Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I gathered ingredients for a recent Halloween party, a delightful thought struck me: why not create something that combines the richness of brownies with a playful twist? Enter the Halloween Monster Brownies! These easy-to-make, festive treats feature a fudgy brownie base paired with a chewy cookie layer, bringing both satisfaction and charm to the dessert table. Whether you opt for a homemade brownie mix or grab a box from the store, these brownies stay true to the Halloween spirit and are sure to impress friends and family alike. Plus, with their fun decorations, they double as eye-catching party favors. Curious to see how these frightfully delicious brownies come together? Let’s dive in! Why are Halloween Monster Brownies a must-try? Irresistible Appeal: These brownies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, thanks to their whimsical decorations! Easy to Make: Whether you’re whipping up homemade brownie batter or using a box mix, this recipe is straightforward, saving you time in the kitchen. Fudgy Goodness: With a velvety brownie base and a chewy cookie layer, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of textures in every bite. Party Showstopper: Need a crowd-pleaser? These Halloween Monster Brownies are sure to grab attention and get everyone in the festive spirit, just like our High Protein Monster treats. Versatile Options: Customize with different sprinkles or nut alternatives to cater to various dietary needs and preferences, making them perfect for any gathering. A Perfect Match: Pair with milk or ice cream for delightful contrast, making your Halloween dessert table even more decadent! Halloween Monster Brownie Ingredients • Get ready to whip up a batch of fun with these Halloween Monster Brownies! For the Brownies Brownie Mix (2 boxes – 18.3 oz each) – This forms the fudgy base; opt for homemade brownie batter for even richer flavor. Unsalted Butter (8 tablespoons total) – Adds moisture and richness; margarine works as a dairy-free substitute. Eggs (2 large) – Essential for structure and moisture; consider flax eggs for a vegan alternative. Light Brown Sugar (½ cup) & Granulated Sugar (4 tablespoons) – Sweeteners that enhance the caramel notes; coconut sugar can be a healthier swap. Pure Vanilla Extract (3 teaspoons total) – Elevates flavor depth; try vanilla bean paste for an extra kick. For the Cookie Layer Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup) – Introduces rich, nutty goodness; almond butter makes a nut-free option. All-Purpose Flour (½ cup) – Provides structure; gluten-free flour works if needed. Baking Soda (½ teaspoon) & Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon) – Helps with leavening; keep these quantities for the best results. Quick Cooking Oats (½ cup) – Adds delightful texture; old-fashioned oats offer a chewier bite. Miniature Chocolate Chips (½ cup) – Perfect for melty chocolate surprises; use any chocolate chips on hand. For the Frosting Confectioners Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens the frosting; powdered erythritol can substitute for fewer calories. Heavy Whipping Cream (2 tablespoons) – Ensures the frosting is silky smooth; coconut cream is great for a non-dairy version. Neon Green Gel Food Coloring – For that vibrant, spooky frosting color that screams Halloween! For Decoration Halloween Sprinkles (1 cup) – Fun and festive; any colorful sprinkles will do. Candy Eye Decorations (1 package) – Adds to the spooky theme, making your brownies even more fun! These ingredients come together beautifully to create tantalizing Halloween Monster Brownies that are sure to become a favorite at your gatherings. Happy baking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Halloween Monster Brownies Step 1: Oven Preparation Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare your 9″ x 13″ baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray. For added security, line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This ensures your Halloween Monster Brownies come out perfectly without sticking to the pan. Step 2: Brownie Batter In a large mixing bowl, follow the package instructions to prepare the brownie mix, combining ingredients until smooth. Once fully blended, pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Set it aside while you prepare the delightful cookie layer that will top your fudgy brownie base. Step 3: Cookie Layer Preparation Using a stand mixer, cream together the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined and creamy. This rich, peanut buttery mixture will enhance your Halloween Monster Brownies with fantastic flavor. Step 4: Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, quick cooking oats, and miniature chocolate chips. Gradually add this dry mixture to the peanut butter mixture in the stand mixer, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep that chewy texture for your cookie layer. Step 5: Assemble Spoon dollops of the cookie mixture over the top of the brownie batter; there’s no need to spread it perfectly, as a rustic look adds to the charm of your Halloween Monster Brownies. Sprinkle generously with Halloween-themed sprinkles and candy eye decorations, giving your brownies that spooky touch that makes them perfect for the festive season. Step 6: Baking Place your assembled Halloween Monster Brownies in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking! Step 7: Cooling Once baked to perfection, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. This cooling period helps set