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Halloween Brownies

Name: Halloween Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: → For the Brownies:; Prepared brownie batter for an 8-inch pan; 12 Milano cookies; Black decorating gel; 12 candy pumpkins; → For the Green Buttercream Frosting:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup butter (salted or unsalted), softened; 2 teaspoons milk; Green food coloring (a few drops, to your desired color)

Featured in Dessert

Introduction When October rolls around, it’s time for spooky sweets — and these **Halloween Brownies** are the ultimate treat to serve at your costume party or cozy movie night. With fudgy brownie layers, bright green buttercream, and adorable cookie “tombstones,”

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By Sarah Mitchell

Updated on October 11, 2025

Introduction

When October rolls around, it’s time for spooky sweets — and these **Halloween Brownies** are the ultimate treat to serve at your costume party or cozy movie night. With fudgy brownie layers, bright green buttercream, and adorable cookie “tombstones,” they’re both delicious and Instagram-worthy! Here at Bake Warely, we love turning simple desserts into festive masterpieces, and these brownies are no exception. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a fun Halloween dessert table, these brownies will steal the show.

My Recipe Story

Every Halloween, I look for desserts that are as spooky as they are tasty. These **Halloween Brownies** were born out of a last-minute party idea when I had leftover brownie mix, cookies, and candy pumpkins. With a little creativity, I transformed them into graveyard-inspired brownies that had everyone talking! The fun part? You can decorate each piece differently — add spiderwebs, bats, or even little ghost designs. These brownies became a yearly tradition in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share them with you.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients — you can use store-bought brownie mix!
Perfect balance of fudgy, creamy, and crunchy textures.
Fun decorating activity for kids and adults alike.
Eye-catching Halloween theme for parties or bake sales.
Make-ahead friendly and easy to transport.

Ingredient Breakdown

For the Brownies:

Prepared brownie batter: Use your favorite mix or homemade recipe for an 8-inch pan. Rich, fudgy brownies make the perfect base.
Milano cookies: These become the “tombstones.” Their oblong shape is perfect for writing spooky messages.
Black decorating gel: Used to draw RIP, spiderwebs, or faces on the cookie tombstones.
Candy pumpkins: Add a pop of color and a festive touch to each brownie square.

For the Green Buttercream Frosting:

Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a smooth, creamy texture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
Milk: A small amount helps create a silky frosting texture.
Green food coloring: Brings that eerie, Halloween grass color to life!

Equipment You’ll Need

8-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls and spatula
Hand or stand mixer for the frosting
Offset spatula or knife for spreading frosting
Piping bag (optional, for neat decorations)
Small brush or toothpick for writing on cookies

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Bake the Brownies

Prepare your brownie batter as directed and pour it into a greased 8-inch pan. Bake according to package or recipe instructions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.

Step 2: Make the Green Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, adding milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until evenly tinted. The frosting should be light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 3: Frost the Brownies

Once cooled, remove the brownies from the pan and spread the green buttercream evenly across the top. You can use an offset spatula to create “grass-like” textures or swirls for a more playful design.

Step 4: Decorate with Tombstones

Use black decorating gel to write spooky words like “RIP” or “BOO” on each Milano cookie. Stick a cookie vertically into each brownie square, pressing gently into the frosting to hold it in place.

Step 5: Add Candy Pumpkins

Place a candy pumpkin next to each tombstone to complete your graveyard look. You can also sprinkle crushed cookies or chocolate crumbs around for a “dirt” effect.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to help the frosting set. Slice carefully and serve at your Halloween gathering. Watch your guests’ faces light up when they see these adorable and spooky brownies!

Variations & Substitutions

Use orange frosting for a pumpkin patch look instead of green.
Swap Milano cookies for graham crackers or chocolate bars.
Make mini brownie bites for individual servings.
Add chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie batter for extra texture.
For gluten-free brownies, use a certified gluten-free mix and cookies.

🎃 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Let brownies cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
If frosting is too thick, add milk ½ teaspoon at a time.
To prevent cookie tombstones from falling, insert them slightly at an angle.
Chill brownies for 10 minutes before serving for cleaner cuts.
Store in an airtight container to keep the cookies crisp and frosting fresh.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

You can make the brownies up to 2 days ahead and decorate them the day of serving. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. To freeze, wrap individual squares tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Pair your **Halloween Brownies** with spooky drinks like pumpkin spice lattes, hot chocolate, or a Halloween punch bowl. For a dessert spread, serve alongside Halloween Macarons and candy apples for a festive dessert table. If you love baking inspiration, check out Delish for more seasonal dessert ideas.

FAQ

Can I use homemade brownie batter?

Absolutely! A rich, homemade brownie recipe makes these even better. Just bake in an 8-inch pan for best results.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes! If you’re short on time, a canned vanilla frosting tinted green works perfectly.

How long do Halloween Brownies last?

They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.

Can I use different candies for decoration?

Definitely. Try gummy worms, candy corn, or edible eyes for extra fun.

Do these brownies freeze well?

Yes, just freeze them undecorated and frost them after thawing for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

These **Halloween Brownies** are a spooky-sweet treat that combines creativity and classic flavor. Whether you’re baking with family or hosting a party, they bring joy (and just a touch of fright) to your Halloween spread. Fudgy, colorful, and frightfully fun — they’re a must-bake for the spooky season!