If you’re on the hunt for a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate with bursts of colorful candy crunch, look no further than this Fudgy Crinkle Top M&M Brownies Recipe. These brownies boast that perfect crackly top layer that snaps delightfully as you dig in, revealing a dense, moist, and fudgy interior studded with vibrant M&M’s. It’s the ideal balance of chewy and sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, parties, or even a cozy night indulging your chocolate cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial to crafting the perfect fudgy texture and the lovely crinkle on top. Each component plays its part: bittersweet chocolate for deep cocoa richness, butter for smoothness, eggs and sugar to create that signature crackly top, and M&M’s to add pops of fun and sweetness.
- 2¼ cups bittersweet chocolate: This is the heart of the brownie, giving it that intense chocolate flavor that’s rich but not too sweet.
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter adds luxurious creaminess and helps achieve a fudgy consistency.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and contribute to the crackly top texture you’ll love.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies while helping to create that distinctive crinkle on the surface.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the brownie’s flavor profile.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Keeps the brownies tender yet gives them enough body to hold together well.
- 10 ounces M&M’s: Sprinkled throughout the batter, these colorful candies add playful bursts of crunch and sweetness.
How to Make Fudgy Crinkle Top M&M Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Generously spray a 9-inch square baking pan with baking spray to ensure your brownies come out easily without any sticking. This simple first step sets the stage for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
Combine the bittersweet chocolate and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt them together carefully in 15-second increments, stirring in between. This slow process ensures the mixture becomes perfectly smooth and glossy without burning. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly before mixing with the eggs.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs, Sugar, and Flavorings
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale and slightly frothy. This whisking step is key to incorporating air into the batter, which helps create that coveted crinkly surface on your brownies.
Step 4: Combine Chocolate and Flour
Slowly whisk the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture until fully integrated. Next, gently stir in the all-purpose flour just until no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that fudgy texture without introducing too much aeration.
Step 5: Fold in M&M’s
Now comes the fun part. Gently fold in the colorful M&M’s so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. These candies will add joyful bursts of crunch and sweetness within each fudgy bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, keeping an eye on the brownies towards the end. You want the top to have that beautiful crinkle crust while the inside remains satisfyingly fudgy. Remember, every oven is a bit different, so adjust the time accordingly to your preference.
How to Serve Fudgy Crinkle Top M&M Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
While these brownies are stunning and delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra handful of M&M’s on top right after baking can add visual appeal and extra sweetness. For a bit of indulgence, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Side Dishes
Because these brownies are richly chocolaty, pairing them with fresh berries or a zesty fruit salad can offer a refreshing contrast. A cup of bold coffee or a creamy milkshake also complements the deep chocolate and candy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into small bite-sized squares and arranging them on a festive platter with colorful icing drizzle or sprinkles on top. They make fantastic party favors when wrapped individually in pretty parchment paper tied with twine. You could even sandwich a bit of peanut butter or marshmallow fluff between two brownie pieces for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Fudgy Crinkle Top M&M Brownies Recipe leftovers will stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps the brownies moist while preserving their fudgy texture and colorful candy pieces.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, these brownies freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For that freshly baked feel, microwave a brownie square for about 15 seconds to warm it gently before serving. This melts the chocolate slightly and brings back the gooey decadence that makes this Fudgy Crinkle Top M&M Brownies Recipe such a hit.
FAQs
Can I substitute different types of chocolate in this brownie recipe?
Absolutely! Using semisweet or milk chocolate will alter the sweetness and richness, so choose based on your taste preference. Just keep in mind that bittersweet chocolate gives the ideal depth of flavor for the fudgy texture in this recipe.
What causes the crackly top on these brownies?
The crackly top results from the sugar and eggs being properly whisked together. It creates a glossy, thin crust that contrasts beautifully with the dense fudge beneath.
Can I use a different type of candy instead of M&M’s?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even toffee pieces work wonderfully. The M&M’s just add that fun, colorful crunch that makes these brownies stand out.
Is it better to use room temperature eggs for this recipe?
Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more easily into the batter, which can improve texture. If your eggs are cold, you can place them in warm water for a few minutes before using.
How do I know when my brownies are perfectly baked?
Look for the edges to be set and the top to have a shiny crinkle. Insert a toothpick—some moist crumbs sticking to it indicate fudginess, while a clean one means the brownies are more cake-like. Choose your desired doneness accordingly.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Fudgy Crinkle Top M&M Brownies Recipe; it brings together classic chocolate indulgence and playful, colorful crunch in every bite. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the joyous smiles it’s sure to bring to your table. Once you taste that crinkle top and fudgy center dotted with M&M’s, you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to dessert!
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Fudgy Crinkle Top M&M Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
These Fudgy Crinkle Top M&M Brownies offer a rich, chocolatey treat with a perfectly fudgy center and a crinkly top. Packed with colorful M&M’s, they deliver a delightful crunch and bursts of candy sweetness in every bite. Easy to make and baked to a beautiful golden brown, these brownies are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 2¼ cups bittersweet chocolate
- 9 Tablespoons unsalted butter
Brownie Batter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 10 ounces M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the brownies.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Spray a 9-inch square pan with baking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Combine the bittersweet chocolate and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-second increments, stirring after each interval until the mixture is melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: Whisk the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully incorporated.
- Add Flour: Stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in M&M’s: Gently fold the M&M’s into the batter to evenly distribute the candies throughout.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared 9-inch pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Adjust baking time to your desired degree of fudginess.
Notes
- For best results, use quality bittersweet chocolate to enhance the richness of the brownies.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to maintain the fudgy texture.
- You can substitute M&M’s with other chocolate candies or nuts according to preference.
- Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
