Halloween is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen, and these Spooky Graveyard Brownies are a treat the whole family will love. Fudgy brownies are transformed into mini graveyards with cookie “tombstones,” candy pumpkins, and crushed cookie “dirt.” They’re festive, fun to decorate, and easy to make ahead for parties, bake sales, or trick-or-treat gatherings.
What are Spooky Graveyard Brownies?
Spooky Graveyard Brownies are Halloween-themed brownies decorated to look like mini graveyards. They usually feature a base of chocolate brownies topped with crushed cookies for “dirt,” cookies or graham crackers as tombstones, and festive candies like pumpkins, bones, or gummy worms. They’re customizable, kid-friendly, and perfect for adding a spooky touch to your Halloween dessert table.
Spooky Graveyard Brownies
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- food processor or rolling pin
- Spatula
- serrated knife
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients on box)
- OR homemade brownies (butter, sugar, eggs, cocoa, flour, vanilla, salt)
- 8–10 Oreo cookies, crushed
- 6–8 Milano cookies or graham crackers (for tombstones)
- Black decorating gel or edible marker
- 12 Candy pumpkins or candy corn
- Gummy worms or bone candies
- Green sprinkles or tinted coconut (for grass)
- ½ cup Chocolate frosting (optional, to help toppings stick)
Instructions
- Prepare brownies in a 9×13-inch pan according to box or recipe instructions. Let cool completely before decorating.
- Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Write ‘RIP’ or spooky messages on Milano cookies or graham crackers with black gel or edible marker. Let dry.
- Spread a thin layer of chocolate frosting over cooled brownies. Sprinkle with crushed Oreos to resemble dirt.
- Insert cookie tombstones upright into brownies. Add candy pumpkins, gummy worms, or bones. Sprinkle green sprinkles or tinted coconut around for grass.
- Cut brownies into squares or rectangles, ensuring each has a tombstone and decorations.
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes about 12 brownies.
For the brownies
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on box)
- OR homemade brownies (butter, sugar, eggs, cocoa, flour, vanilla, salt)
For decorations
- 8–10 Oreo cookies, crushed (for “dirt”)
- Milano cookies or graham crackers (for tombstones)
- Black decorating gel or edible marker (to write RIP)
- Candy pumpkins or candy corn
- Gummy worms or bone candies
- Green sprinkles or tinted coconut (for “grass”)
- Optional: chocolate frosting to help toppings stick
Substitutions
- Gluten-free: use GF brownie mix and cookies.
- Dairy-free: use dairy-free brownie recipe and frosting.
- Vegan: use vegan brownie mix and marshmallow-based candies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake brownies
Prepare brownies in a 9×13-inch pan according to box or recipe instructions. Let cool completely before decorating.
Step 2: Prepare “dirt”
Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
Step 3: Make tombstones
Write “RIP” or spooky messages on Milano cookies or graham crackers with black gel or edible marker. Let dry.
Step 4: Frost and assemble
Spread a thin layer of chocolate frosting over cooled brownies. Sprinkle with crushed Oreos to resemble dirt.
Step 5: Decorate
Insert cookie tombstones upright into brownies. Add candy pumpkins, gummy worms, or bones. Sprinkle green sprinkles or tinted coconut around for grass.
Step 6: Slice and serve
Cut brownies into squares or rectangles, ensuring each has a tombstone and decorations.
Tips for the Best Graveyard Brownies
- Let brownies cool fully before decorating to prevent melting.
- Use a serrated knife to cut neat brownie squares.
- Pipe frosting “grass” with a green icing tip for extra detail.
- Decorate just before serving if using gummy candies to prevent melting or sticking.
Variations
- Pumpkin patch brownies: Use candy pumpkins instead of tombstones.
- Ghost brownies: Add marshmallow ghosts on top.
- Spider web brownies: Pipe white icing webs across the surface.
- Cupcake version: Make graveyard cupcakes with the same toppings.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Room temperature: Store decorated brownies in airtight container up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep up to 5 days for freshness.
- Make-ahead: Bake brownies 1–2 days early and decorate the day of serving.
Serving Ideas
Spooky Graveyard Brownies are perfect for:
- Halloween parties
- School bake sales
- Trick-or-treat night treats
- Dessert platters with other spooky snacks
Nutrition Breakdown
One decorated brownie has about 260–300 calories, 4 grams protein, 38 grams carbs, and 12 grams fat. Toppings vary depending on candies and frosting.
Conclusion
Spooky Graveyard Brownies are a festive, fun way to celebrate Halloween. With fudgy brownies, cookie tombstones, and candy decorations, they’re easy to make yet look impressive on any dessert table. Whether you make them with kids or serve them at a party, these brownies are guaranteed to be a spooky hit.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies?
Yes, any fudgy or cakey brownie recipe works.
Do I need to frost the brownies?
Frosting helps toppings stick but isn’t required if brownies are fudgy.
Can kids help decorate?
Absolutely—it’s a great Halloween activity.
Can I make them in advance?
Yes, but add gummy candies the day of serving to keep them fresh.
Do I have to use Oreos?
No, any chocolate cookie crumbs will work as “dirt.”