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Valentine’s M&M Blondies Recipe: Chewy, Gooey, and Perfectly Festive

January 16, 2025 by Gina +

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite excuses to bake something festive and fun. These Valentine’s M&M blondies are the perfect treat for any celebration or everyday treat. With a crispy top, a soft and chewy center, and just the right balance of sweetness, they’re guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite!

If you’re like me and love a good blondie, this recipe is your new go-to for Valentine’s Day. The festive red, pink, and white M&Ms make them feel extra special. Plus, these blondies come together in no time and are easy enough for anyone to make.

Why You’ll Love These Valentine’s Blondies

• Crispy and Chewy Texture: The top is golden and slightly crisp, while the inside stays wonderfully soft and chewy.

• Festive Look: Valentine’s-themed M&Ms make these blondies look as good as they taste.

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and just one bowl make this recipe a breeze.


Ingredients You’ll Need

• 5 tablespoons (70 grams) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 2/3 cup (135 grams) dark brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 140–145 grams (1 cup + 2 tablespoons) all-purpose flour

• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

• 3/4 cup Valentine’s-themed M&Ms, divided


Main Ingredient Breakdown

• Dark Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like flavor and helps keep the blondies chewy.

• Unsalted Butter: Gives the blondies their signature soft texture and a buttery richness.

• Valentine’s M&Ms: Festive and colorful, they add crunch and fun to each bite.

• Chocolate Chips: A little surprise that adds bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout the blondies.


Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and dark brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

4. Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of the M&Ms, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

5. Assemble: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of M&Ms on top, pressing them lightly into the batter. Or you can add the remainder after baking.

6. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and set, and the center appears slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool Completely: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. For best results, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes after cooling to help them firm up before slicing.

8. Slice and Serve: Lift the blondies out of the pan using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and enjoy!


FAQs

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

Yes! Light brown sugar will work fine, but the blondies will have a slightly milder caramel flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

What other mix-ins can I add?

Try white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for more texture and variety!


Share Your Blondies!

I’d love to see how your Valentine’s M&M blondies turn out! If you make them, share a photo on Instagram and tag me. Let’s celebrate love, sweetness, and all things pink together! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you liked them.

Valentine’s M&M Blondies Recipe

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Servings: 9 large blondies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 332
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 140-145 grams total*** with the 2 tbsp
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 tsp baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup M&M's *Valentine's themed colors

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and dark brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
    6 tbsp unsalted butter2/3 cup dark brown sugar
    1 egg,2 tsp vanilla extract
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated—avoid overmixing.
    1 cup all-purpose flour,2 tbsp all-purpose flour,1/8 tsp baking powder,1/8 tsp baking powder,1/4 tsp salt
  4. Gently fold in mini chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of the M&Ms, ensuring even distribution.
    1/2 cup chocolate chips,3/4 cup M&M's
  5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of M&Ms on top, pressing them lightly into the batter or you can press them in after baking and they will be more vibrant.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and set, and the center looks slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  7. Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. For the best texture, transfer them to the fridge for 30 minutes after cooling before slicing.
  8. Lift the blondies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, slice into squares, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 101mgPotassium: 77mgFiber: 1gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 298IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Filed Under: Desserts, Recipes, Snacks

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Ingredients:
1 lb breakfast sausage
4 eggs (scrambled)
1 egg (mixed in)
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup low-fat shredded cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet until browned. Push to one side and scramble 4 eggs.

Add sausage + eggs to a bowl with 1 more egg, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.

Scoop with a 2 tbsp scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

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1 small yellow onion, diced
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1 cup blended cottage cheese
1 (15 oz) jar salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar or taco cheese blend
1 package taco seasoning
*chips, sour cream, avocado for topping and scooping

Preheat oven to 375°F. In an oven-safe skillet, cook ground beef and onion on medium heat until beef is browned.

Stir in taco seasoning. Add salsa, cottage cheese, the rice, then 1/2 cup water. Mix well.

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2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups beef broth
1 tsp sesame 

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Season the chuck roast well with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pan and sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned.

In a bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, beef broth, and sesame.

Pour the sauce over the roast, cover, and braise at 300°F for about 3 to 3½ hours until the beef is fall apart tender.

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You’ll need 
1 pound shrimp
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic minced
juice of 1 lemon
2 cups cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
juice of 1 lime
crumbled feta for topping 
salt, and pepper.

Cook the rice and mix with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a little salt. Add olive oil to a hot skillet and cook the cherry tomatoes until blistered and softened. Push the tomatoes to the side of the skillet, then add butter, garlic, and shrimp. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the shrimp are pink and lightly golden. Squeeze in the lemon juice and mix everything together with the tomatoes. Spoon over the cilantro lime rice and top with feta.

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1 lb breakfast sausage
4 eggs (scrambled)
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1/2 cup cottage cheese
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1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Scoop with a 2 tbsp scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 375°F for about 18 minutes, or until golden. Makes about 15 biscuits.
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1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup uncooked white rice
1 cup blended cottage cheese
1 (15 oz) jar salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar or taco cheese blend
1 package taco seasoning
*chips, sour cream, avocado for topping and scooping

Preheat oven to 375°F. In an oven-safe skillet, cook ground beef and onion on medium heat until beef is browned.

