Valentine’s Day Brownies
Ultra fudgy M&M’s brownies with chocolate chips thrown in for good measure. These are the perfect Valentine brownies!
When it comes to brownies, I have one major requirement. The brownies must be fudgy. I’m really not a fan of cake-like brownies, because they taste like cake. Not that they’re necessarily bad or anything, but if I want cake I’ll have a slice of cake. But when it comes to brownies, I prefer the rich and thick, fudgy kind of brownies.
This M&M’s and chocolate chip brownies recipe comes from these fudgy peanut butter cup brownies, which are also amazing. I absolutely love this recipe because it’s simple, yet still tastes just as good as the box mixes. You can literally make these brownies in just about as much time as it would take you to make a box mix too.
Aside from the M&M’s, you probably have most of the ingredients to make these right now. These are a perfect quick and easy dessert to make for Valentine’s Day. I took part of the batch to my parents and sister, and my niece was so excited about them. Apparently, brownies with M&M’s are the best thing ever to a three-year-old. Who would have thought? I can guarantee that everyone will love these brownies!
What’s Needed for This Recipe
You’re likely familiar with the ingredients needed to make this easy Valentine’s dessert, but let’s go over them.
- Butter: Gives the brownies a melt-in-your mouth texture. I recommend using unsalted butter.
- Sugar: Sweetens the brownies.
- Eggs: Should be room temperature before being added to the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Adds lots of flavor. Pure vanilla extract is best.
- All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level the flour so you don’t end up with cakey brownies.
- Cocoa powder: Needs to be sifted to remove any lumps.
- Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances out the sweetness from the sugar.
- Chocolate chips: I used semi-sweet chocolate chips, but any kind will work.
- M&M’s: I used red and pink M&M’s, but you can use any color you have on hand.
How to Make Valentine Brownies
These M&M’s brownies are a breeze to make! Simply whisk together the melted butter and sugar (this gives the brownies that crackly top everyone loves!). Then, stir in the eggs and vanilla.
Gently stir in the dry ingredients, just until everything is combined. Fold in the chocolate chips before turning the batter into a foil-lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Top with M&M’s before baking.
You’ll know the brownies are done when the edges start to pull away from the pan and the center looks cooked.
Can I Use Other Mix-Ins?
Yes! These Valentine brownies are very versatile. If you’re not a fan of M&M’s, you can definitely replace them with something else you like instead.
Baking Tips
- Don’t overcook the brownies! You’ll know they’re ready to come out when the edges start to pull away from the pan and the center looks set.
- I recommend letting the brownies cool completely so they are easier to slice.
- I made these as Valentine’s Day brownies, but they can be made for any holiday. Just use different colored M&M’s!
More Valentine’s Day Dessert Ideas!
- Chocolate Mousse
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
- Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
- Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes (for two!)
- Classic Red Velvet Cake
Valentine's Day Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter , melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs , at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (65 grams) all purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 cup (45 grams) cocoa powder , sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (95 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang. If using foil, spray well with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the butter and sugar. Add in the eggs, making sure to mix well after each one. Mix in the vanilla until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until well combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared baking pan (the batter will be very thick). Evenly sprinkle the M&M's over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. You will know the brownies are finished when the edges start to slightly pull away and the top looks done.
- Allow to cool completely and cut into squares.
I made these as a basic brownie recipe added chocolate chips but no m&m’s and a teaspoon of instant espresso. Live Wells recipes are a no fail always are delicious!!
Thank you, Tracey! I’m glad you’re enjoying the recipes!
Hi Danielle, I made three batches of these Valentine’s Day brownies last night. This morning when I cut into them I noticed two of the batches still look wet on the inside. I baked each batch for at least 26-28 minutes. The tops look done and the edges pulled away from the pan so I thought they were done – a toothpick even came out clean, but the insides appear fudgy/shiny/wet(?). I’m not sure what to do now. Should I pop them back in the oven for 3 or 4 more minutes or is this just the way they’re meant to look (and I’m overreacting! Lol)? Thanks in advance for your expert guidance.
Hi, Erica! As long as the top was set and the edges were pulling away from the pan, they should done. These are meant to be fudgy, so that may be why they appear that way? I have a similar recipe here that shows what the center should look like a little better.
Judging by the pictures in the link you sent, my brownies are perfect! Thank you for getting a reference photo to me so quickly. Now I can give these brownies to friends and family on Valentine’s Day and have confidence that I baked them right! Lol :). I appreciate your help, and hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day too.
