Easy 4th of July Brownies : Rich, Chewy & Packed with Festive M&Ms

If you want a dessert that’s fudgy, chocolatey, and full of festive flair, these 4th of July brownies are the ultimate treat. Made with browned butter for a deep, nutty flavor, a hint of red food dye for a patriotic touch, and red, white, and blue M&Ms, these brownies are perfect for summer celebrations.

I love this recipe because it delivers everything a brownie should be, chewy edges, a soft, gooey center, and a rich chocolate flavor, but with an extra festive twist. The browned butter takes the flavor up a notch, and the M&Ms add a fun crunch. Plus, they look incredible on a dessert table, making them a perfect addition to any Fourth of July gathering.

These brownies are easy to whip up and guaranteed to impress, whether you’re bringing them to a BBQ, serving them at a party, or just making a batch for yourself. Once you try them, they’ll become your go-to Independence Day dessert!

Tips for Making the Best 4th of July Brownies

• Brown the butter properly – Let it turn golden brown and smell nutty, but remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches that point to avoid burning.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can make the brownies dense. Stir gently once you add the flour and cocoa powder.
• Add the M&Ms in two stages – Mixing some into the batter ensures they’re spread throughout, while adding the rest on top gives a colorful, festive finish.
• Let them cool completely before slicing – This helps them set properly and makes for clean, neat cuts.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter – ½ cup (115g), browned
• Chocolate chips – ¼ cup (45g)
• Granulated sugar – ½ cup (100g)
• Brown sugar – ½ cup (100g)
• Salt – ½ teaspoon (2.5g)
• Eggs – 3 large
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (5ml)
• Red food dye – as needed
• Cocoa powder – ½ cup (45g)
• All-purpose flour – ½ cup (65g)
• Red, white, and blue M&Ms – 1 cup (175g)

Alternative Ingredients

• Butter substitute: If you prefer a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or melted coconut oil. The flavor will change slightly, but the brownies will still be rich.
• Chocolate chips: If you don’t have chocolate chips, use chopped dark chocolate instead for an even deeper chocolate flavor.
• M&Ms alternative: Any chocolate-coated candy works, or you can use white chocolate chips and sprinkles for a different festive look.
• Sugar substitute: Coconut sugar or a granulated sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener can replace white and brown sugar.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

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 an overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to remove the brownies once baked.

Step 2: Brown the Butter & Melt the Chocolate

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, 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 moving to the next step.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of red food dye, adjusting until you get a vibrant but natural red color.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

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 batter until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies soft and chewy.

Step 5: Add the 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 sitting on top.

Step 6: Assemble & Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking 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 (but not wet batter).

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step is important—it helps them set and prevents them from falling apart when cutting.

Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and arrange on a serving plate.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Festive Brownies

These 4th of July brownies are perfect as a dessert centerpiece or for packing up for a summer picnic. Serve them as they are or pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Make a batch and watch them disappear; these brownies are as delicious as they are festive!