If you’re looking for a dessert that screams Halloween fun and tastes absolutely divine, you’ve got to try my Halloween Brookies Recipe. This magical combo of fudgy brownies and sweet sugar cookies — all decked out with festive Halloween M&M’s — is just the treat you need for parties, trick-or-treaters, or a cozy night in. Trust me, these brookies are not just cute but seriously delicious, easy to whip up, and guaranteed to get you all the compliments. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything so your Halloween Brookies turn out perfect every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless & Quick: This recipe uses store-bought mixes, so you’re in and out of the kitchen fast and still wow everyone.
- Perfect Texture Combo: The fudgy brownie base with pockets of soft sugar cookie dough is an unbeatable duo.
- Festive & Fun: Halloween M&M’s add a colorful crunch and holiday vibe that kids and adults adore.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve made this recipe for multiple Halloween parties and every time, my family goes crazy for it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together like a dream to create the ultimate Halloween treat. Plus, since it relies heavily on store-bought mixes, it’s super accessible. Here’s a little on each key ingredient so you get the best results.
- Brownie mix: Using your favorite boxed brownie mix keeps things simple but delicious; my go-to is a fudgy style for that rich base.
- Pillsbury ghost-shaped sugar cookie dough: These adorable pre-shaped dough pieces bake right on top — no rolling or cutting, plus festive fun.
- Halloween M&M’s: These add that signature crunch and colorful pop; mix some into the batter and sprinkle more on top for max effect.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Halloween Brookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak — making it your own is half the fun. Whether you want to up the chocolate factor or keep it allergy-friendly, there are plenty of ways to switch it up.
- Double Chocolate: I once tossed in mini chocolate chips along with the M&M’s for an ultra-chocolatey batch that disappeared within minutes.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the brownie mix and cookie dough for dairy-free brands, and use allergy-safe candy — just as tasty and festive!
- Spooky Shapes: You can use any Halloween cookie dough shapes or even cut plain dough into bats or pumpkins for variety.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts into the batter if you want a little crunch beyond the candy.
How to Make Halloween Brookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and brownie mix
First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, mix that brownie batter according to the package instructions, but here’s my little secret: folding in about a ¼ cup of Halloween M&M’s into the batter adds a nice festive crunch throughout. It makes the brookie inside as exciting as the top layer!
Step 2: Get your pan ready and layer the brookie
Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan generously — I use butter or non-stick spray. Pour the brownie batter in and spread evenly with a spatula. Now sprinkle a handful of additional M&M’s over the top (don’t skimp, they really pop after baking!). The final touch is placing 15 ghost-shaped sugar cookie dough pieces evenly spaced atop the batter. They’ll bake right into the brownies for that dreamy brookie effect.
Step 3: Bake and check carefully
Bake for 28–30 minutes. This part is key — the edges should be just a bit crispy, while the center should come out with a toothpick that has a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. I watched mine like a hawk on the first try to get that perfect fudgy texture without overbaking. Pro tip: Don’t rely solely on the timer; check a minute or two early if your oven runs hot.
Pro Tips for Making Halloween Brookies Recipe
- Mixing in Candy: Adding M&M’s to the batter prevents the brookies from being too monotonous by distributing bursts of chocolate color and crunch inside.
- Cookie Dough Placement: Space the sugar cookie dough pieces evenly—they’ll spread a little but not too much, so don’t crowd them or they’ll merge into one blob.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Ovens vary a lot; I learned the hard way that a few minutes can make or break the fudginess, so start checking early.
- Cooling Time: Let your brookies cool fully before cutting to help them set up and avoid a messy cut.
How to Serve Halloween Brookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love to add a little extra flair by dusting with powdered sugar or piping some orange and black frosting spiders or webs on top for Halloween parties. Sprinkling edible glitter or candy eyes can also amp up the spooky fun, especially if kids are around.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For something warm, a cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider complements the brookies’ richness perfectly — it’s a cozy combo I always enjoy on chilly fall nights.
Creative Ways to Present
For a Halloween party, I like to slice these brookies into fun shapes using cookie cutters — bats, pumpkins, or ghosts — to make serving a breeze and add to the atmosphere. Placing them on a spooky platter with themed napkins and candles really sets the mood and makes guests smile every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the brookies cool completely, then keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and fudgy for about 3 days, which is perfect since they rarely last that long anyway with my family around!
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, these brookies freeze well. After cooling, I cut them into squares, wrap each in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge, and they taste almost as fresh as the day you baked them.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, I pop a few brookies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds — enough to soften the cookie dough bits without making the brownies tough. If you want a bit of crisp on the edges again, a quick 5 minutes in a 300°F oven works wonderfully.
FAQs
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Can I make Halloween Brookies Recipe without store-bought mixes?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade brownie and sugar cookie dough recipes instead of boxed mixes. Just make sure the cookie dough is firm enough to hold its shape when placed on the brownie batter, or chill it slightly before adding.
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What if I don’t have Halloween-themed M&M’s?
No worries! Plain M&M’s or any mini chocolate candies work fine. You can also use candy corn or chopped candy bars to mix things up and keep the playful, colorful vibe.
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How do I know when the brookies are done baking?
Look for slightly crispy edges and use a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. This ensures the brownies stay fudgy without being underbaked.
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Can I substitute the sugar cookie dough for another flavor?
Yes! You could try pumpkin spice cookie dough or even snickerdoodle dough for a seasonal twist. Just be mindful of how different flavors will pair with the chocolate brownie base.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween Brookies Recipe quickly became one of my favorite festive desserts because it’s easy, fun, and tastes like a little celebration in every bite. I love sharing it with friends and family during the spooky season, and I know you’ll enjoy making and eating it just as much as I do. So go ahead, give this recipe a shot — it’s the perfect way to bring a little magic (and a lot of sweetness) to your Halloween table!
Print
Halloween Brookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Halloween Brookies combine rich, fudgy brownies with festive ghost-shaped sugar cookies and colorful Halloween M&M’s for a fun and delicious seasonal treat. Perfect for parties and celebrations, these brookies bring together the best of both classic desserts in one pan.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 box store-bought brownie mix
- Ingredients called for on the brownie mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
- ¼ cup Halloween M&M’s (mixed into batter)
Topping
- 1 package Pillsbury ghost-shaped sugar cookie dough (about 15 pieces)
- Additional Halloween M&M’s for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 ℉ (175 ℃) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box to make the batter. Once mixed, fold in ¼ cup of Halloween M&M’s to add festive color and flavor.
- Spread Brownie Batter: Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan thoroughly. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and spread it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle extra Halloween M&M’s onto the top of the brownie batter. Then, place 15 pieces of ghost-shaped sugar cookie dough evenly spaced on top of the batter for a spooky decoration.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the brownie portion; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be slightly crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brookies to cool in the pan before cutting and serving to enable easier slicing and better texture.
Notes
- Use a greased pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make sure not to overbake; brookies should be fudgy inside.
- Feel free to substitute Halloween M&M’s with regular M&M’s or other festive candies if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximate)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
