brownies ever -- moist and tender for days. Choose your favorite color of M&Ms to match the occasion, and watch them disappear!
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Equipment Checklist
One of the best things about this recipe is how incredibly simple it is. No mixer or fussy equipment needed; just some basics, like mixing bowls, a whisk, and a good metal baking pan.
![Katbite 200PCS 12x16 In Heavy Duty Flat Parchment Paper, Parchment Paper Sheets for Baking Cookies, Cooking, Frying, Air Fryer, Grilling Rack, Oven(12x16 Inch)[Advanced Series]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41BATbh8sxL._SL500_.jpg "Katbite 200PCS 12x16 In Heavy Duty Flat Parchment Paper, Parchment Paper Sheets for Baking Cookies, Cooking, Frying, Air Fryer, Grilling Rack, Oven(12x16 Inch)[Advanced Series]")
Parchment paper sheets make it super simple to line your baking pans and clean-up is a breeze!
To get the nicest, cleanest cuts, use a carving knife and carefully wipe the blade between cuts.
Why you'll love these M&M Brownies
- Semi-homemade, but elevated. Instead of dragging out half the pantry and flinging flour everywhere, you can grab a couple of boxed mixes, a few pantry staples, and have brownies baking ASAP.
- Big, thick brownies. We're using TWO boxed mixes in the pan you would normally use to make one batch of brownies, making these bars extra thick, soft, and chewy.
- Instantly playful and fun. A generous sprinkle of M&M's makes these brownies a colorful option for any occasion. Swap in holiday colors or choose themed colors for bake sales, birthday parties, and more.
Ingredients
Are boxed brownie mixes cheating? Nope! Boxed mixes already contain the all purpose flour, leavening agents, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar, so they're a huge time-saver.
We simply need to enhance them with the right ingredients to get the perfect bakery-style texture.
- Boxed brownie mix - I always use 2 Duncan Hines' family-size mixes to get consistent results.
- Instant Clearjel
- Dark cocoa powder
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- M&M candies - Any color will do!
- Vanilla extract
Baker's Tip
These brownies are even better the next day, making them a handy option for holidays, parties, or other occasions when you need to bake ahead.
Get the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Variations
This recipe is adapted from our bakery-style brownie recipe, which uses chopped chocolate and walnuts instead of M&Ms. So much chocolate flavor and just enough crunch!
Use different types of M&Ms. Although we used regular M&M candies for these photos, you can really choose any color or type you like!
Aren't these brownies cute with the red and green M&Ms for Christmas? You could also do the pink and white ones for Valentine's Day, special sports colors, and so much more.
Play with mix-ins. Feel free to swap out some of the M&Ms to add in dark chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, crushed pretzels, caramel chips, or even mini M&M's.
Storage
The Instant Clearjel and vegetable oil help keep these brownies moist and tender for days, and we're not just saying that. We're always shocked by just how lovely they are even 3-4 days after baking!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
Key Recipe Notes
- Please don't skip the Instant Clearjel. This is really what makes these brownies so soft and tender. It's our secret ingredient for the best bakery-style recipes, so you'll be glad to have some on hand.
- Watch the bake time. Start checking the bars as soon as you hit the 35-minute mark (after you drop them to 325F). If a toothpick comes out clean, they're ready to go.
More Bakery-Style Cookies and Bars
Don't you just want to take a big bite out of these M&M brownies? We love that they're the perfect mix of textures - both soft and chewy - with rich chocolate flavor and plenty of M&Ms in every bite.
If you want more bakery-style recipes like this, be sure to subscribe to email updates! You can also post photos of your bakes on social media and tag @amycakesbakes. We'd love to see your creations. Happy Baking!
Thanks for Reading. ❤️
📖 Recipe & Step-by-Step Instructions
Super Thick and Chewy M&Ms Brownie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 18.3 oz brownie mixes (choose family-size mixes that are meant for 9x13 pans. I used Duncan Hines)
- 2 Tablespoons Dark Dutch Cocoa Powder
- 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Instant Clearjel
- 2 cups M&Ms (reserve some to sprinkle over top before baking)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 cake pan with parchment paper on the bottom and sides.
- In a very large bowl, whisk together the 2 brownie mixes, instant clearjel, and dark dutch cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until very smooth, then mix in the vegetable oil and water.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients, and fold the two together using large strokes. Continue to fold until there are no streaks of dry ingredients (avoid overmixing).
- Fold in about 1 cup of M&Ms, then spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms over the top of the brownies.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 325 degrees. Bake for an additional 35-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean throughout. (Baking time will vary depending on the oven and pan used, so use a toothpick or pairing knife to test the center of the brownies for doneness. Allow to cool completely before serving. These brownies have the best texture the next day or after cooling for at least 3 hours. Enjoy!
