These Halloween brownies bring a delightful twist to your spooky celebrations, with hidden layers of creamy Oreo goodness and a rich, fudgy texture. Easy to whip up in just 30 minutes, they’re sure to be a hit with friends and family alike during your autumn festivities.
Every year, as the leaves turn vibrant colors and the air turns crisp, I find joy in baking themed treats for Halloween. There’s something so cozy and whimsical about filling your home with the comforting scent of baking brownies while planning a family movie night or a Halloween gathering. These brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to create lasting memories with your loved ones as you gather around the table, ready to indulge in spooky delights.
Halloween Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Halloween brownies with hidden layers of creamy Oreo goodness and a rich, fudgy texture, perfect for autumn celebrations.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter (8 oz), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 5 eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 20 Oreos
- Candy eyes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter the sides and bottom of a 9×9 baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate, butter, and instant espresso powder. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth.
- Turn off the heat while keeping the bowl over the water, and add the granulated and brown sugars. Whisk until smooth; then remove from the heat to let cool to room temperature.
- Whisk in 3 of the eggs until well combined. Add the remaining eggs, whisking just until combined. Avoid overbeating the batter.
- Sprinkle the flour and salt over the chocolate mixture. Gently fold in the flour until just a bit of it is visible.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange 12 Oreos on top, then cover them with the remaining batter, ensuring they’re fully covered.
- Crumble or cut the remaining 8 Oreos and sprinkle them over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. The brownies are done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool completely, then lift out using parchment paper, cut into squares, and add candy eyes if using.
Notes
For longer storage, wrap brownies in plastic and freeze. These can also be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Why These Halloween Brownies Will Be Your New Favorite
What makes this Halloween Brownie Recipe truly special is the flavorful combination of dark chocolate and crushed Oreos, offering a deliciously unexpected surprise in every bite. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they’re also a comforting treat that everyone can enjoy.
Baking Up Some Spooky Goodness
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter (8 oz), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 5 eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 20 Oreos
- Candy eyes (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter the sides and bottom of a 9×9 baking pan. If you prefer, line the pan with parchment paper as well.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate, butter, and instant espresso powder. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth.
- Turn off the heat while keeping the bowl over the water and add the granulated and brown sugars. Whisk until smooth; then remove from the heat to let cool to room temperature.
- Whisk in 3 of the eggs until well combined. Add the remaining eggs, whisking just until combined. Make sure not to overbeat the batter, as this can make your brownies cakey.
- Sprinkle the flour and salt over the chocolate mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the flour until just a bit of it is visible.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange 12 Oreos on top of the batter, then cover them with the remaining batter, ensuring they’re fully covered.
- Crumble or cut the remaining 8 Oreos and sprinkle them over the top of the batter.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely; then lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and, if using, sprinkle on candy eyes for a fun, spooky touch.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container or wrap them up for up to 3 days.
Enjoying Your Halloween Brownies
These brownies are not only great for Halloween parties but can also be enjoyed as a cozy dessert on your family movie nights or even at a simple gathering with friends. Serve them warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra treat. The combination of the fudgy brownie, the crunchy Oreos, and the cool ice cream creates a harmony of textures that everyone loves.
Keeping Your Halloween Brownies Fresh
To keep your Halloween brownies fresh, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, they also freeze well! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer—perfect for a spooky treat any time of the year.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Brownies
- Be careful not to overbeat the batter when adding in the eggs; this keeps the brownies fudgy.
- Let the chocolate mixture cool to room temperature before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
- Don’t skip the optional candy eyes. They add a fun, festive touch that makes these brownies irresistible!
Fun Variations to Try
If you’d like to get creative, consider adding nuts for a crunch or a swirl of peanut butter on top before baking for a delicious twist. You could also try different flavors of Oreos or add some sprinkles for extra flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Look for moist crumbs on your toothpick when inserted; if it comes out clean, they might be overbaked.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute the dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter brownie, but it will alter the flavor profile.
Whipping up these Halloween brownies is a surefire way to get everyone in the festive spirit. With their rich chocolate flavor and festive flair, they are sure to become a family favorite for years to come!