These gluten-free M and M brownies are rich, fudgy, and loaded with chopped chocolate and M&Ms in the batter. They're perfect for any special occasion or just a weeknight dessert!
I love using protein powder in my baking. It gives recipes like my chocolate protein muffins and protein banana bread a kick of protein to help me fool myself into thinking they're good for me. LOL. Of course, I know they aren't exactly health food, but hey, all things in moderation!
I've been using Levels double chocolate whey protein powder lately, and I've really been enjoying it. The flavor is actually GOOD (rare for protein powder), and it helps give my baked goods even more chocolate flavor while adding healthy, grass-fed protein.
This is a better-for-you take on a classic that's the perfect dessert after an equally classic dinner like this puff pastry chicken pot pie!
Why You'll Love These M&M Brownies
- Simple Ingredients: Just like my spider web brownies, this recipe uses simple ingredients available at any grocery store. Even the protein powder is only a click on Amazon away.
- Easy: This is a basic brownie recipe with one addition, so it comes together quickly and easily.
- Moist and Fudgy: These brownies are so moist and fudgy, you might think they're underdone. BUT they're not!
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The cocoa, semi-sweet chocolate, and Levels double chocolate powder make these brownies super chocolaty.
M and M Brownies Video
Ingredients
- Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour: I prefer Bob's Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour because I find it gives my baked goods the best texture.
- Levels Double Chocolate Whey Protein: Levels Double Chocolate whey is made with minimal ingredients and is committed to the highest quality. I also love the rich chocolate flavor it adds to the muffins with NO odd flavor or texture.
- Dutched Cocoa Powder: I use OliveNation 22/24 Fat Dutched cocoa powder to give the brownies a deep chocolate flavor without bitterness. Use Code: NK15 for 15% off.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Melted semi-sweet chocolate adds even more chocolate flavor to the brownies.
- Olive Oil: I prefer Costabile olive oil for its quality and purity. Use Code: 15GoldenGK for 15% off.
- Milk Cholate Bar: I add a crushed milk chocolate bar to the batter for more chocolate flavor and a bit of extra texture.
- M&Ms: Mini M&Ms in the batter and on top of the brownies add more flavor and a pop of color.
- Vanilla Extract: I prefer Singing Dog vanilla extract for its quality, purity, and deep vanilla flavor.
See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts.
Flavor Variations
- M&Ms: Use different colors and seasonal mixes for different occasions.
- Chocolate and Peanut Butter Brownies: Use Reese's pieces in place of M&Ms.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts and pecans add crunch and flavor.
- Coffee: Add a bit of instant coffee for a more intense flavor.
How to Make M and M Brownies
1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and line the bottom of an 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper.
2: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate, butter, and olive oil in a small saucepan, stirring until the mixture is creamy. Then, set it aside while you make the rest of the batter.
3: Whisk the dry brownie batter ingredients in a medium bowl. Then, whisk the wet ingredients, including the melted chocolate, in a large bowl.
4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a rubber spatula until just combined. Then, fold in the chopped chocolate bar and mini M&Ms to combine.
5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth it out evenly, and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs.
6: Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire cooking rack for at least an hour. Then, remove the brownies, slice them, and enjoy!
Hint
Be sure your melted chocolate has cooled before you mix it with the other wet ingredients. This keeps the eggs in the mixture from curdling.
Storage
Store these brownies at room temperature in an air-tight container for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container.
Bring the brownies to room temperature on the counter before serving.
What to Serve with This M&M Brownies Recipe
A glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea is always perfect with these brownies. Of course, they're the perfect addition to any holiday dessert table, alongside other sweet treats like Christmas cookie sandwiches, a puff pastry Nutella Christmas tree, or Christmas celebration cookies.
Tips for the Best M and M Brownies
- Stir your chocolate and oil mixture constantly as you melt it to prevent scorching.
- Bring your eggs to room temperature to incorporate more easily into the batter.
- Let your melted chocolate cool before adding it to the wet ingredients to keep the eggs from scrambling.
- Leave an overhand of parchment paper when you line your brownie pan. This makes it easy to remove the brownies after they've cooled.
- Use a very sharp knife to cut the brownies to prevent tearing the edges or breaking the brownies.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you use a sub-par protein powder, it can give baked goods an "off" flavor or texture. However, if you use a high-quality protein powder, you won't notice the addition at all.
First and foremost, NEVER refrigerate your brownies if they don't contain cream cheese or frosting. Second, store your brownies in an air-tight container with a slice of white bread. The moisture from the bread will keep the brownies soft and moist.
The usual cause for dry brownies is too much flour. That's easy to do if you normally scoop your flour directly out of the container with your measuring cup. Instead, loosely spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
More Delicious Brownie Recipes
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📖 Recipe
M and M Brownies
Equipment
- 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten free flour
- ¾ scoop Levels double chocolate whey protein
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate
- 4 oz milk chocolate bar crushed or chopped
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup 22/24 fat Dutch cocoa
- 4 eggs room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon Singing Dog vanilla
- ¾ cup Mini M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and line an 8x8 or 9x9 pan with parchment paper.
- Combine the semi-sweet chocolate, butter, and olive oil in a small saucepan and melt it over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until creamy. Set it aside while you make the rest of the batter.
- Whisk the cocoa powder, flour, protein powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Beat the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until combined. Then, add the melted chocolate and mix again.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped chocolate bar and M&Ms, giving 2 to 3 mixes to combine without overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Then, bake it for 28 to 38 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean.
- Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire cooling rack for at least an hour. The top will begin to crack more. Remove the brownies once cooled and slice.
Notes
- Store these brownies at room temperature for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 2 months, as specified in the post. Never refrigerate the brownies or they'll get dry.
- To ensure your brownies stay as moist as possible, add a slice of white bread to the container in which they're stored. The moisture from the bread will keep the brownies from drying out.
- Mix your brownie batter until just combined to ensure the most tender brownies possible. The batter may be lumpy, but as long as there are no visibly dry ingredients, it's fine.
- If you add coffee to the brownies, make it very strong so you don't have to add much liquid. You don't want to throw off the ratios.
Swathi says
M and M brownies is delicious my kids approved it. perfect dessert idea.
Criss says
I tried the M&M brownies, and they’re rich, fudgy, and loaded with chocolatey crunch—absolutely delicious!
Liz says
SO yummy!!! My husband couldn't stop raving about these.