Halloween Oreo Brownies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves rich, fudgy chocolate with a fun twist. These brownies are loaded with chunks of classic Oreo cookies, with a little Halloween magic sprinkled on top—think spooky sprinkles or candy eyes to make them festive and fun. The texture is delightfully dense and chewy, with the Oreos adding a little crunch and extra flavor that makes every bite exciting.
I love making these brownies around Halloween because they’re super easy to throw together but always impress everyone with their festive look and delicious taste. The best part? The Oreos don’t just sit on top—they get mixed into the batter and baked right in, so every piece is packed with cookie goodness. I usually sneak a few extra Oreos to munch on while baking—they’re like a little reward for all my hard work in the kitchen!
These brownies are great for parties, school treats, or just enjoying a cozy night in with a spooky movie. I like cutting them into small squares and decorating each one with a little candy face or themed sprinkles—that way, they feel extra special and perfect for Halloween. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser; kids and adults both can’t get enough of them! If you’re looking for a simple recipe that brings together chocolate, cookies, and Halloween fun, these brownies are a total win.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create a fudgy texture. If dairy-free, try coconut oil or vegan butter—it works well but may slightly change the flavor.
Oreos: Classic Oreos give the perfect crunch and creaminess. You can swap them for gluten-free or vegan Oreo-style cookies to match dietary needs without losing the fun texture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for deep chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a smoother taste, but natural cocoa powder works fine too.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and moisture. For a subtle twist, brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor and a bit more chewiness.
How Do I Keep Brownies Fudgy and Not Dry?
The secret to fudgy brownies is balancing wet and dry ingredients and avoiding overbaking.
- Mix wet ingredients well, then gently fold in dry ingredients—don’t overmix or you risk tough brownies.
- Keep baking time close to the lower end. Test by inserting a toothpick; a few moist crumbs are perfect.
- Cool brownies fully in the pan—this lets them set and maintain moisture before cutting.
These tips help you get that perfect dense and chewy texture every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – I like this size for even baking and easy portioning.
- Mixing bowls – helpful for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
- Microwave or saucepan – to melt the butter quickly and easily.
- Spatula – perfect for folding in the Oreos without breaking them.
- Cooling rack – so the brownies cool evenly and stay fudgy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks mixed into the batter for extra gooeyness.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Swap Oreo cookies for peanut butter cups or M&Ms to match different themes or tastes.
- Add a swirl of cream cheese or peanut butter on top before baking for extra richness.
Halloween Oreo Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 15-20 Oreo cookies (regular or Halloween-themed), roughly chopped
- Additional whole Oreos for topping (about 9-12 cookies)
- Orange colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to bake. Then, allow about 30 minutes for the brownies to cool before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Remove from heat, then stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. Make the Batter:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the brownies fudgy.
5. Add Oreos:
Fold in the roughly chopped Oreo cookies carefully so they’re spread evenly throughout the batter.
6. Pour and Decorate:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Press whole Oreo cookies gently onto the batter, spacing them out. Sprinkle orange colored sugar or Halloween-themed sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
7. Bake:
Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick inserted near the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
8. Cool and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy your festive Halloween Oreo Brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Oreos in the Brownies?
Yes, you can use frozen Oreos, but be sure to thaw them completely before chopping and adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture affecting the texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Halloween Oreo Brownies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw before serving.
Can I Substitute Butter with Oil in This Recipe?
You can, but butter helps create a richer flavor and fudgier texture. If you use oil, opt for a neutral one like vegetable or canola, and expect a slightly different texture.
How Do I Make These Brownies More Festive?
Try adding themed sprinkles, candy eyes, or edible markers to create spooky faces on the Oreos after baking. You can also drizzle melted white or orange chocolate for extra flair.
