Name: Super Easy Holiday M&M Blondies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces unsalted butter, melted until browned; 2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed; 3 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups holiday M&Ms; 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

I am so excited to share my go-to treat this season: the Super Easy Holiday M&M Blondies Recipe. From the moment you take that first bite, the rich browned butter combined with the sweetness of brown sugar, playful crunch of holiday M&Ms, and gooey pockets of melted chocolate chips create a comforting and festive delight that’s perfect for any holiday gathering or cozy night in. This recipe is my personal favorite because it balances incredible taste with truly simple steps, making it approachable and fun for bakers of all levels.

Why You’ll Love This Super Easy Holiday M&M Blondies Recipe

This Super Easy Holiday M&M Blondies Recipe is a dream come true for anyone who loves a chewy, buttery dessert with pops of colorful candy bursting throughout. I love how the browned butter adds a toasty, nutty depth of flavor that elevates the usual blondie into something extra special. The combination of brown sugar’s caramel notes with those festive M&Ms provides a playful crunch and bright visual contrast that never fails to bring smiles around the table.

One thing I truly appreciate is how straightforward the preparation is. Sometimes holiday baking can feel overwhelming with long ingredient lists or complicated steps, but this recipe keeps it simple without sacrificing the wow factor. You don’t need fancy tools or rare ingredients — it’s all about classic pantry staples done right. Whether I’m making it for a holiday party, a casual family dessert, or just to satisfy a sweet craving on a chilly evening, I know this Super Easy Holiday M&M Blondies Recipe will impress while staying stress-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with light brown cookie dough mixed with small dark chocolate chips, bright red, and green candy-coated chocolates scattered throughout. The dough has a thick, soft texture with candy pieces slightly embedded on the surface. A spatula with a wooden handle and a light green rubber head is partially dipped into the dough on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients in this Super Easy Holiday M&M Blondies Recipe are wonderfully simple yet powerful. Each one plays a critical role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and festive look that make these blondies stand out. From the rich browned butter to the colorful holiday M&Ms, everything contributes to the magic!

Unsalted butter (8 ounces): Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that’s key to this blondie’s rich, caramel undertone.
Light brown sugar (2 cups, firmly packed): Adds moisture and sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor that complements the butter beautifully.
Vanilla extract (3 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant essence that ties everything together.
Eggs (2 large plus 1 yolk): Eggs provide structure while keeping the blondies soft and chewy.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base of your blondie’s tender crumb, ensuring a perfect bite.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
Holiday M&Ms (2 cups): The festive star of the show, adding color, crunch, and joyful holiday vibes.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 ounces): Melt into pockets of gooey chocolate that make every bite a little more indulgent.
Flaky sea salt (optional): A final sprinkle adds a sophisticated contrast to the sweetness if you like that salty-sweet combo.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to cover the sides. Spray the parchment and any exposed pan areas with nonstick baking spray. This step ensures easy removal of your blondies later, which I always appreciate.

Step 2: Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it as it will go from melted to browned rather quickly. When you see those golden brown flecks and smell the nutty aroma, remove the pan from heat and let it cool a little. I like to scrape every bit into a large heatproof mixing bowl to capture all that delicious flavor.

Step 3: Whisk in the firmly packed brown sugar until it’s fully incorporated and shiny. Stir in the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs and the additional egg yolk until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. This ensures your blondies are luscious and uniformly tender throughout.

Step 4: Use a rubber spatula to fold in the all-purpose flour and salt gently. Be careful not to overmix here — just combine until the flour streaks disappear. Lastly, fold in the holiday M&Ms and semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly to distribute bursts of colorful crunch and melty chocolate throughout every bite.

Step 5: Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. You will know they’re done when the edges are firm and golden, but the center still has a slight wobble to it — that gives you the perfect chewy, fudgy texture I love.

Step 6: Remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting. If you want to get fancy (and I always do), sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top just before serving to add a delightful salty contrast.

Servings and Timing

This Super Easy Holiday M&M Blondies Recipe yields about 16 generous squares, perfect for sharing with family and friends. The prep time is around 15 minutes, which is great for when you need a quick yet impressive dessert. Baking takes 28 to 32 minutes, and then you’ll want to let them cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes to achieve that ideal texture. So, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 55 minutes total, making it a manageable treat even on busy days.

