Ingredients

3 ounces (85 g) unsweetened chocolate

8 tablespoons (1 stick, 1/2 cup, or 115 grams) unsalted butter

1 and 1/3 cups (265 g) granulated white sugar

1/2 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee powder (optional)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

2/3 cup (85 grams) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks

1 cup M&Ms (plus a few more for sprinkling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or foil to allow easy removal of the brownies.

Step 2: Melt the unsweetened chocolate and butter together either in the microwave at 50% power or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Stir in the sugar, optional espresso powder, and eggs, whisking vigorously until fully combined. Add vanilla extract and flaky sea salt, and whisk again.

Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the batter and fold in gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Then mix in the chocolate chips and M&Ms.

Step 5: Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, pressing it evenly into the corners. Scatter a few extra M&Ms on top for decoration.

Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Remove from the oven and let cool completely to room temperature.

Step 7: Using the parchment or foil liner, lift the brownies from the pan and place them on a cutting board. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut the brownies into fun shapes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra fudgy brownies, avoid over-mixing the batter after adding flour.

Substitute M&Ms with chopped nuts or dried fruit for a different texture.

If you don’t have instant espresso powder, simply omit it—it enhances chocolate flavor but isn’t necessary.

Use red or pink colored chocolate candies for a festive Valentine’s touch.

FAQs

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, you can use a slightly larger or smaller pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger pan will yield thinner brownies that bake faster, while a smaller pan will make thicker brownies requiring more time.

How do I prevent M&Ms from bleeding color?

Adding M&Ms into the batter toward the end of mixing helps reduce color bleeding. Decorating the tops with extra M&Ms just before baking also keeps their colors vibrant.