M&M Chocolate Brownies with Fudge Frosting Copycat Recipe
Rich, fudgy brownies topped with decadent chocolate frosting and colorful mini M&Ms, inspired by Disneyland's beloved treat. These crowd-pleasing squares combine deep cocoa flavor with a moist, dense texture that's perfect for parties, birthdays, or satisfying serious chocolate cravings. The homemade fudge frosting sets this version apart from basic boxed brownies, creating an indulgent dessert that rivals the magic kingdom original. Mini chocolate chips in the batter add extra bursts of chocolate while the M&M topping provides delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter, partially melted
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup all purpose Gold Medal Flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 stick butter, salted
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup mini M&Mschopped nuts1:1nut variation
adds crunch and different flavor
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line a baking dish with 6 3-inch paper baking cups
- 2
Place butter into a large mixing bowl and microwave until partially melted
- 3
Add sugar and oil, mix until well combined
- 4
Stir in eggs and vanilla stirring until combined
- 5
Add flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder and chocolate chips
- 6
Stir until combined and thick
- 7
Transfer batter to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly
- 8
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until baked through
- 9
Remove and let cool completely, about 30 minutes to an hour
- 10
Place butter into a small saucepan over medium heat for frosting
- 11
Cook and stir until melted then add cocoa powder
- 12
Whisk until smooth
- 13
Remove from heat and transfer to a medium-large mixing bowl
- 14
Let chocolate cool for 10 minutes
- 15
Add milk, vanilla and powdered sugar, alternating until all is used or frosting is to desired consistency
- 16
Frost over cooled brownies
- 17
Top with mini M&Ms
- 18
Serve room temperature
Tips
Let brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure clean cuts when serving.
Alternate adding milk/vanilla and powdered sugar gradually to achieve the perfect frosting consistency without lumps.
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a smoother batter texture.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Brownies can be baked 1 day ahead and frosted just before serving for best texture.
Serve at room temperature for optimal fudgy texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake to avoid dry, crumbly brownies - they should still look slightly underdone in center.
Cool brownies completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
Don't overmix batter once flour is added to maintain tender texture.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
adds crunch and different flavor
FAQ
Can I use regular-sized M&Ms instead of mini?
Yes, but chop them roughly or they may sink through the frosting. Mini M&Ms distribute more evenly and stay put better on top.
What if my frosting is too thick or thin?
Add more powdered sugar to thicken or more milk to thin. Add gradually and mix well between additions to avoid lumps.
How long do these brownies keep?
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.