These Brown Butter M&M Blondies are chewy, rich dessert bars with crisp edges and a soft, buttery center. Each bite is packed with colorful chocolate candies that make every square irresistible.
This easy blondie recipe was inspired by my love of brown butter's nutty aroma. It adds such a deep flavor that turns a simple treat into something special. If you enjoy buttery cookie recipes like my Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies, you'll love this one too.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Nutty flavor: browning the butter adds rich, caramel-like depth that sets these blondies apart.
Soft and chewy: the perfect mix of fudgy centers and golden edges makes them a crowd favorite.
Colorful and fun: the M&M candies add both crunch and sweetness, making them perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Brown Butter M&M Blondies
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Butter: melted and browned untl golden for a toasty, nutty base flavor.
- Brown sugar: gives sweetness, moisture, and that signature chewy texture.
- Eggs: bind everything together and add structure.
- All-purpose flour: the foundation that keeps the blondies dense and soft.
- M&M's: bright pops of color and chocolate flavor throughout.
- Vanilla extract: enhances the brown butter flavor beautifully.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chocolate chips instead of M&M's for a classic blondie treat.
- Dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Gluten free 1:1 baking flour to make these bars gluten-free friendly
Variations on Brown Butter M&M Blondies
- Seasonal M&M colors: use red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and brown for fall.
- Peanut M&M's: add a little crunch and nttly flavor variation.
- Mini candy mix: try mixing mini chocolate chips or chopped peapnut butter cups for extra sweetness.
Tips for the Best Brown Butter Blondies
- Don't overbake. The center should look slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven. They'll firm up as they cool.
- Cool completely. Letting them cool ensures clean cuts and chewy texture.
- Use room temperature eggs. This helps the better mix smoothly with the brown butter mixture.
How to Store
Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Easy Dessert Recipes You'll Love
If you love these M&M Blondies, you might also enjoy Salted Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars, Gooey Pumpkin Chip Bars (3 WW Plus Points), Swag Bars, and Roasted Banana Bars with Browned Butter-Pecan Frosting.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Browned Butter M&M Cookie Bars
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Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup browned butter
- 2¼ cups brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups M&M Candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Lightly spray a 10 X 15″ jelly roll pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another large bowl, combine the browned butter butter and brown sugar, stirring until evenly distributed. Allow to cool slightly.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating very well after each one. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Stir in the flour mixture and when combined add in the M&M's. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 24 minutes, until they are shiny and golden brown on top. Try not to overbake these or they will be dry.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Still a family favorite and they turn out perfect every time! Nice and chewy with incredible flavor from the browned butter.
AnickH says
This is like my ideal dessert! They look so chewy. M&M'S and no UTS!!!
Bunny says
These look great Shelby!
Snooky doodle says
I have to try these they look so colourful and yummy 🙂
Creative One says
What a wonderful birthday treat for Bub. The bars look delicious.
Laila says
Looks really delicious ... perfect gift 🙂 .. Laila .. http://limeandlemon.wordpress.com
Laura says
Yum these look good. Have you noticed they are now packaging all green M&Ms for Valentine's Day also? Yikes. I sent John out for the red/pink ones and that is what he came home with.
Poodle says
I may have to start practicing making these for my baby's 1st birthday coming up in June. I mean, you know, to make sure I get the recipe just right.
Jo says
Wow how nice to receive such a delicious present baked from the heart. Lucky guy!
Sara says
These look so good! I actually prefer M&Ms to chocolate chips in these kind of bar cookies. I also love M&Ms in sugar cookies.
JyLnC says
My son was requesting I make Chocolate Chip Cookies but use M & M's just this week. Thanks for the recipe.
Stephanie says
Oh, they look so yummy! I could go for a couple of those bars right now! yummm...
Ingrid says
Looks like blondies to me & we're a blondie lovin' family!
~ingrid
averagebetty says
I need a glass of milk! Happy Birthday Grumpy!
noble pig says
Happy Birthday Bub...these look awesome!
Elyse says
What a perfect birthday treat! How sweet of you!
Reeni♥ says
Your such a sweetie, they look scrumptious!! I love baking with m&m's!
Jessie says
oh my! this is a wonderful birthday treat and I also love m&m's in cookies too!
pigpigscorner says
A great b'day gift! Love how you used m&m's...looks so colourful!
Tangled Noodle says
What a great birthday gift for Bubs! By the way, my birthday is in May and I like Peppermint Patties . . .
Peter M says
Love the colours the M&M's impart. Happy Birthday Grumpy...smile 😉
Bob says
Man, I wish my girlfriend would bake for me on my birthday! Those look wicked good. 🙂
Jessie says
Lucky guy! These look fabulous! Mmmm, bar cookies. I swear, your blog is deadly first thing in the morning. Now I want dessert for breakfast!
+Jessie
a.k.a. The Hungry Mouse
Barbara Bakes says
You are so thoughtful! I love cookie bars!
Kaitlin says
I'm jealous! What a yummy birthday treat. He is sure to be thrilled, they look great.
Meg says
Those look delicious! These birthday boys are so lucky to have you baking for them!
Robin Sue says
You bring people so much joy on their birthdays. No I bet you have a knack of bringing people joy on all days! Those are some great bars there.