It’s Friday, we’re getting close to mid-October, and I finally have some Halloween treats to share! If you’ve been reading HBH for any amount of time, you probably know that I love Halloween (really all holidays from October through December). I love that it’s one of the only times of the year where it’s acceptable for everyone to just be a kid again. It’s such a fun stress-free holiday that always ends with something extra sweet. In my mind, there’s nothing you couldn’t love about this time of year. But that’s me! Anyway, how fun and cute are these brownies? I love creating Halloween desserts, but here’s the honest truth, I am by no means a professional baker/decorator. All the “fancy” decorated desserts, they’re just not my thing. I appreciate them, but I cannot create them. What I can do? Make delicious desserts that have things like “spooky” monster pretzels, cute little mini pumpkins, or chocolate jack o lanterns. Nothing fancy, but still fun, still cute, still easy to make, and still SO GOOD!
Halloween brownies…the spooky details…
Since I’m really all about easy Halloween treats that will not make you want to pull your hair out, I kept things pretty straight forward here. It all starts with my go-to brownie recipe that happens to be made entirely in one bowl, in almost no time. The mix has plenty of butter, eggs, and the usuals like cocoa powder and flour. But my two key ingredients? Milk chocolate and instant coffee. The milk chocolate adds a real layer of sweetness and makes for an extra fudgy, extra indulgent brownie. The instant coffee highlights the flavors of the chocolate and really makes the brownies rich. I know many of you might be turned off by the coffee, but hear me out, it only makes the chocolate flavor better. You do not taste coffee, just really good, intense chocolate. Of course, if you prefer, you can omit the instant coffee, but I do encourage you to try it…at least once. Because you never know until you try!
While the brownies are baking, make the chocolate covered pretzels. If you can melt chocolate, and dip pretzels into the melted chocolate, you can make these monster pretzels…no problem. My best advice? Use these photos for guidance, BUT do not be afraid “mess up”. Messing up only ends up making your spooky brownies even spookier. Pretty much takes all the stress out of decorating.
To make the pretzels look like owls, mummies, and ghosts, I use melted chocolate and white chocolate, Oreo cookies, Reese’s pieces, some candy eyes, and black licorice. Simple candy isle finds that I don’t normally buy, but tend to make an exception for come Halloween. Because well, it’s Halloween! We should all just be a kid this month and live a little. Call it self care. Serious Question Though: does anyone actually like black licorice?! I wonder…
Once the pretzels are assembled, just mix up the “truffle” frosting. A simple mix of melted chocolate, cream, and peanut butter. It’s a peanut butter truffle, but on top of your brownies. Spread this over the brownies, then add your pretzels. The pretzels will sink into the truffle frosting a bit, but will set up in the fridge. And then? That’s it. Cut into awkward shapes, serve on a super moody platter, and enjoy every last crumb. If you need something for your Halloween parties, please let these be that something. Trust me, not only will everyone think these brownies are the “spookiest” (or just adorable), but after they take that first bite they will soon realize that these brownies are also sin worthy. Meaning they’re indulgent and every bite is fudgy, chocolatey, salty, and even a touch peanutty. And with that…make some “spooky” monster brownies and have a frightful weekend. BOO!
If you make these spooky monster chocolate covered pretzel brownies, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
