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Oreo Layered Halloween Brownies always get everyone grinning at our Halloween parties the fudgy brownies and crunchy orange-filled Oreos hidden inside are a crowd-pleasing treat that look so festive with purple and orange swirls. You will love how easy these are to bake and decorate no matter your level of expertise.
My family now demands these every October and decorating them together has become our silliest Halloween tradition.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: melted adds richness a quality European butter boosts flavor if you have it
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: for depth and chew use fresh soft brown sugar for best results
- Large eggs: for structure bringing them to room temperature ensures easier mixing
- Vanilla extract: adds warmth choose real vanilla for the truest flavor
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch-processed gives deep chocolate notes sift if clumpy
- All-purpose flour: the backbone of the brownies
- Baking powder: gives just the lift needed
- Salt: for balance opt for fine kosher salt so it dissolves evenly
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): for extra gooeyness use good quality for better melt
- Halloween Oreos: the orange center pops visually and adds more crunch pick the brightest ones for best effect
- White chocolate or candy melts: for colorful drizzle smooth-melting brands work best
- Orange and purple food coloring: gel types give the most vibrant color
- Halloween sprinkles: choose bats pumpkins eyeballs for a playful touch
- Candy eyeballs: fun for making each brownie into a quirky monster
- Crushed Oreos (for garnish): if you like double Oreo action
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with parchment paper making sure some hangs over the sides for easy brownie removal later. Lightly grease the paper with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Brownie Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is glossy and uniform. Add in eggs one at a time whisking thoroughly after each egg then stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl sift together the cocoa powder flour baking powder and salt to remove lumps. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture stirring gently just until combined so you do not overwork the batter. If using fold in chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly all the way to the corners. Place the Oreos in a single layer on top pressing them gently into the batter so each slice will have a bite of Oreo. Spread the remaining batter carefully over the Oreos and smooth the surface with a spatula making sure the cookies are fully covered.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Place your pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for thirty five to forty minutes. Check with a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached not raw batter. Cool the brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack for clean slices and best texture.
- Decorate for Halloween:
- Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave safe bowl heating in thirty second bursts and stirring until smooth. Divide into separate bowls and stir in orange and purple food coloring to create your festive palette. Drizzle the colored chocolate over the cooled brownies using a spoon or piping bag for a creepy effect. While the chocolate is still wet scatter on Halloween sprinkles and add candy eyeballs for personality. Let set for twenty to thirty minutes before slicing.
- Slice and Serve:
- Lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut into sixteen squares cleaning the blade after each slice for neat edges. Arrange the brownies on a Halloween platter and serve to delighted guests.
If you ask me the best part is the orange filled Oreos in the middle. Each year my niece insists on placing every single Oreo herself and every slice is a little different because of it.
Storage Tips
Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you need to store them longer refrigerate for up to one week. These brownies also freeze well just wrap individual slices in plastic followed by foil and thaw at room temp before serving. The sprinkles and drizzle hold up even after freezing.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap regular Oreos for the seasonal variety if you want a more classic look or other sandwich cookies for a twist. White chocolate chips work if you cannot find candy melts but go slow melting to avoid seizing. For a less sweet version use bittersweet chocolate chips in the batter. Gluten free flour blend works nicely for those with allergies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve on a festive Halloween tray with additional candy decorations around for an edible centerpiece. These brownies are insanely good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of chocolate milk. I have even cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters for school parties and bake sales.
Cultural and Historical Context
Halloween brownies like these combine America’s love for brownies with the playful Halloween spirit. Oreo cookies date back to 1912 and dressing up desserts for holidays is a cherished family tradition. These bars are modern in that they layer familiar store bought treats for something that feels extra special without taking hours.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use red and green colorings and holiday Oreos for Christmas brownies Try pastel colors for spring or Easter parties Swap for heart shaped sprinkles and red drizzle for Valentine’s Day
Your party guests will love these spooky delicious brownies. Enjoy every bite and make them your own with fun decorations and playful layering!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve an extra fudgy texture?
Use melted butter, avoid overmixing, and add chocolate chips for a richer, denser crumb.
- → Can I use regular Oreos instead of Halloween Oreos?
Yes, classic Oreos work well if Halloween versions aren't available. The flavor remains delicious.
- → What is the best way to cut clean brownie squares?
Allow brownies to cool fully, use the parchment overhang to lift, and wipe your knife between cuts.
- → How can I create vibrant Halloween decorations?
Melt white chocolate or candy melts, divide for coloring, and drizzle before adding sprinkles and candy eyeballs.
- → Can I make these brownies ahead?
Absolutely. Store them in an airtight container for up to three days to keep them moist and fresh.
- → Are there alternatives to candy melts for drizzling?
White chocolate bars or chips work well. Tint with gel food coloring for the desired festive hues.