If you're new here, I'll come right out and say it because I'm not ashamed of it: I'm not a baker. I hate baking. I find it tedious, long-winded, and frustrating. BUT, having said that, I love dessert. I usually rely on others excellent skills to bring me sweet delights, but every now and again, I'll make the effort myself. But it's usually with the help of a friend named Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, Ghiradelli, Krusteaz, or Pillsbury. And you know what? That's ok. Short cuts for cooking and baking are something to be celebrated. You're no less of a person for using short cuts. You don't love people less because you made brownies from a box. Some may argue you love more because you know that making them from scratch likely will result in sub-par brownies.
So with that, I give you Spooky Season Brownies. They are fun and whimsical, but require little to no skill other than measuring. Use your favorite boxed brownie mix, some Halloween-themed Oreos, and a little bit of melted marshmallows and you have yourself a spooktacular dessert that is adorable but easy. I found some cute plastic skeletons in my grocery store's seasonal aisle to add a little more fun to the scene. You can also use those plastic spider rings or any other scary decor you find. Just make sure your ghouls and goblins know your decorations aren't edible.
Have fun with these and enjoy your SPOOKY SZN!
Spooky Season Brownies
Makes ~ 12-16 servings
Cook time: 35 minutes | Prep time: 15 minutes
Idle time: 1+ hour (cooling time)Click the file below to download and print the recipe
I recommend reading the recipe all the way through, including the recipe notes at the bottom, before you start cooking.
Ingredients:
1 box of your favorite brownie mix + whatever you need to prepare the brownies according to the instructions on the box
16 Halloween-themed Oreos (the ones with the orange-colored cream filling)
3/4 C mini marshmallows
1.5 tsp. butter
Directions:
Prepare the brownies according to the instructions on the box.
Line an 8x8 baking pan with a piece of parchment paper that hangs off the sides and spray the pan and paper with cooking spray.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan then add the Oreos in a single layer on top of the batter, pressing down gently to partially submerge them in the batter. Pour the rest of the batter over the Oreos and use a spatula or off-set spatula to spread the batter around so it is evenly distributed and all of the brownies are covered.
Bake according to the instructions on the box. I like to test mine with a toothpick for doneness 5-10 minutes before the shortest cooking time is up. Don't overcook the brownies!
Remove from the oven and allow to rest until completely cooled. Once cooled, use the exposed parchment paper to carefully lift the brownies from the pan to a cutting board or platter. Carefully remove the parchment paper from the brownies.
In a small, non-stick saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir to coat in the butter and keep stirring until the marshmallows are melted and gooey. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly just until cool enough that you can handle with your fingers (1 minutes or so in my experience).
Using your fingers, pick up a little bit of the melted marshmallows and stretch it across the brownies to make it look like a spider web. Repeat until the brownies are covered to your liking. See my TikTok tutorial for instructions.
Cut and serve with additional spooky decorations like plastic spiders, skeletons, or gravestones. Just alert your friends that those parts aren't edible!
*Recipe notes + Variations*
Have fun with these and decorate them to your heart's content. Just make sure people know any non-edible decorations are not edible.
These will work with any brownie mix or batter you want to use. Just follow the instructions you have for preparation and baking.
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