the brownie base while ensuring that the cookie layer remains soft and chewy. The delightful aroma will surely fill your kitchen! Step 8: Frosting In a mixing bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, heavy whipping cream, and neon green gel food coloring until stiff peaks form. This vibrant frosting will make your Halloween Monster Brownies not only taste great but look spooktacular! Pipe the frosting over the cooled brownies in a fun, whimsical manner. Step 9: Final Cooling Allow the frosting to set for an additional 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving. This final cooling step helps firm up the frosting, ensuring it holds its shape when you cut into your festive Halloween Monster Brownies. Now you’re all set to share these tasty treats with friends and family! Storage Tips for Halloween Monster Brownies Room Temperature: Store your Halloween Monster Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for the best taste and freshness. Fridge: If you prefer a chillier treat, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor. Freezer: Freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frost after thawing for the best texture. Reheating: If you like them warm, reheat brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make the fudgy layers deliciously gooey again! What to Serve with Halloween Monster Brownies Pairing the right treats with your Halloween Monster Brownies can elevate your festive celebration and ensure an unforgettable feast for all to enjoy. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing complements the fudgy texture with a cool, creamy contrast. Scoop alongside for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. Glasses of Cold Milk: A timeless combination, cold milk enhances the rich chocolate flavor, making each bite of brownie even more indulgent. Perfect for dipping! Spooky Fruit Salad: Combine seasonal fruits like oranges, grapes, and pomegranate seeds for a refreshing, colorful side. The bright flavors balance the sweetness of the brownies beautifully. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the fall season with this cozy drink, warming up guests as they dig into their brownies. The spice notes are a delightful complement! Ghostly Marshmallows: Served on skewers, these cute treats add a fun touch to your spread. Kids and adults alike will love this playful addition! Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The crunch of pretzels with their salty-sweet goodness provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, gooey brownies, creating a delightful texture experience. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Warm a batch of homemade caramel and drizzle it over each slice for an extra decadent treat. The gooey richness is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds! Hot Apple Cider: A warm beverage option, this comforting drink fills the air with seasonal spices and perfectly pairs with the chocolate notes of the brownies. These pairings not only complement the Halloween Monster Brownies but also create a delightful atmosphere for your gathering. Enjoy! Make Ahead Options These Halloween Monster Brownies are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time when planning for festivities! You can prepare the brownie base up to 3 days in advance by baking and allowing them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. The cookie layer can also be mixed ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, making it easy to assemble when you’re ready to bake. When you’re set to finish the treats, simply top the cooled brownies with the cookie layer and bake as directed. This way, you can enjoy delicious Halloween Monster Brownies that are just as festive and scrumptious, simplifying your party prep! Halloween Monster Brownies: Customization Ideas Feel free to get creative and personalize these festive treats to make them your own! Nut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter for sun butter or omit altogether for a nut-free delight. Everyone can join in on the fun! Dairy-Free Delight: Use margarine instead of butter and coconut cream for the frosting to make these brownies completely dairy-free without compromising on flavor. Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use a vegan chocolate chip as an indulgent alternative that still satisfies sweet cravings. Flavored Frosting: Experiment with different gel food colors or add peppermint extract to the frosting for a refreshing twist that’s perfect for the festive season. Texture Boost: Stir in some crushed graham crackers or nuts into the cookie layer for added texture and an exciting crunch in every bite. Flavor Twist: Instead of traditional chocolate, swap in butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a unique flavor twist that will surprise your guests. Low-Calorie Indulgence: Substitute granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like erythritol and use a low-calorie chocolate for a guilt-free treat that still brings joy. Halloween Spirit: Use any festive-themed sprinkles or swap out candy eyes for mini pumpkins to take your Halloween Monster Brownies from spooky to simply festive! These simple swaps and variations can take your Halloween Monster Brownies to new heights! For even more creative ideas, you might also enjoy exploring our High Protein Monster treats or experimenting with a new favorite dessert recipe. Happy baking! Expert Tips for Halloween Monster Brownies Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing your brownie batter to keep