There’s something special about biting into a rich, chocolatey brownie and discovering a surprise crunch of festive orange-filled cookies inside. Before you preheat the oven, skim our make-ahead Halloween dessert ideas to round out your party menu. Halloween Oreo Brownies bring that magic to life. With their fudgy texture, pops of color, and unmistakable Oreo flavor, they’re perfect for sharing at a Halloween party or enjoying with family on a cozy night in. This recipe keeps the steps simple, so you can focus on the fun of baking and the joy of pulling a tray of spooky, irresistible brownies out of the oven.
Halloween Oreo Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fudgy Halloween Oreo Brownies layered with festive cookies and rich chocolate. Easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for Halloween parties.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 2 large cold eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 15 Halloween Oreos + 5 crushed
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the Base: Melt butter, oil, and sugars until smooth.
- Whisk Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, until glossy.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Fold in cocoa, flour, and salt just until combined.
- First Batter Layer: Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.
- Oreo Layer: Arrange 15 Oreos over the batter.
- Final Batter & Topping: Cover with remaining batter and sprinkle crushed Oreos on top.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake for 30 minutes until edges set and center slightly underdone.
- Cool and Slice: Let brownies cool fully before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Substitute regular Oreos if Halloween ones are unavailable.
- Slightly underbake for extra fudgy texture.
- For neat slices, chill the pan and wipe your knife between cuts.
- For guidance on healthy sugar intake, see CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/strategies-guidelines/reduce-sugar.html
- Learn about balanced eating at USDA Dietary Guidelines: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/
- Discover cocoa’s potential benefits: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love Halloween Oreo Brownies
These brownies balance gooey chocolate with the playful crunch of Oreos in every bite. They’re indulgent but easy to prepare, requiring only basic pantry staples and one special ingredient: Halloween Oreos. The orange filling makes them stand out at any party, and kids love helping layer the cookies into the batter. Whether you’re serving them at a costume gathering or sneaking one with a glass of milk, they’ll disappear quickly.
Halloween Oreo Brownies Ingredients
These brownies use pantry staples plus a package of Halloween Oreos for their festive look. Gather everything before starting, and you’ll breeze through the recipe.
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 2/3 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Cocoa powder | 2/3 cup |
| Eggs (cold) | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Halloween Oreos | 15 whole + 5 crushed |
Substitutions for Halloween Oreo Brownies
No Halloween Oreos on hand? Regular Oreos, Golden Oreos, or any seasonal flavor will work. You can also swap the vegetable oil for melted coconut oil, or use dark cocoa powder for an extra-rich chocolate taste. For a slightly less sweet version, cut the granulated sugar back by two tablespoons without affecting texture.
Step-by-Step Halloween Oreo Brownies
Time needed: 45 minutes
Before you begin, preheat your oven and line your pan. These steps are quick, but they set you up for baking success.
- Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the Base
Melt the butter, oil, and both sugars together in short bursts in the microwave until smooth.
- Whisk Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla, until the mixture is glossy.
- Add the Dry Ingredients
Fold in cocoa powder, flour, and salt just until combined.
- First Batter Layer
Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing evenly.
- Oreo Layer
Arrange 15 Halloween Oreos over the batter in a snug layer.
- Final Batter & Topping
Cover with the remaining batter, then sprinkle crushed Oreos across the top.
- Bake the Brownies
Bake for about 30 minutes, until the edges are set and the center looks slightly underdone.
- Cool and Slice
Cool completely before slicing into neat squares.
Pro Tips for Oreo Brownies
For picture-perfect slices, let the brownies rest for at least four hours before cutting. Use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean between cuts. If you want extra gooey brownies, slightly underbake by two minutes and let them firm as they cool. Chilling the pan before slicing also helps create neat edges.
Variations & Substitutions for Halloween Brownies
To make these gluten-free, swap the flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and cookies without milk powder. Vegan versions work well by replacing eggs with flax eggs. If you’re on a budget, stick with regular Oreos instead of seasonal packs. For more protein, fold in a half cup of chopped nuts or swirl in peanut butter before baking.
Serve Halloween Oreo Brownies With
These brownies taste even better when paired with simple sides. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a classic hot-and-cold contrast, while a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce makes every bite more indulgent. For a party spread, place them alongside other festive favorites like pumpkin-spiced cupcakes, candy-coated cookies, or caramel-dipped apples. They also shine with a tall glass of cold milk or a cozy mug of hot cocoa, making them as versatile as they are delicious.
Storage & Reheat Oreo Brownies
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to one week or freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly for a warm, gooey texture. Always cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
Nutrition for Halloween Oreo Brownies
Each brownie square comes in at about 250 calories, with 4 grams of protein, 32 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of fat. The Oreo layer contributes roughly 18 grams of sugar per serving, making these a dessert to savor in moderation. For overall balance, consider the USDA Dietary Guidelines on daily calorie needs and portion sizes. If you’re watching sugar intake, the CDC guidance on added sugars offers helpful strategies. And for chocolate lovers, the National Library of Medicine highlights research on cocoa’s potential benefits when enjoyed as part of a varied diet.
FAQs
Fudgy brownies rely on the right balance of fat to flour. Using both butter and oil gives richness, while keeping flour minimal ensures dense, moist texture. Avoid overmixing once the flour is added.
Yes, regular Oreos work perfectly. The only difference is the festive orange filling in the Halloween version, which adds a fun seasonal look but not much change in flavor.
They keep well at room temperature for five days in an airtight container. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze in portions for up to three months.
Allow the pan to cool fully, then chill before slicing. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping between cuts, for smooth, bakery-style squares.
More Like This
If you loved these Halloween Oreo Brownies, you’ll enjoy these other festive recipes from our kitchen:
- Halloween Mac and Cheese: a savory, cheesy dish with a Halloween twist that balances all the sweet desserts on your table.
- Purple Halloween Punch: a spooky drink with bold color that pairs perfectly with brownies at any party.
- Hocus Pocus Punch Halloween Recipe: a playful, themed punch that kids and adults alike will love.
- Frankenstein Halloween Rice Krispie Treats: colorful, crispy squares decorated to look like Frankenstein for a fun, no-fuss treat.
Save This Recipe for Later
Pin it, share it, or bookmark it, these brownies deserve a spot in your Halloween baking plans. Whether you make them once a year or all season long, they’re bound to become a favorite tradition.