Easy 3-Ingredient Halloween Brookies

If you ask me, brookies are one of the best mash-ups in dessert history.

These Halloween-themed treats combine the best of both worlds – fudgy brownies and soft chocolate chip cookies – with a fun spooky twist. Black and orange sprinkles plus some candy googly eyes make them perfect for your October gatherings.

Each bite gives you that perfect mix of cookie crunch and brownie chewiness, while the festive decorations on top bring out everyone’s inner kid. They’re basically two desserts in one, which is always a win in my book.

It’s a fun treat that’s sure to disappear quickly at any Halloween party or fall get-together.

What Kind of Brownie Mix Should I Use?

When it comes to boxed brownie mix, you’ve got quite a few options that’ll work great for these Halloween brookies. Basic fudge brownie mixes from brands like Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, or Ghirardelli will all do the job nicely. If you’re feeling fancy, you can pick a dark chocolate or triple chocolate variety, but honestly, a classic chocolate brownie mix is perfect for this recipe. Just steer clear of mixes with added chunks or chips since we’re already adding M&M’s to the mix. Remember to check the box to make sure you have the additional ingredients the mix calls for (usually oil, eggs, and water) before you start baking.

Options for Substitutions

Need to switch things up with these fun Halloween treats? Here are some easy swaps you can try:

• Pre-made brownie mix: Any brand of brownie mix works great here. You can also use a homemade brownie recipe – just make sure it’s a fudgy style that makes enough for a 9×13 pan.
• Ghost-shaped sugar cookie dough: Can’t find the ghost shapes? Regular Pillsbury sugar cookie dough works just fine – just flatten small balls of dough into circles. You could also use homemade sugar cookie dough or try other Halloween shapes like pumpkins or bats.
• Halloween M&M’s: These can be swapped with any seasonal M&M’s, or try other candies like chopped up Reese’s pieces, candy corn, or orange and black sprinkles. Just avoid anything too soft that might melt completely during baking.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest challenge when making brookies is getting the baking time right, since cookie dough and brownie batter cook at different rates – check your brookies at the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the brownie section, which should come out with a few moist crumbs.

A common mistake is spreading the cookie dough too thick on top of the brownie batter, which can lead to undercooked centers and overcooked edges – aim for an even, thin layer of ghost shapes and leave some space between them for the dough to spread.

To prevent your M&M’s from sinking into the brownie batter, wait until the brookies are halfway through baking before adding them on top, and gently press them into the partially-set surface.

For extra Halloween flair and better texture, try chilling your ghost cookie dough shapes for 15 minutes before placing them on the brownie batter – this helps them hold their spooky shape better during baking.

What to Serve With Brookies?

These fun Halloween brookies are perfect on their own, but they’re even better as part of a festive dessert spread! A cold glass of milk is the classic choice – it helps balance out the rich chocolate and cookie combo. For a special Halloween party setup, serve these alongside some hot apple cider or warm hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. You can also pair them with vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert that kids and adults will love, especially if you serve the brookies while they’re still a bit warm.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These fun Halloween brookies stay fresh and yummy when kept in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll be good for up to 5 days – if they last that long! Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.

Freeze: Want to make these ahead for your Halloween party? These brookies freeze really well for up to 3 months. Just put them in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. It’s like having a secret stash of Halloween treats whenever you need them!

Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen brookies, just take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. They’ll taste just as good as the day you made them. You can even pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you want that fresh-baked warmth.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	28-30 minutes
Total Time	43-50 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2200
• Protein: 20-30 g
• Fat: 70-90 g
• Carbohydrates: 300-350 g

Ingredients

• 1 box pre-made brownie mix
• 1 pack of pillsbury ghost-shaped sugar cookie dough
• 1 package halloween-themed m&m’s

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Brownie Mix

Preheat your oven to 350 ℉.

Prepare the brownie mix according to the instructions provided on the package.

This typically involves combining the mix with water, oil, and eggs, but be sure to follow your specific box directions for the best result.

Step 2: Add M&Ms to the Brownie Batter

Once the brownie batter is ready, mix in ¼ cup of M&Ms.

Stir them in gently to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

This adds a delightful crunch and burst of chocolate to your brownies.

Step 3: Pour and Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to prevent the brownies from sticking.

Pour the brownie batter into the pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula, ensuring that it reaches all corners of the pan.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle additional M&Ms evenly over the top of the brownie batter for extra candy goodness.

Then, place 15 pieces of Halloween sugar cookie dough scattered across the top.

These will bake into the brownies and create a festive layer.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Place the prepared pan into the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 30 minutes.

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, and the edges appear a little crispy.

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your Halloween-themed M&M brownie sugar cookie bars!