Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the crisp autumn air sets in and leaves crunch underfoot, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a kitchen adventure that balances the best of both worlds: brownies and cookies. Welcome to my Halloween Brookies! These delightful treats are not only a playful twist on traditional desserts but also a fantastic way to bring the spirit of Halloween into your home. With just a quick prep time, you can whip up these chewy, chocolatey masterpieces that are sure to become a crowd favorite at any gathering. Plus, the stunning layers of cookie and brownie batters make for an eye-catching presentation that will impress your family and friends. Are you ready to transform your baking routine and delight your taste buds this spooky season? Let’s dive in! Why You’ll Crave Halloween Brookies? Irresistible Combo: These Halloween Brookies blend the fudgy richness of brownies with the chewy goodness of cookies, creating a dessert that satisfies every craving. Quick Prep: With minimal prep time, you can easily whip these up, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or unexpected guests. Festive Appeal: The vibrant layers and spooky themes not only taste great but also add a festive touch to your Halloween celebrations. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether for a party or family dessert, these brookies are sure to impress, leaving everyone wanting more. Perfect Pairing: Serve them alongside a warm cup of cider for a cozy evening—just like in my Homemade Apple Cider! Transform your baking experience this autumn with these mouthwatering delights! Halloween Brookies Ingredients For the Brownie Layer Unsalted butter – adds rich moisture and flavor; use margarine if needed. Granulated sugar – sweetness that balances the cocoa; brown sugar can add extra depth. Cocoa powder – provides that deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-process offers a richer taste. Eggs – bind everything together; for an egg-free option, use unsweetened applesauce. All-purpose flour – gives structure to the brownies; whole wheat flour can be a healthier twist. Vanilla extract – enhances the flavor profile; consider almond extract for a different note. Chocolate chips – for extra gooeyness; swap for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for fun. For the Cookie Layer Unsalted butter – brings creaminess and helps achieve the perfect texture; can use coconut oil as a substitute. Brown sugar – adds a rich, caramel-like flavor; mix with granulated sugar for balanced sweetness. Egg – essential for binding; flaxseed meal can replace it for a vegan version. Baking soda – helps the cookies rise and become soft; don’t confuse it with baking powder! All-purpose flour – keeps the cookie structure intact; almond flour creates a gluten-free option. Chocolate chips – a must for added chocolatey goodness; feel free to use seasonal candies for Halloween flair! With these scrumptious Halloween Brookies ingredients, you’re one step closer to creating spooktacular treats that will astound your guests! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Halloween Brookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your Halloween Brookies bake evenly and develop that perfect chewy texture. While the oven warms up, gather your baking dish and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan for easy removal later on. Step 2: Prepare Brownie Batter In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix according to the package instructions, being cautious not to overmix—this will keep your brownies from becoming too fluffy. Aim for a smooth consistency with no dry pockets, and then set the bowl aside. You’ll soon bring this glorious chocolate mixture to life in your brookies! Step 3: Add Candies to Batter Gently fold in ¼ cup of Halloween M&M’s into the prepared brownie batter. The vibrant colors of the candy will add a festive touch to your Halloween Brookies. Mix until the M&M’s are evenly distributed, ensuring they are nestled throughout the rich chocolate batter creating delightful bursts of sweetness in every bite. Step 4: Bake the Brownies Pour the brownie batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom with a spatula. This step is crucial for achieving that decadent, fudgy layer. Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the edges should look set while the center remains soft and gooey. Step 5: Top with Cookie Dough Once the brownies have finished their initial bake, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Arrange 15 pieces of Halloween cookie dough evenly over the top of the brownie layer. Don’t worry if they don’t cover the brownies completely; they will spread while baking, creating a beautiful layered effect in your Halloween Brookies. Step 6: Finish Baking Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 28-30 minutes. The brookies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. You’ll know they’re ready when the cookie tops are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Step 7: Cool and Slice Remove your Halloween Brookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling period is essential for easier slicing. Once cooled, use a plastic knife to cut these delightful treats into squares, ensuring clean edges that showcase both layers beautifully. Make Ahead Options These Halloween Brookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep lovers looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the brownie batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours in advance before baking. To do this, simply mix your brownie ingredients, fold in the Halloween M&M’s, and store the batter in an airtight container. For the cookie layer, you can also shape the cookie dough balls and place them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, spread the chilled brownie batter in your greased pan, top it with the refrigerated cookie dough, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious, freshly baked Halloween Brookies with minimal effort on the day of your gathering! What to Serve with Easy Halloween Brookies? As you whip up these delightful Halloween Brookies, consider complementing them with treats and drinks that enhance their festive charm and satisfy your taste buds. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the chewy brookies, creating a classic dessert combination that melts perfectly with the warm brownie goodness. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the autumn spirit with a cozy pumpkin spice latte. Its spice notes beautifully complement the chocolatey richness of the brookies, turning your treat into a seasonal delight. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the brookies for an indulgent twist that creates a luscious contrast to the fudgy brownie layer and sweet cookie top. Chocolate Milk: A classic pairing, chocolate milk offers that extra layer of sweetness while maintaining the chocolate theme. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and nostalgic! Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce adds a surprising yet refreshing element, brightening the rich flavors of the brownies and cookies, making each bite even more exciting. