Halloween Brookies Recipe
If you’re after a fun, spirited treat guaranteed to delight kids and grownups alike, these Halloween Brookies are the answer! They combine fudgy brownies and festive sugar cookies, all studded with colorful Halloween M&M’s for that irresistible crunch and pop of color. Every bite is a spooktacular contrast of gooey, chewy, and just the right amount of playful charm—perfect for parties, trick-or-treat swaps, or a cozy Halloween movie night at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Halloween Brookies is truly a breeze, and the magic comes from letting each ingredient shine. With a handful of reliable pantry and store-bought items, you’ll layer up distinctive flavors and create a showstopping Halloween treat with minimal fuss.
- Brownie mix: Use your favorite box brand for reliably rich, fudgy results—just make sure to grab whatever oil, egg, and water the box calls for.
- Pillsbury ghost-shaped sugar cookie dough: These pre-shaped cookies add instant Halloween flair and bake up super soft right on top of the brownies.
- Halloween M&M’s: Their festive colors and crunchy shells add excitement, chocolatey bursts, and unmistakable Halloween vibes.
How to Make Halloween Brookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Brownie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350 ℉, so everything is ready to bake. Mix the boxed brownie mix following the package instructions (usually combining it with eggs, oil, and water). Once your batter is smooth and glossy, gently fold in a quarter cup of those vibrant Halloween M&M’s, reserving the rest for the top.
Step 2: Assemble the Brownie Layer
Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan to ensure easy removal after baking. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and spread it out evenly to cover all the corners. This step is crucial for getting that classic, uniform brookie bite in every square.
Step 3: Decorate with M&M’s and Sugar Cookies
Sprinkle another generous handful of Halloween M&M’s right over the brownie batter—don’t stress about perfection. Next, place the Pillsbury ghost sugar cookie dough pieces evenly over the top, spacing them so that each piece has room to bake and spread a bit. You should be able to fit about 15 cookies over the pan.
Step 4: Bake to Spooky Perfection
Pop the assembled brookies into the oven and bake for 28 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few damp crumbs (not raw batter), and you can see the edges of the brownies are turning slightly crispy. The sugar cookies will puff and set, dotting your brownies with adorable ghosts!
Step 5: Cool and Slice for a Ghoulish Reveal
Let your Halloween Brookies cool for about 20 minutes in the pan, then use a sharp knife to slice them into squares. The contrast of fudgy brownie, vibrant candies, and ghostly sugar cookies will be almost too cute to eat—almost!
How to Serve Halloween Brookies
Garnishes
For extra pizzazz, you can drizzle the cooled brookies with melted white or orange candy melts, scatter extra M&M’s or colored sprinkles on top, or plop a dollop of whipped cream alongside each serving to make the colors truly pop.
Side Dishes
Halloween Brookies pair perfectly with big glasses of cold milk or mugs of hot cocoa for kids. For adults, a creamy pumpkin spice latte or shot of espresso makes the perfect companion. For parties, consider setting up a mini dessert buffet with caramel apples and popcorn balls, letting the brookies take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your brookies into fun shapes using cookie cutters—think pumpkins, coffins, or bats! Slide individual pieces into cellophane bags tied with orange ribbon to hand out as trick-or-treat favors, or stack them on a cake stand and surround with plastic spiders and Halloween confetti for a haunting dessert table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Halloween Brookies soft and chewy by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days, and there’s no need for refrigeration unless your kitchen is super warm.
Freezing
To enjoy your Halloween Brookies later, cool them completely, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When a chocolate craving strikes, just let them thaw at room temperature, and they’re as delicious as fresh-baked.
Reheating
Craving that fresh-from-the-oven warmth? Pop a brookie square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. It’ll taste ooey-gooey, and the M&M’s get a little extra melty—pure bliss!
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, you can use that in place of the boxed mix. Just be sure your homemade batch makes enough for a 9 x 13 inch pan so your Halloween Brookies have the right thickness and texture.
Do I have to use Pillsbury ghost sugar cookie dough?
While the ghost shapes are especially festive for Halloween Brookies, you can use any brand of Halloween-themed sugar cookie dough or even make your own mini cookie cutouts. Part of the fun is mixing up the look each year!
How do I know when the brookies are fully baked?
Look for the edges to pull slightly away from the pan and check with a toothpick—when it comes out with a few fudgy crumbs attached (not sticky batter), they’re ready. The sugar cookie tops should look puffed and set, but not overbaked or golden brown.
Can I use different candies in place of M&M’s?
Definitely! Swap in Reese’s Pieces, chopped Halloween candy bars, or any colorful candy-coated chocolates you love. Just keep in mind some candies might melt differently, so test with a small batch if you’re experimenting.
Are Halloween Brookies safe to freeze with the cookie topping?
Yes! The sugar cookie topping freezes just as well as the brownie layer. As long as the brookies are fully cooled and well wrapped, you won’t have any issues with texture or shape when you thaw them for later snacking.
Final Thoughts
Halloween Brookies are that magical combination of easy, festive, and downright delicious. If you’re looking to wow your Halloween crowd with maximum effect and minimal effort, give these a try—you just might find yourself making them every October (and maybe even beyond!).
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Halloween Brookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Halloween Brookies are the perfect spooky treat that combines the goodness of brownies and cookies in one delightful dessert. With a fudgy brownie base, colorful M&M’s, and ghost-shaped sugar cookie topping, these treats are sure to be a hit at any Halloween party.
Ingredients
Brownie Mix:
- 1 box store bought brownie mix
Sugar Cookie Dough:
- 1 package Pillsbury ghost shaped sugar cookie dough
Halloween M&M’s:
- 1 package Halloween M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 ℉.
- Prepare Brownie Mix: Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions.
- Combine M&M’s: Mix in ¼ cup of Halloween M&M’s into the brownie batter.
- Spread the Batter: Pour the brownie batter into a greased 9 x 13 pan and spread it evenly.
- Add More M&M’s: Evenly sprinkle more Halloween M&M’s on top of the brownie batter.
- Top with Cookie Dough: Place 15 pieces of the ghost-shaped sugar cookie dough on top of the M&M’s.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few crumbs and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brookie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Halloween, Brookies, Brownies, Cookies, Dessert, Party Treat, Spooky
