Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups mini M&M's candies, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13-inch glass baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper to allow easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, ensuring a rich texture in the final brownies.
- Add Eggs and Almond Extract: Incorporate the eggs and almond extract into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well to fully combine and create a consistent batter base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the salt, baking powder, all purpose flour, and dark cocoa powder until evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating gently until all ingredients are just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Fold in M&M's: Stir in 1 cup of the mini M&M candies gently with a spatula or spoon; note that the batter will be thick.
- Spread and Top: Spread the dense batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mini M&M's candies on top to add candy crunch on the surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 23 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating fudgy brownies.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into 24 squares. Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor; you can substitute with vanilla extract if preferred.
- For easier removal, lining the pan with parchment paper is recommended.
- Do not overbake to maintain a fudgy texture; start checking at 23 minutes.
- Mini M&M's distribute better in the batter and on top; regular M&M's can be chopped and used as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
