Ultimate Chewy Oreo M&M Blondies: Your Perfect Holiday Treat Recipe
Get ready to impress everyone with these incredible Oreo M&M Blondies! Imagine a perfectly rich, delightfully chewy blondie bar, generously layered with crunchy Oreo cookies, vibrant M&M candies, and melty chocolate chips. This recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every bite, making it the absolute ideal treat for any holiday gathering or simply a cozy night in.
Imagine combining two of your absolute favorite treats into one magnificent cookie bar, perfectly themed for Christmas or any special occasion! These aren’t just any blondies; these are our irresistible Oreo M&M Blondies, featuring a delightful layer of whole Oreo cookies forming a crunchy base, topped with a wonderfully chewy blondie batter generously packed with festive M&M candies and classic chocolate chips. They are incredibly festive, unbelievably delicious, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a batch. Prepare for them to disappear even faster!
If you’re looking for more delightful treats to add to your baking repertoire, especially during the festive season, check out these other fantastic recipes:
- Festive Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Easy and Tasty Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Greatest and Best Dark Chocolate Toffee Blondies
Why You Should Make These Oreo M&M Blondies Today
As if you needed any more convincing, but here I am, making sure you have absolutely no excuses not to bake these incredible Oreo M&M Blondies! They are more than just a dessert; they are an experience waiting to happen in your kitchen.
- Festive & Fun: These blondies are a visual delight, bursting with Christmas-themed Oreos, vibrant M&M candies, and classic chocolate chips. Their colorful appearance makes them an effortless and charming Christmas treat, perfect for potlucks, parties, or gifting. They instantly add a joyful, celebratory touch to any dessert table.
- Incredibly Simple to Prepare: Don’t let their impressive look fool you; this recipe is designed for ease. With straightforward instructions and minimal fuss, you can quickly whip up a batch, even if you’re not an experienced baker. It’s a fantastic option for a last-minute dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Irresistible Texture Contrast: Prepare for a textural adventure! Each blondie features a satisfyingly crunchy layer of Oreos at the bottom, creating a delightful base. This is perfectly complemented by the soft, chewy, and slightly crisp top layer, studded with melty M&Ms and chocolate chips. It’s a harmonious blend of textures that keeps you coming back for more.
- Perfect Sweet and Salty Balance: While sweet, these blondies offer a sophisticated depth of flavor. The optional touch of a sprinkle of sea salt on top beautifully balances the sweetness from the candies and chocolate, elevating the overall taste profile. This subtle salty note creates an addictively complex flavor that is truly hard to resist.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Customizable: Everyone loves Oreos and M&Ms, making these blondies an instant hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, they are easily customizable! Feel free to swap out holiday-themed M&Ms for other colors or even add different types of chocolate chips or nuts to suit your preference.
Essential Ingredient List for Oreo M&M Blondies
To help you get started on these irresistible blondies, I’ve highlighted some key ingredients you might want to double-check you have on hand. For the complete list with precise measurements, make sure to check out the detailed recipe card conveniently located further down below!
- Festive Oreos (or Regular): While Christmas-themed Oreos add a wonderful holiday touch and extra color, standard original Oreos work absolutely perfectly. The goal is that classic chocolatey crunch at the base of your blondies. Don’t hesitate to use whatever variety you have available.
- Melted Butter (and Cooled!): This is crucial for the perfect blondie texture. Ensure your butter is melted and then allowed to cool down to room temperature before incorporating it into the batter. Adding hot butter can cook the eggs prematurely, leading to a less desirable texture.
- Brown Sugar: I personally prefer using light brown sugar for its molasses notes and moist texture, which contributes to a wonderfully chewy blondie. However, if you only have dark brown sugar, feel free to use it; it will impart a slightly richer, deeper flavor. The key is to pack it firmly when measuring.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla is more than just a flavor; it enhances all the other sweet notes in your blondies. I always recommend using pure vanilla extract for the best, most authentic flavor profile. While vanilla flavoring can be used in a pinch, pure extract truly elevates the taste.
- Seasonal M&M’s: These candies are not just for decoration; they add a delightful crunch and burst of chocolatey color. I often find seasonal M&M’s at my local grocery store around the holidays, but any color or type of M&M’s will work beautifully. They are essential for that signature M&M blondie experience!
