Description
Calling all chocolate lovers! These ultra-rich, chewy brownies are loaded with red, white, and blue M&M’s and baked to gooey perfection. Perfect for your July 4th BBQ or fireworks party they’re festive, easy, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (Hershey’s Special Dark recommended)
• ¾ cup (12 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
• 1½ cups granulated sugar, divided (½ cup + 1 cup)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
• ⅔ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Add-ins:
• ½ to 1 cup red, white & blue M&M’s
• Chopped nuts or crushed cookies (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick spray.
2️⃣ Sift Dry Ingredients
Sift together flour, salt, and cocoa in a bowl. Set aside.
3️⃣ Melt Butter & Sugar
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, oil, and ½ cup sugar until smooth. Remove from heat.
4️⃣ Whisk Eggs & Sugar
In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolk, and remaining 1 cup sugar. Stir in vanilla.
5️⃣ Combine Wet Mixtures
Slowly drizzle in the warm butter mixture while whisking continuously until glossy and combined.
6️⃣ Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the dry mix using a rubber spatula—don’t overmix.
7️⃣ Add Chocolate & M&M’s
Fold in chocolate chips and festive M&M’s. Mix-ins should be just combined.
8️⃣ Bake the Brownies
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 30 minutes (9″ pan) or 40 minutes (8″ pan), until edges are set and the top looks shiny.
9️⃣ Cool & Slice
Cool brownies completely in the pan (about 2 hours) before cutting into squares.
Notes
-
Use Dutch-Processed Cocoa for Best Flavor:
For rich, dark chocolate depth, Dutch-processed cocoa like Hershey’s Special Dark is preferred over natural cocoa. It pairs perfectly with the sweet toppings for a bold flavor contrast. -
Don’t Skip the Extra Egg Yolk:
Adding an additional egg yolk boosts moisture and chewiness—it’s the secret to achieving that signature gooey center. -
Customize Your Mix-ins:
While red, white, and blue M&M’s create the festive look, feel free to fold in chopped nuts, crushed Oreos, caramel chips, or mini marshmallows for a twist. -
Mini Versions Available:
This recipe can easily be converted into mini brownies by baking in mini muffin tins. Reduce baking time to 12–15 minutes and monitor for doneness with the toothpick test. -
Make It Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free:
Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips for an allergy-friendly batch that’s just as fudgy. -
Storage Tip:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. To freeze, wrap individual brownies and store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in 10–15 seconds in the microwave. -
Let Them Cool Fully Before Slicing:
As tempting as it is to dig in early, wait at least 2 hours. This helps the gooey center set and gives you perfect, clean slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Holiday Treat
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Patriotic Desserts
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Brownie Recipes, Patriotic Desserts, July 4th Treats, Fudgy Chocolate, BBQ Desserts, Red White Blue Recipes, M&M Treats, Summer Baking, Chocolate Squares