Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s festive without being fussy. I start with a boxed brownie mix, which makes prep a breeze, and I get to have fun with the decorating. The combination of chocolate chips, mini peanut butter cups, and licorice legs gives the brownies a playful yet delicious twist. Plus, these treats are just the right mix of spooky and sweet, making them perfect for any Halloween celebration.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as instructed on the box)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
24 mini peanut butter cups
1/2 cup chocolate frosting
1/4 cup white icing or candy melts
Black licorice laces or string (for spider legs)
Directions
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I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper.
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I prepare the brownie mix following the box instructions, then stir in the chocolate chips for extra richness. I pour the batter into the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Once baked, I let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This makes it easier to cut them neatly.
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I slice the cooled brownies into squares and press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each one, using a dab of chocolate frosting to hold it in place.
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For the spider legs, I cut black licorice laces into short strips and arrange 6–8 around each peanut butter cup to look like legs crawling out.
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Finally, I use white icing or melted candy melts to pipe little eyes onto the peanut butter cup “bodies.” I let everything set before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 spooky brownies, and it takes roughly 45 minutes from start to finish—20 minutes prep time, 25 minutes baking, and a few minutes to decorate once cooled. Perfect for party trays or treat bags.
Variations
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Use homemade brownies: If I have time, I bake brownies from scratch for a richer flavor.
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Change the candy: I’ve swapped peanut butter cups for chocolate truffles or small cookies for a nut-free version.
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Add colored eyes: I mix in food coloring with white icing for red or green monster eyes.
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Make them bite-sized: I bake the brownies in mini muffin tins and decorate each one individually.
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Add Halloween sprinkles: A few themed sprinkles around the spider make them even more festive.
Storage/Reheating
I store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want to make them ahead, I bake and cool the brownies first, then decorate them the day I plan to serve them. I don’t recommend reheating them, since the decorations can melt.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, I usually bake the brownies a day in advance and decorate them the next day. They stay moist and are easier to cut when fully cooled.
What can I use instead of licorice for the legs?
If I’m not a fan of licorice, I sometimes use thin pretzel sticks or even strips of fruit leather.
Can I make these nut-free?
Definitely—I just skip the peanut butter cups and replace them with a nut-free chocolate or candy center.
Do I need a piping bag for the eyes?
Not at all. I often use a zip-top bag with the tip snipped off or even a toothpick dipped in icing for more control.
Can I freeze these brownies?
I wouldn’t freeze them after decorating, but I can freeze the undecorated brownie base for up to 2 months, then thaw and decorate before serving.
Conclusion
Spooky Spider Brownies are one of my favorite ways to celebrate Halloween. They’re festive, fun to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any spooky gathering. Whether I’m baking with kids or adding a playful dessert to a party table, these creepy-crawly treats always get a big reaction—and an even bigger bite.
Print
Spooky Spider Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy Halloween brownies are topped with peanut butter cup spiders, licorice legs, and creepy candy eyes—perfect for spooky parties or trick-or-treat fun!
Ingredients
1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as required by package)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
24 mini peanut butter cups
½ cup chocolate frosting
¼ cup white icing or melted white candy melts
Black licorice laces or strings (for spider legs)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a baking pan.
Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions. Stir in semisweet chocolate chips.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Once cooled, cut brownies into squares. Press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each square using a dab of chocolate frosting to secure.
Cut black licorice into short lengths and arrange 6–8 “legs” around each peanut butter cup to resemble a spider.
Use white icing or melted candy melts to pipe small eyes on each spider. Let set before serving.
Notes
Use gluten-free brownie mix and candy options if needed.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Great for Halloween parties, classroom treats, or edible craft time with kids!
Add red icing or edible candy eyes for extra creepiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Halloween Treats, Party Food
- Method: Baking, Decorating
- Cuisine: American