How to Serve This Super Easy Holiday M&M Blondies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a square blondie bar on a parchment paper with red and green candy pieces embedded on the top layer. The blondie has one single thick layer, golden brown with a slightly cracked texture. Scattered melted chocolate chips are seen on the surface along with some coarse salt flakes. Around the blondie square, there are extra smears of melted chocolate on the parchment. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these blondies, I like to keep things festive and cheerful. They are fantastic served at room temperature so the chocolate chips remain soft but not melted into a mess. For holiday parties, I arrange them on a large platter with a sprinkle of extra holiday M&Ms or some fresh cranberries nearby for a pop of seasonal color. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce if you want to really up the indulgence factor.

I often find these blondies are the perfect complement to a cozy cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider, especially during colder months. If you’re aiming for something a bit more grown-up, try serving them alongside a glass of dessert wine or a rich coffee cocktail. For casual family dinners, pairing these blondies with a simple dollop of whipped cream makes for a crowd-pleasing finish that feels special but effortless.

These blondies are ideal bites for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or even quick weeknight treats when you want to feel festive. I like cutting them into smaller bite-sized squares for parties so everyone can sample without feeling too full, but they work just as well as thick bars with a fork and knife for after-dinner dessert. Presentation-wise, a rustic cut and a few extra M&Ms on top always make them look inviting and joyful.

Variations

One of my favorite things to do with this Super Easy Holiday M&M Blondies Recipe is to customize the mix-ins to suit different tastes or dietary needs. If you want a nuttier blondie, feel free to add chopped pecans or walnuts along with the M&Ms and chocolate chips. For a bit of tang, white chocolate chunks or dried cranberries also pair beautifully with the browned butter base.

If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, I’ve had great luck substituting a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour blend without changing the texture or flavor much. Vegan modifications are possible too by using plant-based butter alternatives and replacing the eggs with flaxseed or chia egg substitutes, though I suggest a test batch to ensure the best texture.

For a twist on festive flavor, I sometimes swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for peppermint or butterscotch chips, which add a seasonal flair. You could even try adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ginger to the dry ingredients for a warm holiday spice note. While I typically bake these in the oven, I’ve experimented with baking smaller batches in muffin tins to create blondie bites that are fantastic for grab-and-go snacking or gifting.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying some of these blondies fresh, I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep beautifully for about 3 to 4 days and maintain their chewy texture well. If you want to keep them longer, you can also store them in the refrigerator, but I prefer room temperature to keep them soft and inviting.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well if you want to prep ahead or save some for later. I recommend cutting the blondies into individual squares, then wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

To bring leftover blondies back to life, I like to warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This melts the chocolate chips just a bit and softens the blondie for that fresh-baked feel. Avoid overheating, as they can dry out quickly. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven wrapped in foil does the trick without toughening the edges.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can swap in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference. Just be mindful that milk chocolate will make the blondies sweeter, while dark chocolate offers a richer contrast to the brown sugar base.

What if I don’t have holiday-themed M&Ms? Can I substitute something else?

You can definitely use regular M&Ms or any other colorful candy-coated chocolates you like. Alternatively, mini chocolate chips, candy pieces, or even festive sprinkles can add different textures and colors while keeping the holiday spirit alive.

Is it necessary to brown the butter, or can I just melt it?

Browning the butter is a key step because it deepens the flavor with nutty, caramelized notes that elevate these blondies. If you skip this, the blondies will still be tasty but less complex. It’s worth the extra minute or two to get that wonderful browned butter aroma.

Can I make these blondies ahead of time for a party? How should I store them?

Yes, these blondies are fantastic for prepping in advance. Bake them, let cool completely, and then store in an airtight container at room temperature. For best flavor and texture, serve them within a couple of days. You can even wrap them individually for easy transport and sharing.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

Look for firm, golden edges and a center that is just slightly wobbly when you gently shake the pan. The slight wobble means the center remains fudgy and chewy once cooled, which is exactly what you want. Overbaking will dry them out, so keep a close eye during those last minutes.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Super Easy Holiday M&M Blondies Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that brings instant joy and warmth to any moment. It’s approachable, bursting with fun colors and flavors, and effortlessly festive. Whether you’re making it for a big holiday celebration or a cozy night at home, these blondies are sure to become a beloved classic in your repertoire just like they are in mine!