them tender and fudgy. Overmixing can lead to a cake-like texture when what you want are rich Halloween Monster Brownies. Cooling Time: Be patient during the cooling phase; allowing the brownies to cool adequately in the pan will help set both the brownie base and cookie layer to the perfect consistency. Frosting Firmness: To achieve a stiff and stable frosting, ensure you whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This ensures your spooky decor holds beautifully! Add-Ins Variation: Feel free to get creative! Adding nuts or dried fruits can enhance the flavor profile. Just keep in mind that they might change the texture slightly. Make it Festive: Use various themed sprinkles or edible decorations to swap out for different holidays. These brownies can easily be transformed for any celebration beyond Halloween! Halloween Monster Brownies Recipe FAQs What type of brownie mix should I use? Absolutely, you can use any brand of brownie mix you like! A standard 18.3 oz box works perfectly for this recipe, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try making your own homemade brownie batter. Homemade brownie batter will add a depth of flavor that makes these Halloween Monster Brownies even more special. How should I store leftover brownies? To keep your Halloween Monster Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can also refrigerate them, where they’ll stay good for about a week. Just let them come to room temperature before indulging! Can I freeze Halloween Monster Brownies? Yes! It’s a great idea to freeze your Halloween Monster Brownies if you want to prepare them ahead of time. Wrap the unfrosted brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then cover with foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them out at room temperature and add your frosting—easy peasy! What should I do if my brownies turn out too cakey? If you find your Halloween Monster Brownies are more cake-like than fudgy, it might be due to overmixing the brownie batter or baking them for too long. To avoid this, mix just until the ingredients are combined—no need to go crazy with the mixer! Also, a toothpick inserted into the brownies should come out with some moist crumbs. If you see dry batter on your toothpick, they likely need a bit more time in the oven. Are these brownies suitable for people with nut allergies? If you’re accommodating nut allergies, substitute the creamy peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or simply omit it. You can also use a nut-free cookie dough for the cookie layer on top. Just be sure to check the labels to ensure that all the ingredients are allergen-free! Are Halloween Monster Brownies safe for pets? It’s always best to keep these Halloween Monster Brownies away from pets, especially chocolate, which can be toxic for dogs and cats. The icing, with its sugar and food coloring, isn’t suitable for pets either. Always focus on keeping those spooky treats for your human guests! Halloween Monster Brownies That Wow Every Party Guest Delight in these Halloween Monster Brownies, combining rich flavors with festive decorations for a treat that impresses every guest. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 25 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 12 browniesCourse: DessertsCuisine: HalloweenCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Brownie Base2 boxes Brownie Mix 18.3 oz each8 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Can substitute margarine2 large Eggs Flax eggs for vegan option0.5 cup Light Brown Sugar Coconut sugar can be a swap4 tablespoons Granulated Sugar3 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract Vanilla bean paste for extra flavorCookie Layer0.5 cup Creamy Peanut Butter Almond butter for nut-free0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour works0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt0.5 cup Quick Cooking Oats Old-fashioned oats for chewier texture0.5 cup Miniature Chocolate ChipsFrosting2 cups Confectioners Sugar Powdered erythritol for fewer calories2 tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream Coconut cream for non-dairy optionNeon Green Gel Food Coloring For vibrant frostingDecoration1 cup Halloween Sprinkles Colorful sprinkles will do1 package Candy Eye Decorations Equipment mixing bowlStand mixer9" x 13" baking panparchment papernonstick sprayWhiskspoon Method Oven PreparationPreheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare your baking pan with nonstick spray and parchment paper.Brownie BatterIn a large mixing bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions and pour into prepared pan.Cookie Layer PreparationCream peanut butter and butter until fluffy, then mix in sugars, eggs, and vanilla until combined.Dry IngredientsWhisk together flour, baking soda, salt, oats, and chocolate chips in a separate bowl, then add to peanut butter mixture.AssembleDollop cookie mixture over brownie batter, sprinkle with decorations.BakingBake for 25-30 minutes, checking for edges pulling away and toothpick test for doneness.CoolingCool in the pan for about 30 minutes before frosting.FrostingBeat together confectioners' sugar, cream, and food coloring until stiff peaks form, then pipe over cooled brownies.Final CoolingAllow frosting to set for 20-30 minutes before slicing. Nutrition Serving: 1brownieCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best texture, do not overmix brownie batter and allow adequate cooling time. Customize sprinkles to fit seasonal themes. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