- All-Purpose Flour: Make sure to spoon and level your flour, rather than scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents over-measurement, which can lead to dry, dense blondies instead of the chewy ones we’re aiming for.
- Large Egg and Egg Yolk (Room Temperature): Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, creating a more uniform and tender crumb. The extra egg yolk adds richness and chewiness, essential for the perfect blondie texture.
Expert Tips for Making Perfect Oreo M&M Blondies Every Time
To ensure your Oreo M&M Blondies turn out absolutely perfect, chewy, and delicious, I’ve compiled some essential tips. These aren’t just suggestions; they are key steps that will make a significant difference in your baking success. For the full, detailed instructions, remember to consult the recipe card located further down.
- Properly Preheat Your Oven: This step is often overlooked but incredibly important. Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you even think about placing your blondies inside. A properly preheated oven ensures even baking from the start, preventing the edges from over-baking before the center is cooked.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Cold eggs can cause the butter to seize up and prevent proper emulsification, leading to a lumpy batter and potentially underbaked spots. Room temperature eggs mix far more evenly into the batter, contributing to a smooth consistency and ultimately a more uniformly baked blondie. Take them out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is barely incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense, and cake-like blondies instead of the desired chewy texture. A light touch here is key!
- Master the Doneness Test: To prevent that dreaded raw center, it’s crucial to know when your blondies are perfectly baked. Insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the very center of the blondies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, but absolutely no wet batter. If it comes out clean, they might be slightly overbaked, but a few moist crumbs indicate perfection!
- Look for a Golden Top: A beautiful golden-brown top is a reliable visual indicator that your blondies are done. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes, but remember that oven temperatures can vary significantly. Trust your eyes and the toothpick test! Don’t be afraid if the edges look a little more golden; that’s part of the charm.
- Embrace the Cooling Time: Patience is a virtue, especially in baking! After removing the blondies from the oven, resist the urge to cut into them immediately. Allow them to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This crucial cooling period allows the blondies to set properly, ensuring they are firm enough to be lifted and cut without crumbling.
- Ensure Even Spreading Over Oreos: When layering your blondie batter over the Oreo cookies, make sure to spread it as evenly as possible. An uneven layer can lead to inconsistent baking, with some areas cooking faster or slower than others. Take your time to gently spread the batter to cover all the Oreos.
- Consider an Oven Thermometer: Oven temperatures can be notoriously inaccurate. Investing in an inexpensive oven thermometer can be a game-changer for consistent baking results. It ensures your oven is truly at the temperature you set, preventing common baking issues like under or over-baking.
Essential Equipment: What’s In Molly’s Kitchen for Blondies?
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Below, I’ve listed all the equipment I personally use and recommend for successfully making these delightful Oreo M&M Blondies. These items will help streamline your process and ensure fantastic results.
- 8×8-inch Baking Dish: This is the ideal size for achieving the perfect thickness and chewiness in your blondies. For super easy removal and cleanup, always line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
- Metal Binder Clips: A simple but effective trick! These clips are fantastic for securing the parchment paper firmly to the sides of your baking dish. This prevents the paper from shifting and ensures your blondie batter spreads evenly without getting underneath.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one large mixing bowl to comfortably combine all your wet and dry ingredients. A second smaller bowl can be handy for whisking dry ingredients separately before adding them to the wet.
- Whisk: A good whisk is essential for thoroughly combining the melted butter and brown sugar, ensuring a smooth base for your blondie batter. It also helps to aerate the eggs slightly.
- Rubber Spatula: This versatile tool is perfect for gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet batter without overmixing. It’s also great for scraping down the sides of the bowl, ensuring no ingredient is left behind.
- Cooling Rack: After the initial cooling period in the pan, transferring your blondies to a wire rack allows air to circulate around all sides, ensuring they cool completely and preventing any sogginess on the bottom.
- Toothpick or Cake Tester: Your best friend for checking doneness! As mentioned in the tips, inserting this into the center helps you determine if your blondies are perfectly baked with just the right amount of moist crumbs.
- Oven Thermometer (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly essential, an oven thermometer provides peace of mind by confirming your oven’s true temperature. This can be particularly helpful if you’ve had issues with inconsistent baking in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions – Oreo M&M Blondies
Here, you’ll find answers to some common questions you might have regarding the preparation and enjoyment of these delicious Oreo M&M Blondies. If your question isn’t covered, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help!
