Delicious Fourth of July Brownies with Red, White, and Blue M&Ms

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Brownies are a classic dessert that never go out of style, and these Fourth of July brownies take things to the next level with their festive red, white, and blue twist. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a patriotic picnic, or simply celebrating at home, these brownies are the perfect addition to your dessert table. Their rich, fudgy texture pairs beautifully with the crunch of colorful M&Ms, creating a dessert that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple yet impactful it is. The brownies come together with pantry staples, and the vibrant M&Ms add a festive touch that’s perfect for the holiday. The browned butter adds a subtle nutty flavor, elevating the richness of the chocolate, while the red food dye gives the batter a patriotic flair. These brownies are also highly customizable, making them a fun baking project for all ages.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees impressive results. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, and the burst of color from the M&Ms will make them the star of any dessert spread.

Tips for Making Perfect Fourth of July Brownies

• Brown the butter carefully: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns. Once it turns golden and smells nutty, remove it from heat immediately to prevent burning.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips: This makes a big difference in the flavor and texture of your brownies.
• Add food dye sparingly: Start with a few drops and add more as needed to achieve a vibrant red hue.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the brownies light and fudgy.
• Cool completely before slicing: This helps the brownies set and makes it easier to get clean, even cuts.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, browned
• 1/4 cup (45g) chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (100g) white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• Red food dye (as needed)
• 1/2 cup (45g) cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (175g) red, white, and blue M&Ms

Alternative Ingredients

• Butter: Replace unsalted butter with salted butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
• Sweeteners: Substitute coconut sugar or maple sugar for granulated and brown sugar for a subtle caramel flavor.
• Chocolate chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a sweeter profile.
• Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these brownies suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Decorations: Replace M&Ms with red, white, and blue sprinkles or candy stars for a fun variation.

Instruction

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhangs on the sides for easy removal. This ensures the brownies bake evenly and are easy to lift out of the pan.

Step 2: Brown the Butter and Melt the Chocolate
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning. Add the chocolate chips to the hot butter and stir until fully melted and smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly before proceeding.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of red food dye, adjusting the color until it’s vibrant but not overpowering.

Step 4: Mix the Batter
Sift the cocoa powder and all-purpose flour into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense brownies.

Step 5: Incorporate M&Ms
Fold half of the red, white, and blue M&Ms into the batter. This ensures that the festive colors are spread throughout the brownies and not just on the surface.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top, pressing them lightly into the batter so they stick during baking. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift them out of the pan. Slice the brownies into squares or rectangles and arrange them on a white plate. Serve them as the centerpiece of your Fourth of July celebration or pack them up for a festive picnic.

These brownies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and patriotic flair, guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!