These brownies look amazing – bookmarking to try next year! Love the sprinkles, so festive and pretty!
The bright colored M&Ms are so fun in these brownies! My kids would pick them all out first and then eat the brownie crumbs. 🙂
Great photos! I’m obsessed with those pink m&m’s… perfect for Valentine’s!
These look fantastic and super pretty! Brownies are one of my favorite desserts!
Oooolala yummy! Love that you used M&Ms. They make everything better!
I love making homemade brownies… they are definitely almost just as easy as a box mix… plus you always have the ingredients on hand anyways!! These ones are so cute all dressed up for the holiday! 😉
That’s why I love making these, everything always taste better from scratch too 😉 Thanks, Jess!
I’m totally with you on the fudgy brownies thing…if I want cake, I’ll eat cake 😉 Love these cute Valentine’s brownies, they look so delicious and festive!
Oh yeah, I love fudge brownies soooooo much! Yummy!
Yum! Love these brownies, they look so sweet and yummy, can’t get much better for a Valentine’s Day treat. I know my kids would love them and I would too! Pinning 🙂
Thanks, Katie! I think they would definitely love these brownies too 🙂
I love, love, love fudgy brownies! These are adorable for Valentine’s Day!
Love a classic brownie – especially when they contain as much delicious chocolate and M&M’s like these! I wish we had Valentine’s Day M&M’s here in Australia too.. they are so pink and pretty.
Thank you, Thalia!
I LOVE Valentine’s day M&M’s! I find myself using any excuse to put them in my food
I love fudgy brownies too! These look so good, the red and pink M&Ms are such a nice touch!
It’s unanimous…fudgy brownies win! Especially when they’re this cute!!
Fudgy brownies should always win, right? Thanks, Annie! 🙂
When it comes to brownies – the fudgier the better! These look fantastic. They would definitely make my Valentine’s Day!
I love fudgy brownies and these look gorgeous! Love the pink M&Ms. Pinned !
Thanks, Mira!
I am a complete and total fudgy-brownie LOVER and these little guys are definitely speaking to my brownie-lovin’ heart! I love those pretty m&ms on top! And um yes, I can clearly see that these bad boys are the FUDGY OF THE FUDGY! Perfection. I’ll take 5. 😀 Pinned!
Thanks so much, Sarah! Thanks for pinning too 🙂
Fudgy brownies all the way! These look totally amazing! I love the pink and red m&ms in here, so pretty and perfect for Valentine’s Day!
I agree, a good brownie has got to be rich and fudgy! These are so fun and festive with the Valentine M&M’s. My daughter would absolutely love them!
Thanks, Kristine! My niece absolutely loved these, I’m sure your daughter would too! 🙂
Haha, so true! If I want cake I’ll eat cake! I really love fudgy brownies too and these ones look so fudgy and delicious! I also love the bright colors in these, so pretty 🙂
Thank you, Isadora!
These look amazing! I love the decorations for Valentine’s too. I totally agree about fudgey brownies. Totally a must 🙂
Oh, I agree. The fudgy-ness is a requirement for a good brownie. Very well done, Danielle! Love the Valentine’s decor on top of them.
Thanks, Kaylin!
Oh yes please!! I love a good fudgy brownie! These look just perfect!
Cake like brownies aren’t my personal fave, either. The fudgier the better, and these brownies look perfect! I love all those pretty colored M&M’s in there making these the perfect Valentine’s treat. The more chocolate the better! 🙂
I agree, Marcie! Definitely the fudgier the better! Thanks so much 🙂
Fudgy brownies really are the best. I can’t stand cake like ones. The worst! Love the M&M’s in there : )
Why have cake like when you can have fudgy, right?! Thanks, Natalie!
So cute! Brownies are always better with lots of pink. 🙂
If brownies are around, I can’t NOT have them. Fudgy is totally the way to go, and these look perfect. Pinned!
I agree, Alyssa! Thanks for the pin 🙂
Fudgy brownies are definitely the way to go! These look like the ultimate brownies, Danielle! I love the pink and red m&ms in here, such a nice touch! I think I would eat the whole pan, as I have absolutely no self control when it comes to brownies. Pinned!
Same here, Gayle! I had to give most of them away for that very reason 😉 Thanks for the pin!