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Spooky Oreo-filled brownies mix rich chocolate decadence with Halloween-themed cookies nestled inside each delicious mouthful. This treat turns ordinary brownies into a standout holiday snack that vanishes quickly at any gathering. Even folks who rarely bake will appreciate how straightforward and satisfying these brownies turn out.
I first made these for a kids' Halloween pajama party and seeing the children's excitement when they discovered the Oreo surprise inside won me over completely. They've become my go-to treat for school functions ever since.
Collect Your Ingredients
- Butter: Go with unsalted for better flavor control and give it time to cool slightly so it won't scramble your eggs
- Vegetable oil: Delivers extra softness and helps create that wonderful chewy brownie texture
- Granulated sugar: Responsible for that beautiful crackly surface - don't cut back or you'll miss the classic brownie appearance
- Brown sugar: Adds depth with hints of caramel notes - make sure it's soft and clump-free
- Cocoa powder: Pick unsweetened for true chocolate intensity or try Dutch processed for darker color
- Eggs: Use them cold from the refrigerator to help develop that perfect smooth texture and properly set top
- Vanilla extract: Works to highlight all other flavors - splurge on real vanilla if possible
- Salt: Cuts through sweetness while making chocolate flavors pop
- All purpose flour: Added in just the right amount to bind everything without making brownies too cakey
- Oreos: Get the Halloween edition with orange filling for festive flair - you'll want whole, crunchy cookies for both inside and topping
How to Make It
- Preheat and Prepare Pan:
- Get your oven running at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take your eight by eight inch pan and cover with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the sides so you can pull the finished brownies out easily.
- Melt Butter and Sugars:
- Put butter, vegetable oil, white sugar and brown sugar together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in thirty-second intervals, giving it a good stir each time. Once everything's melted, zap for one more minute then mix vigorously to dissolve sugar crystals. An electric mixer works great here for getting that glossy finish.
- Mix in Eggs and Vanilla:
- Let the butter mix cool down a bit, then beat in eggs one by one. Add your vanilla. Mix until the batter starts pulling slightly from the bowl sides and looks smooth, but don't go overboard.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients:
- Add your flour, cocoa powder and salt to the bowl. Fold gently with a spatula until flour traces disappear. Stop mixing as soon as everything combines to avoid tough brownies.
- Assemble with Oreos:
- Pour half your batter into the lined pan, spreading it out completely. Take ten Oreos and arrange them in a grid pattern, pushing them down slightly into the batter to create the stuffed middle.
- Top with Remaining Batter and Oreos:
- Gently spoon the leftover brownie mix over your Oreo layer, making sure to cover all cookies completely. Break up five more Oreos roughly and scatter them across the top, pressing down lightly so they stick.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the pan into your heated oven and bake for thirty to forty-five minutes depending on how hot your oven runs. Look for set edges and a toothpick that comes out with a few sticky crumbs attached - never completely dry.
- Cool and Slice:
- Take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step takes time but pays off with clean cuts and that beautiful shiny top. When fully cooled, lift out using the parchment handles and cut into squares with a sharp knife.
What I love most about this recipe is the dense fudgy middle created by thoroughly melting the sugars. Since trying this method, I've stuck with it because it always gives that gorgeous glossy surface, and my family can't resist the surprise hidden inside. Seeing that orange Halloween Oreo peeping through now means spooky season has officially begun at our house.
Flavor Boosters
For brownies with more chew, let them sit at room temperature before eating. Want stronger chocolate flavor? Go for Dutch process cocoa powder instead. Try sprinkling some flaky sea salt on top before baking for an amazing sweet-salty combo.
Serving Suggestions
Heat these brownies slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Add Halloween-themed sprinkles before baking for extra festive touch. Make smaller cuts when serving at parties so everyone gets to enjoy the Oreo center.
Creative Twists
Can't find Halloween Oreos? Any sandwich cookie works great too. Replace some butter with coconut oil for that professional bakery smell. During other holidays, try mint Oreos in winter or red velvet ones around Valentine's Day to keep the recipe relevant year-round.
Make these for autumn celebrations, school functions, or just cozy kitchen nights. Both youngsters and adults will compete for the corner pieces - I always hide one away for myself.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do I get a crinkle top on brownies?
Mix your eggs and sugar thoroughly and combine melted butter with sugars. This approach helps create that shiny, wrinkled top once they're done baking.
- → Can I use different flavored Oreos?
For sure! Try various Oreo types to bring new flavors and holiday colors to your dessert.
- → How should I serve these brownies for best results?
Make sure brownies are completely cooled before cutting them for tidy portions. They taste great with cold milk or a scoop of ice cream.
- → Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
You can keep them fresh in a sealed container at room temp for about 3 days without losing their amazing texture.
- → Why use both butter and oil in the batter?
The butter brings wonderful taste and depth while the oil helps keep your brownies super moist and fudgy all the way through.