Halloween Oreo Brownies bring together two of the best treats—rich, fudgy chocolate brownies and crunchy Oreo cookies—with a festive twist perfect for spooky celebrations. These brownies are loaded with chunks of Oreos, giving a fun texture and a sweet surprise in every bite. They look great too, topped with Halloween-themed decorations or candy to make your dessert table extra special.
I love making these brownies because they’re so easy and always a hit with kids and adults alike. The Oreo pieces add a bit of crunch that balances the gooey, chocolatey brownie so well. I usually break up the cookies into big chunks rather than crumbs, so you get to enjoy those classic Oreo bites. Plus, it’s a great recipe to get the whole family involved, especially when it comes time to decorate.
When I serve these brownies, I like to add some fun Halloween touches like orange and black sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate. They’re perfect for parties, school events, or just a cozy night in with a scary movie. Everyone loves grabbing one and asking for just one more—if you’re making these, be ready for some happy leftovers to disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the salt level in these brownies. If you’re short on butter, you can swap half with coconut oil for a subtle nutty flavor.
Oreos: The classic Oreo cookies add that great crunch and creamy center. If you want, you can use other chocolate sandwich cookies or gluten-free versions for dietary needs.
Orange Frosting: The orange cream cheese frosting gives a lovely color and flavor contrast. You can substitute with any orange-colored frosting, or mix cream cheese with orange zest and a few drops of food coloring.
How Do You Get That Perfect Layered Look in Halloween Oreo Brownies?
The key is layering carefully to keep the frosting between brownie batters:
- Pour half the brownie batter evenly into the pan first.
- Drop dollops of frosting right on top—don’t try to spread it too thin; a marbled look works great.
- Gently spread the remaining brownie batter over the frosting. Go slow to avoid mixing the layers.
- Press whole or halved Oreos on top to keep them intact during baking and add a fun texture.
This slow layering helps keep the frosting creamy inside and the Oreos crunchy on top, creating a delicious mix of textures each bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9 inch square baking pan – I like this size because it’s perfect for brownies, and it cooks evenly.
- Parchment paper or cooking spray – helps lift the brownies out easily and prevents sticking.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk or spatula – makes mixing and spreading the batter easier.
- Cooling rack – helps the brownies cool quickly without becoming soggy.
- Knife or pizza cutter – for cleanly cutting the brownies into squares.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate frosting instead of orange for different flavor themes, like a chocolate lover’s treat.
- Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to give some added crunch and flavor.
- Mix in mini marshmallows or caramel bits for extra gooeyness and sweetness.
- Swap out Oreo cookies for chocolate chip cookies or themed cookies for a custom look.
How to Make Halloween Oreo Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- About 20 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped (save some whole or halved for the top)
Frosting and Topping:
- 1 cup orange cream cheese frosting or orange-colored frosting
- Optional: orange candy melts or melted orange chocolate for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting these brownies ready takes about 15 minutes for mixing and assembling, plus 30-35 minutes to bake. Allow extra time to cool the brownies completely before cutting, about 30 minutes. In total, you’re looking at roughly an hour from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep your brownies from sticking.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then remove from heat. Stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking each in fully, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined.
3. Add the Oreo Cookies:
Gently fold the chopped Oreo cookies into the brownie batter, making sure they’re spread evenly without overmixing.
4. Layer the Brownie Batter and Frosting:
Pour half of the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan. Drop dollops of the orange frosting all over the batter—no need to spread it perfectly; a marbled effect is great!
Carefully spread the remaining brownie batter over the frosting layer, trying not to mix the layers too much. Press the reserved whole or halved Oreos gently on top for a festive look.
5. Bake and Cool:
Bake your brownies in the oven for 30-35 minutes. To test, insert a toothpick near the center—it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Once done, remove the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Add Optional Decoration and Serve:
If you like, drizzle melted orange candy melts or orange chocolate over the cooled brownies for a fun Halloween touch. Once decorated, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares. Enjoy your spooky, chocolatey Halloween Oreo Brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Oreos for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely at room temperature before chopping and adding to the batter to avoid extra moisture affecting the brownies.
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Bake the brownies and cool them fully, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge will help keep them fresh longer.
What Can I Substitute for Orange Cream Cheese Frosting?
If you don’t have orange cream cheese frosting, you can use plain cream cheese frosting with a few drops of orange food coloring or any orange-flavored frosting you like. Even vanilla or chocolate frosting works well if you want a different taste.