Gluten-Free M&M Blondies

These gluten-free M&M blondies are a real treat for any occasion! These little squares of deliciousness are not only ‘good for gluten-free’ but good, period. Made with lots of browned butter, flaky salt and a whole lot of M&Ms, this will be your new go-to dessert recipe!

I’ve always loved to bake. It’s my happy place, my creative outlet, and my favorite way to bring people joy. When I was diagnosed with celiac disease, I knew I wouldn’t give up baking—I’d just have to approach it as a new challenge. And what a challenge it’s been! Gluten-free baking has supercharged my creativity and pushed me to refine my skills in ways I never imagined.

Each holiday season, I bake hundreds of cookies to share with friends, family, and neighbors. This year, I added these Gluten-Free M&M Blondies to my repertoire as I really needed something chocolatey, and well, these were a huge hit. Every person who tried them raved, and thus have secured a spot in my permanent holiday - and anytime! - collection. Nestled among thumbprints filled with jam and cherry cookies topped with Hershey Kisses, these blondies were the unexpected star. They’re rich, buttery, and chewy, studded with colorful M&Ms and topped with a sprinkle of flaky salt. The secret ingredient? Browned butter, which infuses them with a nutty, caramelized depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

I adapted this recipe from What’s Gaby Cooking and her M&M Cookie Bars. I added my own twist with brown butter and adjusting the recipe to be gluten-free with some necessary modifications. If you are looking for a non-gluten-free version, I recommend checking out her recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free M&M Blondies

These blondies aren’t just “good for gluten-free.” They’re plain delicious. Here’s what makes them special:

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Customize them for holidays or celebrations by swapping out the M&M colors—red and green for Christmas, pastel shades for Easter, or pink and white for Valentine’s Day. I am already envisioning these for our 4th of July barbecue!

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly and reliably, making it ideal for busy bakers.

• Crowd-Pleaser: These blondies are so good, no one will believe they’re gluten-free. They’re the perfect dessert to bring to a potluck or party.

Gluten-Free Baking Tips for Success

Creating gluten-free treats that are truly amazing requires a few extra tricks:

• Add a splash of milk: This helps hydrate the gluten-free flours and improves the blondies’ chewy texture.

• Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 20-30 minutes before baking reduces grittiness by letting the flours absorb moisture.

• Use plenty of butter: Butter is the backbone of flavor and texture in these blondies, and browning it adds an irresistible depth.

• Underbake, slightly: Every gluten-free dessert I’ve ever made has benefited from a slight underbake, ensuring that the bake doesn’t firm up too much and keeps a soft, slightly gooey texture.

• Measure for Measure flour: Specifically, King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour. It’s the best one I’ve tried, with the least gritty texture.

A Sweet Addition to Your Gluten-Free Baking Repertoire

These Gluten-Free M&M Blondies are more than a dessert—they’re a testament to the creativity and joy that gluten-free baking can bring. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, these blondies are guaranteed to impress. Ready to bake the best gluten-free blondies of your life? Let’s get started!

Author: Rachel Humiston

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Gluten-Free M&M Blondies

These gluten-free M&M blondies are a real treat for any occasion! These little squares of deliciousness are not only ‘good for gluten-free’ but good, period. Made with lots of browned butter, flaky salt and a whole lot of M&Ms, this will be your new go-to dessert recipe!

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 25 MinInactive time: 30 MinTotal time: 1 H & 10 M

Ingredients

• 1 C unsalted butter, melted
• 2 C brown sugar
• 4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp milk
• 2 C King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour*
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 2 C M&Ms, divided - any color of your choice
• Additional kosher salt or Maldon salt for sprinkling on top

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat, swirling it occasionally. Cook until the butter foams and butter begins to turn golden, with browned flakes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the brown sugar and pour in the browned butter. Mix until completely combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla and milk.
4. Slowly add the eggs, mixing the entire time so that the eggs don’t scramble.
5. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and 1/2 tsp of salt. Mix until combined.
6. Gently fold in 1C of M&Ms.
7. Prepare a 9x9” metal baking pan with cooking spray (gluten free) and line the bottom with parchment.
8. Pour the mixture into the greased pan.
9. Add the remaining M&Ms on top (or as much as you want) and sprinkle with Maldon salt, or kosher salt.
10. Let the batter sit for 30 minutes, then preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set. Remove from oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen from pan.
12. Let cool for 2 hours. Remove from pan, cut into squares and watch them disappear!

So what do you think? Would you try these Gluten-Free M&M Blondies? Let me know if you do, I’d love to hear from you!