Q: Can I use regular Oreos instead of Christmas-themed ones?
A: Absolutely! Regular Oreos work perfectly and taste just as fantastic in this recipe. The holiday-themed Oreos are primarily for adding an extra layer of festive flair and visual appeal, but they won’t change the delicious flavor or texture. Feel free to use any Oreo variety you prefer or have on hand.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: While you can use salted butter, it’s generally recommended to use unsalted butter in baking recipes. This allows you complete control over the salt content, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors. If you do opt for salted butter, make sure to significantly reduce or completely omit any additional salt called for in the recipe to prevent your blondies from becoming too salty.
Q: Why do my blondies sometimes come out raw in the center?
A: A raw center is a common issue that typically indicates underbaking. To prevent this, always ensure your oven is properly preheated (an oven thermometer can help here!) and religiously follow the toothpick test. It’s also crucial to allow the blondies to cool in the pan for the recommended 15 minutes after baking. This step allows them to continue setting and firming up from residual heat, preventing a raw or gooey center once cut.
Q: Is it okay to use a glass baking dish instead of a metal one?
A: Yes, you can certainly use a glass baking dish, but be mindful that glass conducts heat differently than metal. Glass heats up slower but retains heat longer, which can result in slightly crispier edges and a longer overall baking time. You might need to reduce your oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and increase the baking time slightly to achieve the same results as with a metal pan. Always keep an eye on your blondies and perform the toothpick test for doneness.
Q: How can I ensure my M&M’s don’t sink to the bottom of the blondies?
A: To prevent M&M’s (and chocolate chips) from sinking, a common trick is to toss them with a tablespoon of the all-purpose flour from the recipe before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps them adhere to the batter more effectively, allowing them to remain suspended throughout the blondies for an even distribution in every square.
Storing Your Delightful Oreo M&M Blondies
To maintain the irresistible freshness and chewy texture of your Christmas-themed Oreo M&M Blondies, proper storage is key. First and foremost, ensure they have cooled completely to room temperature before storing them. Once fully cooled, transfer the blondies to an airtight container. If stacking layers, place a piece of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature for optimal taste and texture for up to 3-4 days. For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just bring them back to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best experience.
Freezing Oreo M&M Blondies for Later Enjoyment
If you want to prepare these delicious treats in advance or simply save some for a future craving, these Oreo M&M Blondies freeze beautifully! Just like with storage, it’s essential that the blondies are completely cooled before freezing. For best results, cut them into individual squares first. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil to provide an extra layer of protection against freezer burn. Alternatively, you can place the tightly wrapped squares in a freezer-safe airtight container. Store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the blondies overnight in the refrigerator, or for a quicker option, at room temperature for a few hours. You can even warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked feel!
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Recipe
Oreo M&M Blondies
By Molly Murphy
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 Christmas themed Oreo cookies (regular Oreos work wonderfully too!)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (at room temperature)
- ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled)
- ½ cup Christmas M&M candies
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
For the blondies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining the bottom with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Secure the parchment paper to the sides using metal binder clips, then lightly spray the sides and bottom of the pan with cooking spray.
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Carefully arrange the Oreo cookies in an even single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. For an 8×8-inch pan, this usually means creating 4 rows of 4 cookies.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted and cooled unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar. Whisk these two ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth.
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Add the room temperature large egg, the additional room temperature large egg yolk, and the pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to mix until all these wet ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth batter.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cornstarch. Then, using a rubber spatula, gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Once mostly combined, add the Christmas M&M candies and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix; you want a thick, slightly lumpy blondie batter for that perfect chewy texture.
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Evenly spread the thick blondie batter over the layer of Oreo cookies in the baking dish. Ensure the batter covers all the Oreos from edge to edge.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes. The blondies are done when the top is beautifully golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not wet batter. The edges should look set and slightly crisp.
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Once baked, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the blondies to cool undisturbed in the pan for about 15 minutes. This cooling period is crucial for them to set properly and firm up.
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After the initial cooling, use the overhanging parchment paper to carefully lift the blondies out of the pan. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This can take another 30-60 minutes.
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Once fully cooled, cut the blondies into 16 even squares (or your preferred size). For an extra touch of flavor and to balance the sweetness, you can optionally sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each square before serving. Enjoy your delightful Christmas-themed Oreo M&M Blondies!