Ever tried making Eyeball Brownies (bonbons végétariens) and totally lost track of time because the decorating steps got out of hand? Yeah, me too. Sometimes I just want a Halloween treat that looks silly but doesn’t take forever, you know? If you’re after easy steps, a forgiving recipe, and big “WOW” factor, these are it. You can get creative, or honestly, grab some kids and call it a win if half are even looking in the right direction. Speaking of not-too-intense, if you’re crazy about spooky desserts, check out these deliciously fun mummy brownies for your Halloween treats or those spooky Halloween cream cheese swirl brownies too, they’re a hoot.
The Best Homemade Brownie Recipe
Okay, I have opinions here. If you’re making Spooky Eyeball Brownies, you want them fudge-like. None of that dry, crumbly stuff, please. I go for a recipe with loads of cocoa and actual melted chocolate. Skip the boxed mix for this. Homemade brownies just taste richer and honestly, your people will notice. Don’t freak out over fancy technique—mix wet, mix dry, toss together, bake. Boom.
Personally, I use a little coffee to "mystery-up" the flavor, though you don’t really taste it. Bake until it’s just set (center still looks a little soft). You don’t want brownies with the texture of the Sahara desert, trust me. If you’re short on time, healthy date brownies are a fun twist too! The most important part? Let those brownies cool before slicing or decorating, or things get sticky.
‘I tried making these from scratch, and hands down, never buying a boxed brownie ever again. My family was fighting over the last one.’ — Actual review from my granddad. He’s a tough critic.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Mummy Brownies
There are about a zillion ways to mess up fun Halloween treats (ask me about the time my “eyes” all slid off) but, I picked up some tricks along the road.
Patience—like, for real. Let the brownies cool completely before slapping on eyes or drizzling white chocolate. If they’re hot, it all melts and runs.
Edible eyeballs? Either use store-bought candy, or pipe a dot of white chocolate, then another dot with melted chocolate or a chocolate chip for the pupils. Stick ’em wherever—you know, make a whole crowd.
If you’re making mummy stripes, don’t stress over symmetry. Mummies are supposed to look rough around the edges honestly.
My secret weapon: sometimes I stick the brownies in the fridge for a few minutes before decorating. Makes them less messy and less sticky to work with, which is HUGE.
If you want to try something a bit different, those spooky spider web brownies to share are super simple for parties too.
White Chocolate Mummy Drizzle
Let’s not get fancy here—just melt some white chocolate chips in a glass bowl (microwave works fine). Toss in a tiny bit of coconut oil if it’s too thick. Now, grab a spoon or use a plastic bag, snip off the end, and just zig-zag back and forth over your brownies. Channel your "I’ve got thirty seconds" energy. If you’re feeling artsy, crisscross more, but even a wobbly drizzle works! Every time I do it differently.
I swear, the messier, the better. Give them time to set in the fridge—fifteen-ish minutes works magic. Then pop those wild candy eyes on. Don’t fuss about neatness; this is one of those rare times when imperfection is perfection.
How To Store & Freeze Peanut Butter Balls
Alright, so technically these are “brownies,” not peanut butter balls, but a good trick is a good trick, right? And this storage wisdom works for both. When you want to make Spooky Eyeball Brownies ahead, it’s all about keeping them soft.
- Cut the brownies before storing or they dry out less.
- Store them in a sealed container with a layer of wax or parchment paper between layers if you stack them.
- Toss ’em in the fridge if you need them to last more than a couple days.
- For long-term, wrap tightly and freeze—defrost at room temp for a gooey texture.
Want another treat to stash in your freezer? Definitely add melted jack-o-lantern brownies, a spooky-sweet delight to the list.
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Cool Before Decorating | Always let your brownies cool completely before decorating them. This prevents the design from melting and keeps your spooky eyes in place. |
Use Quality Ingredients | Opt for high-quality cocoa and chocolate to enhance the flavor of your brownies. It makes a significant difference! |
Layer with Parchment Paper | When baking, line your pan with parchment paper to make removing brownies a breeze and keep them from sticking. |
Chill for Easy Drizzling | Chill your brownies before drizzling melted chocolate for more controlled design. Heat can cause the drizzle to run too much. |
Experiment with Toppings | Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like mini marshmallows, colored icing, or nuts to give your spooky brownies some flair. |
Ingredients and Tools Needed
You don’t need a million weird tools here (thank goodness). Just the basics. You’ll need a 9×13 baking pan. Nonstick spray or parchment paper. Whisk and mixing bowls. For the actual brownies, go with the usual: butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, good cocoa powder, flour, pinch of salt, and a heap of chocolate chips. I sometimes add a whisper of coffee or espresso powder—don’t tell the kids.
For the eyeball & mummy stuff, grab: white chocolate chips, a tiny bit of coconut oil, candy eyes, and if you can’t find those, mini M&Ms work in a pinch. For drizzling, honestly, a plastic sandwich bag works as well as a pastry bag. No need to over-complicate.
Want to experiment? Give pastel Halloween bat wing brownies a shot for a totally different spooky theme.
Common Questions
How do you keep brownies from getting dry?
Try not to overbake, and use a little extra chocolate (or melted butter never hurts). Storing airtight keeps ’em fudge-like.
Can I make spooky eyeball brownies ahead?
Yup. Bake the brownies a day early, decorate closer to party time for the freshest look.
Do I have to use candy eyes?
Nope! Pipe on chocolate dots, use marshmallows, even colored icing works. Make it fun.
Can I freeze decorated brownies?
You sure can, but think about adding the eyes after they thaw, or they might get weird in the freezer.
Why did my drizzle sink in?
Brownies were too warm. Chill ’em next time before decorating—it’s a lifesaver.
Ready For Spooky Treats?
So, if you’re looking for a big, goofy hit at your next Halloween get together, Spooky Eyeball Brownies are your ticket. No need for a five-star kitchen, just a sense of humor and some basic pantry things. Plus, they’re way more fun to make than plain old cookies. For other crave-worthy recipes, check out resources like Taste of Home’s Halloween collection or Food Network’s top brownies. Give these a go, and I bet you’ll end up making them every October (maybe twice if your crew is anything like mine). Happy spooky baking!
Spooky Eyeball Brownies
Fun and easy Halloween treats that are both delicious and spooky, featuring chocolatey brownies decorated with edible eyeballs.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Edible candy eyes (or mini M&Ms)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and mix until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until set (make sure it’s still slightly soft in the center).
- Let brownies cool completely before decorating.
- To decorate, melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil. Drizzle over cooled brownies using a plastic bag or spoon.
- Add candy eyes or M&Ms to create spooky eyeball decorations.
Notes
Chill the brownies before decorating for easier handling and a neater drizzle. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg