EASY Valentine’s M&M’s Brownies – Browned Butter Blondie

Valentine’s Day calls for something sweet, indulgent, and made with love. These Valentine’s M&M’s Brownies are the perfect way to celebrate! Made with rich, fudgy chocolate brownie batter, enhanced with nutty browned butter, and topped with festive Valentine’s M&M’s, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re baking for a loved one, friends, or just treating yourself, these brownies deliver a decadent texture with the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Browned Butter Magic: Adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the chocolatey goodness.
• Festive & Fun: The red, pink, and white M&M’s make them perfect for Valentine’s Day.
• Easy to Make: No need for complicated techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
• Ultra Fudgy Texture: A chewy, dense brownie with slightly crisp edges.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, gifts, or a romantic dessert for two.

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Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup Valentine’s M&M’s (plus extra for topping)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring frequently.
2. Continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma (about 3–5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat immediately and pour into a mixing bowl to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
5. To the browned butter, add granulated sugar and brown sugar, whisking until combined.
6. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
8. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
9. Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

10. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
11. Sprinkle extra Valentine’s M&M’s on top for a festive touch.
12. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 4: Cool & Serve

13. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
14. Cut into squares and serve!

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Variations & Customizations

• Extra Chocolatey: Swirl melted chocolate or Nutella into the batter before baking.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch.
• Frosted Brownies: Top with a layer of chocolate ganache or pink buttercream frosting.
• White Chocolate Lover’s Version: Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a GF-friendly treat.

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Servings & Timing

• Servings: 9–12 brownies (depending on size)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: ~45 minutes

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Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week when stored properly.
• Freezer: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a gooey, just-baked texture.

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FAQs

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! These brownies taste even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just store them in an airtight container.

What’s the secret to fudgy brownies?

Using less flour, more fat (butter), and melted chocolate helps achieve that dense, chewy texture. Avoid overbaking!

Can I use regular M&M’s instead of Valentine’s M&M’s?

Of course! Any M&M’s work, but Valentine’s colors add a festive touch.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease the pan well with butter or non-stick spray, but parchment makes lifting the brownies out much easier.

Why is my butter burning instead of browning?

Make sure to stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as it turns golden brown and smells nutty.

Can I make this recipe in a larger pan?

Yes, but the brownies will be thinner. Adjust baking time accordingly (start checking at 20 minutes).

How do I cut clean brownie squares?

Use a sharp knife, wipe it clean between cuts, and chill the brownies slightly before slicing.

Can I add frosting to these brownies?

Absolutely! A chocolate ganache or pink buttercream frosting would make them even more indulgent.

Do I need a mixer for this recipe?

No! This is a one-bowl brownie recipe, so a simple whisk and spatula work perfectly.

Can I substitute oil for butter?

You can, but you’ll lose the rich, nutty flavor from the browned butter, which enhances the taste.

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Conclusion

These Valentine’s M&M’s Brownies with Browned Butter are the perfect way to celebrate love and chocolate in one bite. With a rich, fudgy texture, nutty depth from the browned butter, and festive M&M’s crunch, this recipe is both easy and irresistible. Whether you’re baking for someone special or just treating yourself, these brownies are sure to be a hit!

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