Name: Shaped Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491592H8M52S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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If you have a soft spot for brownies that are not only delicious but also irresistibly fun to eat, you’re in for a treat with this Shaped Brownies Recipe. Combining rich, fudgy texture with colorful bursts of M&Ms, this recipe transforms classic brownies into delightful shapes that add a playful twist to any gathering or dessert spread. It’s simple to make, utterly satisfying, and perfect for impressing friends, family, or even just brightening your own day with a creative homemade touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds seven heart-shaped brownies of different sizes, each with a cracked, shiny dark brown top dotted with red, pink, and white candy pieces that add pops of color. The brownies have a slightly rough texture and are placed closely together, with some smaller ones near the edges. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and next to it is a soft, light pink cloth casually spread out. A few scattered red, pink, and white candies lie around the plate, adding to the sweet and cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Shaped Brownies Recipe calls for straightforward, everyday ingredients that work together beautifully to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a critical role, whether it’s boosting the chocolate richness, adding moisture, or lending that buttery crumb that makes brownies so irresistible.

Unsweetened chocolate (3 ounces): Provides deep, intense chocolate flavor that’s essential for fudgy brownies.
Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb with a subtle buttery flavor.
Granulated white sugar (1 and 1/3 cups): Sweetens perfectly while contributing to a slightly crisp top.
Instant espresso or coffee powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Enhances the chocolate’s depth without making the brownies taste like coffee.
Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and give structure while keeping the brownies moist.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a lovely sweet aroma that brightens the chocolate notes.
Flaky sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights the chocolate’s richness.
All-purpose flour (2/3 cup): Creates structure and just enough chewiness without drying out the brownies.
Chocolate chips or chunks (1/2 cup): These melt in pockets to deepen the chocolate experience and add texture contrast.
M&Ms (1 cup, plus extra for sprinkling): Bring colorful pops of crunch and playful sweetness that make the brownies visually and texturally exciting.

How to Make Shaped Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 Celsius). A well-prepared pan is key — line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil. This lining allows for easy removal of your brownies later, so you can cut them into fabulous shapes without mucking up your edges.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Use a gentle heat method like the microwave at 50% power or a stovetop double boiler to melt the unsweetened chocolate and butter together. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and glossy; this silky base is what makes the brownies so decadent.

Step 3: Whisk in Sugar, Eggs, and Flavorings

Off the heat, add your sugar, optional espresso powder, and whisk in the eggs vigorously. This whisking helps to aerate the batter, contributing to a tender bite. Follow up with your vanilla extract and flaky sea salt for that perfect balance of flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Mix-ins

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the wet ingredients and gently fold it in with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix here or the brownies might turn cakey. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and the full cup of M&Ms, which add those delightful bursts of texture and color.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out to the edges. Scatter a few extra M&Ms on top for a cheerful presentation. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick poked in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs clinging. Let them cool completely—this ensures clean, neat cuts when shaping.

Step 6: Cut Into Shapes

Lift the cooled brownie slab out of the pan with the parchment or foil and place it on a cutting board. Use cookie cutters of your choice to stamp out fun shapes. This final step is the heart of the Shaped Brownies Recipe, transforming your delicious brownies into charming treats that are impossible to resist.

How to Serve Shaped Brownies Recipe

The image shows a white plate with about nine heart-shaped chocolate brownies on it, each brownie topped with red, pink, and white candy pieces, giving a colorful contrast to the dark brown surface. The brownies have a cracked, textured top and vary in size, arranged randomly on the plate. Around the plate, there are scattered round candies in red, white, pink, and purple on a white marbled surface. On the right side of the image, a pink cloth is partially visible, adding a soft element to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate the visual appeal beautifully. For a festive touch, try sprinkling some edible glitter or crushed nuts around your shaped brownies to add sparkle and crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve your shaped brownies alongside fresh berries or a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream to balance the richness and introduce fresh, bright flavors. A dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of berry compote works wonderfully, making the dessert feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the shaped brownies on a decorative platter or tiered stand to impress your guests. For parties, you can thread the shapes onto skewers or sticks for brownie pops. Wrapping individual brownies in colorful parchment tied with twine also makes for adorable edible gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your shaped brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and delicious for up to four days. If your kitchen is warm, consider refrigeration to avoid melting the chocolate chips and M&Ms, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Shaped brownies freeze well, making this recipe perfect for prepping ahead. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen brownies will keep up to three months, ready whenever your sweet tooth calls.

Reheating

To enjoy warm brownies, gently reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep them fudgy and to prevent the chocolate from seizing. Warming brings out the gooey charm, especially with those melty chocolate chips inside.

FAQs

Can I substitute the unsweetened chocolate with cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute with unsweetened cocoa powder, but reduce the flour slightly and add extra butter to maintain the fudgy texture. The flavor will be slightly different—still delicious but a bit lighter in chocolate intensity.

What shapes work best for this Shaped Brownies Recipe?

Almost any cookie cutter shape works, but smaller to medium sizes cut cleaner and hold their shape better. Seasonal shapes like hearts, stars, or pumpkins work beautifully for themed occasions.

Do I have to use M&Ms, or can I try other mix-ins?

M&Ms add colorful fun and crunch, but feel free to customize with nuts, dried fruits, or different chocolate chips. You can even try peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips for a tasty twist.

Why is it important to wait for the brownies to cool before cutting shapes?

Cooling allows the brownies to firm up so that they cut cleanly without crumbling. Warm brownies are softer and more likely to break apart when being shaped.

Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just use a larger baking pan and adjust baking time accordingly, checking doneness with a toothpick. You may need about 35-40 minutes for a larger pan, but keep an eye on the edges to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Shaped Brownies Recipe is one of those delightful discoveries that turns a beloved classic into an exciting, shareable treat. Whether for a kids’ party, a holiday dessert, or simply a joyful baking project, these brownies bring smiles and satisfy any chocolate craving. Give this recipe a try—you might find that the magic is in the shapes as much as the rich, fudgy taste itself!