Today is World Baking Day and since baking is an activity close to my heart, I’m excited to share these copycat Disneyland M&M Brownies! Just like the ones found at the Grand Californian Hotel, these rich chocolate brownies are topped with chocolate fudge frosting and mini M&Ms!
I spent most of last week craving brownies and these were the perfect chocolate brownie fix! I usually prefer unfrosted brownies, but I really loved the combination of the chocolate frosting and the mini M&Ms. These brownies are very rich, so you might need to share a serving or eat one in two sittings!
To start, make the brownie batter by combining the the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour in the butter and mix until combined. Add the vanilla and the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add the flour, and mix until just combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips and then divide the batter into free standing baking cups.
I used these baking cups, which I had leftover from making these copycat Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums. These baking cups are 4-inch in diameter but you could use another size free-standing baking cups, you could bake them in a muffin pan with cupcake liners, or you could bake in a regular brownie or cake pan and cut into squares. If using a smaller size, just check them earlier while they bake, as it might not take as long.
Bake the brownies for 20-25 minutes in a 325 F oven. Once baked, transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely while you make the frosting.
For the frosting, place the cocoa powder in a medium bowl and stir in the melted butter. Add the powdered sugar and milk, and beat until well combined. Stir in the vanilla.
To assemble, place a large spoonful of frosting onto the top of each brownie. Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting. Top each frosted brownie with 1-2 handfuls of mini M&Ms.
Enjoy!
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Mickey’s Christmas Tree Brownies
Shaped like a Christmas tree, these decadent chocolate brownies are topped with chocolate fudge frosting, sprinkle lights, and mini M&M Mickey ornaments!
Ingredients
Brownies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
Chocolate Frosting
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- mini M&Ms
- white chocolate, melted
- ornament sprinkles
Instructions
Brownies
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Preheat the oven to 325 F. Place 2 free-standing baking cups on a baking sheet. Set aside.
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In a medium bowl, sift together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until combined.
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Pour the butter into the sugar mixtures, mixing constantly. Add the vanilla extract and the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
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Add the flour and mix just until combined.
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Divide batter between the prepared baking cups. Smooth the tops of each cup before baking.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the brownie comes out clean.
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Transfer brownies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Frosting
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Place the cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Add the butter and stir to combine.
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Add the powdered sugar and milk and beat on low until combined.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembly
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Frost the cooled brownies using an offset spatula.
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Top with melted white chocolate, sprinkles, and mini M&Ms.
Recipe Notes
brownie base adapted from Bon Appetit