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Salt + pepper
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2 tbsp white miso paste
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups beef broth
1 tsp sesame 

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Season the chuck roast well with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pan and sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned.

In a bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, beef broth, and sesame.

Pour the sauce over the roast, cover, and braise at 300°F for about 3 to 3½ hours until the beef is fall apart tender.

Remove the meat and shred or slice it. Simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 5–10 minutes until thickened and glossy.

Serve over mashed potatoes and spoon all that sauce right on top.
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#giftedbyoom
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Lemon Butter Shrimp Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice Lemon Butter Shrimp Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice 🍤

This might be one of my favorite easy dinners lately. The buttery garlic shrimp, blistered tomatoes, cilantro lime rice, and salty feta all work so well together

You’ll need 
1 pound shrimp
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic minced
juice of 1 lemon
2 cups cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
juice of 1 lime
crumbled feta for topping 
salt, and pepper.

Cook the rice and mix with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a little salt. Add olive oil to a hot skillet and cook the cherry tomatoes until blistered and softened. Push the tomatoes to the side of the skillet, then add butter, garlic, and shrimp. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the shrimp are pink and lightly golden. Squeeze in the lemon juice and mix everything together with the tomatoes. Spoon over the cilantro lime rice and top with feta.

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✨ Cheeseburger Sheet Pan Fries
✨ Chicken Caesar Smash Burger Tacos
✨ Crispy Chicken Protein Mac & Cheese

we reused ingredients across multiple meals to keep grocery waste low 🙌

The crispy chicken on the protein mac & cheese might be one of my favorite dinners I’ve made in a while 

Comment DINNER and I’ll send you all 3 recipes + the grocery list
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Make sure you’re following @gina_gibson_cooks for easy healthier recipes and save this one. I promise you’ll love it. 

They’re packed with protein from eggs, sausage, cottage cheese, and cheese.

Ingredients:
1 lb breakfast sausage
4 eggs (scrambled)
1 egg (mixed in)
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup low-fat shredded cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt + pepper

Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet until browned. Push to one side and scramble 4 eggs.

Add sausage + eggs to a bowl with 1 more egg, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.

Scoop with a 2 tbsp scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 375°F for about 18 minutes, or until golden. Makes about 15 biscuits.
A cheesy, hearty, high protein taco skillet taco s A cheesy, hearty, high protein taco skillet taco skillet. Made with simple ingredients you probably already have. It bakes in the oven for an easy, hands-off dinner and comes together in under 40 minutes.

1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup uncooked white rice
1 cup blended cottage cheese
1 (15 oz) jar salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar or taco cheese blend
1 package taco seasoning
*chips, sour cream, avocado for topping and scooping

Preheat oven to 375°F. In an oven-safe skillet, cook ground beef and onion on medium heat until beef is browned.

Stir in taco seasoning. Add salsa, cottage cheese, the rice, then 1/2 cup water. Mix well.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes

Remove from oven, top with cheese. Serve with sour cream, avocado, and plenty of chips for scooping

Save this for your next quick dinner night.
2 lb chuck roast, multiple dinners — mashed potato 2 lb chuck roast, multiple dinners — mashed potatoes the first night sandwiches after that

The sauce is the real star here. Savory, rich, and packed with flavor from the miso, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger.

2 lb chuck roast
Salt + pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp white miso paste
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups beef broth
1 tsp sesame 

Mashed potatoes, for serving

Season the chuck roast well with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pan and sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned.

In a bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, beef broth, and sesame.

Pour the sauce over the roast, cover, and braise at 300°F for about 3 to 3½ hours until the beef is fall apart tender.

Remove the meat and shred or slice it. Simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 5–10 minutes until thickened and glossy.

Serve over mashed potatoes and spoon all that sauce right on top.
Unlocking summer. I’m so ready and these @bloomsup Unlocking summer. I’m so ready and these @bloomsupps Ricket blasts are getting us there. Limited time. What’s your fave poolside or beach bev?!

#giftedbyoom
#bloompop
Lemon Butter Shrimp Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice Lemon Butter Shrimp Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice 🍤

This might be one of my favorite easy dinners lately. The buttery garlic shrimp, blistered tomatoes, cilantro lime rice, and salty feta all work so well together

You’ll need 
1 pound shrimp
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic minced
juice of 1 lemon
2 cups cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
juice of 1 lime
crumbled feta for topping 
salt, and pepper.

Cook the rice and mix with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a little salt. Add olive oil to a hot skillet and cook the cherry tomatoes until blistered and softened. Push the tomatoes to the side of the skillet, then add butter, garlic, and shrimp. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the shrimp are pink and lightly golden. Squeeze in the lemon juice and mix everything together with the tomatoes. Spoon over the cilantro lime rice and top with feta.

Save this for an easy weeknight dinner and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family meals and Dinner Diaries 🍽️
DINNER DIARIES WEEK 11 Bringing back this series DINNER DIARIES WEEK 11

Bringing back this series to help you with easy dinners. 

This week’s lineup:
✨ Cheeseburger Sheet Pan Fries
✨ Chicken Caesar Smash Burger Tacos
✨ Crispy Chicken Protein Mac & Cheese

we reused ingredients across multiple meals to keep grocery waste low 🙌

The crispy chicken on the protein mac & cheese might be one of my favorite dinners I’ve made in a while 

Comment DINNER and I’ll send you all 3 recipes + the grocery list

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