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider can elevate your autumn dessert experience, with its apple and cinnamon flavors echoing the warmth of the season and complementing the treats beautifully. Bring a bit of magic to your Halloween spread, and enjoy every delightful moment with these perfect pairings! Halloween Brookies Variations & Substitutions Get ready to make these Halloween Brookies uniquely yours! There are plenty of fun twists to try with just a simple swap or addition. Peanut Butter M&M’s: Swap in peanut butter M&M’s for a nutty twist that offers great flavor bursts in every bite. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour to cater to gluten-sensitive friends while enjoying the same great texture. Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and substitute butter with coconut oil to create a delicious vegan brookie. Brownie Batter Upgrade: Use homemade brownie batter for a richer chocolate taste—your taste buds will thank you! Flavored Cookie Dough: Experiment with flavored cookie dough like snickerdoodle or pumpkin spice to complement the brownies for an extra festive flair. Bonus Crunch: Add crushed pretzels or nuts to the brownie batter for a delightful texture twist that enhances each chewy bite. Festive Sprinkles: Top the cookie layer with Halloween-themed sprinkles right before baking for added visual delight and a touch of whimsy. Spiced Version: Incorporate warm spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the brownie mix to evoke those cozy autumn flavors. Let your creativity flow with these variations, and for more holiday inspiration, check out my recipe for Spooky Ghost Cupcakes! Embrace the joy of baking this Halloween season! Expert Tips for Halloween Brookies Don’t Overmix: Ensure you mix the brownie batter just until combined; overmixing can lead to overly fluffy brownies instead of the rich texture you want. Adjust Bake Time: Keep an eye on the brownies as bake times can vary. Checking at 20 minutes helps you achieve that perfect gooey center. Layer Wisely: When adding cookie dough, don’t worry about covering the brownie layer completely; it will spread and meld in the oven, creating a fantastic brookie effect. Cooling Time: Allow the brookies to cool completely before slicing; this prevents the layers from mixing and helps retain their beautiful presentation. Try Variations: Experiment with different kinds of cookie dough or M&M’s to suit your taste. These Halloween Brookies can be customized for even more festive fun! Storage Tips for Halloween Brookies Room Temperature: Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and rich flavor. Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate brookies in a sealed container for up to a week, keeping them deliciously moist without drying out. Freezer: Freeze Halloween Brookies for up to a month by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying. Reheating: To revive the brookies, warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, bringing back their gooey goodness with each bite! Halloween Brookies Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best brownie mix for Halloween Brookies? Absolutely! When selecting a brownie mix, look for one that doesn’t have added chocolate chips to avoid an overly sweet or cluttered texture in your brookies. A classic mix will provide the rich chocolate flavor you desire, allowing the cookie layer to shine through. What’s the best way to store Halloween Brookies? For optimal freshness, place your brookies in an airtight container stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week—just be sure they’re in a sealed container to maintain their delicious moisture! Can I freeze Halloween Brookies? Of course! To freeze your Halloween Brookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the microwave for a decadent treat! What should I do if my brownie layer is overcooked? If you find that your brownie layer has gotten a bit dry or overcooked, don’t worry! Try serving them with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to add moisture and richness. For next time, keep an eye on the bake time, especially during that last 10-minute stretch, to achieve the perfect gooey texture. Are Halloween Brookies safe for pets? No, it’s best to avoid sharing any chocolate-based treats with your furry friends, as chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats. If you’re celebrating with your pets around, consider making a pet-friendly dessert instead that utilizes safe ingredients like peanut butter and pumpkin! How can I make Halloween Brookies more festive? Very! You can easily amp up the festive flair by sprinkling extra Halloween candies on top just after the brookies come out of the oven, or even adding some edible glitter for a spooky spark. Using cookie dough shaped like ghosts or pumpkins will also elevate the visual experience! Spooky Halloween Brookies That’ll Wow Your Guests! Halloween Brookies combine brownies and cookies for an irresistible fall dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Brownie Layer1 cup unsalted butter adds rich moisture and flavor; use margarine if needed1 cup granulated sugar sweetness that balances the cocoa; brown sugar can add extra depth1 cup cocoa powder provides that deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-process offers a richer taste2 medium eggs bind everything together; for an egg-free option, use unsweetened applesauce1 cup all-purpose flour gives structure to the brownies; whole wheat flour can be a healthier twist1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile; consider almond extract for a different note1 cup chocolate chips for extra gooeyness; swap for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for funCookie Layer1 cup unsalted butter brings creaminess and helps achieve perfect texture; can use coconut oil as a substitute1 cup brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor; mix with granulated sugar for balanced sweetness1 large egg essential for binding; flaxseed meal can replace it for a vegan version1 teaspoon baking soda helps the cookies rise and become soft; don’t confuse it with baking powder!1 cup all-purpose flour keeps the cookie structure intact; almond flour creates a gluten-free option1 cup chocolate chips a must for added chocolatey goodness; feel free to use seasonal candies for Halloween flair! Equipment 9 x 13 inch baking panmixing bowlspatulawire rack Method Preparation StepsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.Combine the brownie mix according to the package instructions, being cautious not to overmix.Gently fold in ¼ cup of Halloween M&M's into the prepared brownie batter.Pour the brownie batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.Add 15 pieces of Halloween cookie dough evenly over the top of the brownie layer.Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 28-30 minutes.Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.Once cooled, cut into squares for serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 5mg NotesThese brookies are perfect for last-minute gatherings and can be customized with different candies. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
