Halloween Oreo Brownies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves rich, chocolatey brownies with a fun twist. These brownies mix the fudgy, gooey texture of classic brownies with the crunch and creaminess of Halloween-themed Oreo cookies. The festive Oreos add a playful touch that’s just right for spooking up your dessert table.
I love making these brownies when friends and family come over because the Oreo pieces sneak in little surprises of sweetness and crunch in every bite. It’s like you get the best of both worlds—thick, chocolatey brownie goodness with pockets of Oreo cookie magic. Plus, they’re easy to bake, which is always a win for me during busy Halloween days.
My favorite way to serve these brownies is slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The ice cream melts just a bit and makes the chocolate and Oreo flavors even more delicious. They’re also great to pack for a Halloween party or hand out to trick-or-treaters who could use a little extra sweet fun beside the usual candy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Melted unsalted butter gives these brownies a rich, moist texture. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works best for sweetness and structure. Brown sugar adds a bit of chewiness and a caramel hint if you want to mix it up.
Halloween Oreos: These add flavor, crunch, and a festive look. If you can’t find Halloween-themed ones, classic Oreos work fine. You can even chop them for more cookie bits inside.
Orange Cream Cheese or Frosting: This is optional for the swirled orange layer and adds a nice tang and color pop. You can swap with regular cream cheese mixed with orange food coloring or skip it entirely if preferred.
How Can I Keep Brownies Fudgy Instead of Dry?
Getting fudgy brownies means paying attention to mixing and baking time. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Mix Gently: After adding flour, stir just until combined. Overmixing triggers gluten and makes brownies tough.
- Don’t Overbake: Check brownies at 30 minutes. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not clean. They’ll keep cooking slightly after being out of the oven.
- Melted Butter: Using melted butter keeps texture moist and rich compared to softened butter.
- Eggs: Eggs add moisture and help bind. Add them slowly and mix well so they incorporate thoroughly.
Following these tips will help you get soft, fudgy brownies perfect for hiding those tasty Oreo pieces!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan – I like this size because it’s perfect for even baking and easy to cut into squares.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk or spatula – helps you mix everything well without overworking the batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients precisely.
- Rubber spatula – great for scraping every bit of batter into the pan.
- Parchment paper (optional) – makes removing the brownies easier and cleaner.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use white chocolate or caramel-filled Oreos for a different flavor twist and extra gooeyness.
- Add in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add crunch and richness.
- Swirl in chocolate or peanut butter before baking for more layers of flavor.
- Mix in mini marshmallows or candies for a fun, extra-sweet surprise inside the brownies.
Halloween Oreo Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 20-24 Halloween-themed Oreo cookies (with orange and black filling)
- Optional: ½ cup orange cream cheese or orange frosting for swirling
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes to bake. Allow additional time for the brownies to cool completely before slicing, roughly 1 hour. So, plan for about 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get the Oven Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well so the brownies don’t stick.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Stir it well until mixed. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps keep the batter nice and smooth.
4. Make the Brownie Batter:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until everything is combined. Try not to overmix to keep your brownies fudgy and soft.
5. Build the Layers:
Pour half the brownie batter into the baking pan and spread it out evenly. Then lay half of the Halloween Oreos on top.
If you’re using orange cream cheese or frosting, dollop small spoonfuls over the Oreos and use a knife to swirl gently for a cool marbled effect.
6. Add the Final Touches:
Pour the remaining brownie batter over your Oreos and spread it smoothly. Place the remaining Oreos on top and press them lightly into the batter to keep them in place.
7. Bake and Cool:
Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter, your brownies are ready.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This makes them easier to cut and enjoy without falling apart.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut your brownies into squares and serve. These festive Halloween Oreo Brownies are delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
Can I Use Regular Oreos Instead of Halloween-Themed Ones?
Yes, absolutely! Regular Oreos work great if you can’t find the Halloween-themed ones. You’ll still get that crunchy, creamy Oreo flavor in every bite.
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Definitely! Bake the brownies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually taste even better after the flavors have melded overnight.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Can I Freeze Halloween Oreo Brownies?
Yes! Wrap cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
