Bat Brownies are the ultimate Halloween treat: fudgy brownies dressed up as adorable bats with sandwich cookie wings and candy eyes, perfect for spooky parties or a fun family baking project. They’re irresistibly cute, absolutely delicious, and outrageously easy to make—no advanced baking skills required! Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or just looking for something festive to whip up with the kids, these brownies bring together that classic brownie comfort with a playful, seasonal twist that’s destined to disappear fast from the dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Bat Brownies couldn’t be simpler to throw together. Thanks to a handful of pantry staples and a few festive extras, you’ll have the perfect combination of rich chocolate, crunchy cookies, and just the right pinch of Halloween magic. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient is key to the final masterpiece:
- Brownie mix: Your shortcut to moist, chewy brownies; pick your favorite box or make them from scratch if you’re feeling fancy.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Essential liquids called for by your brownie mix—these add richness and create a fudgy texture.
- Chocolate sandwich cookies: Oreo-style cookies provide perfectly crunchy “wings” and a double-dose of chocolate flavor.
- Candy eyes: A fun way to add personality, making each brownie look like a mischievous little bat.
- Melted chocolate or frosting: Acts as edible glue to attach the eyes—plus adds a bit more chocolatey goodness.
How to Make Bat Brownies
Step 1: Mix and Bake the Brownies
Preheat your oven according to your brownie mix instructions and get your 9×13-inch pan ready by greasing it well. Follow the package directions to combine the brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water, mixing just until smooth. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake as directed—usually around 20 to 25 minutes. Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 2: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This is essential! If they’re even slightly warm, they’ll crumble when you try to cut them. After cooling, transfer your brownies to a cutting board and slice into 12 squares or use a cookie cutter for circles if you want a round “bat body.”
Step 3: Create the Cookie Wings
Carefully twist apart your chocolate sandwich cookies, then split each half into two equal pieces. It’s okay if the splits aren’t perfect—real bats have all sorts of wing shapes! Each brownie needs two pieces to create the signature bat look.
Step 4: Assemble the Bat Brownies
Gently press two cookie “wings” into the sides of each brownie piece. If they don’t stick right away, don’t worry; you’ll get a secure fit once the chocolate glue is added in the next step.
Step 5: Add the Eyes and Set
Use a dab of melted chocolate or frosting to attach two candy eyes on top of each brownie. Arrange them right above the wings to give your bats some real personality. Place your tray of bats in the fridge for about 10 minutes to set the decorations—now they’re ready for their spooky debut!
How to Serve Bat Brownies
Garnishes
Spruce up your Bat Brownies with a drizzle of melted white chocolate to mimic cobwebs, a few festive sprinkles, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a mysterious, moonlit effect. These easy garnishes make your bats pop on the dessert table and add a bit of extra fun to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownies with bowls of fresh fruit, like orange slices or berries for a burst of color. For a party spread, serve alongside other Halloween treats like gummy worms, popcorn balls, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream—because chocolate and ice cream are a match made in haunted heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
For the ultimate wow-factor, arrange your Bat Brownies on a cake stand layered with mini pumpkins or spooky décor. You can also place them in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go snacking, or thread them onto sticks for bat “brownie pops” that are perfect for little hands at a class party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Bat Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Layer parchment or wax paper between batches to keep the cookie wings crisp and the decorations picture-perfect.
Freezing
If you want to make Bat Brownies ahead of time, freeze undecorated brownie pieces in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re ready, simply thaw at room temperature, then add the cookie wings and candy eyes before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Reheating
To give your brownies that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop slices (without decorations) in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If they’re already decorated, skip reheating to keep the eyes and wings looking their best.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! Homemade brownies work beautifully in this recipe. Just aim for a fudgy, sturdy texture so they hold up well when cutting and assembling your bats.
How do I stop the cookies from breaking unevenly?
Use a gentle, steady hand and hold the cookie with both thumbs close together at the center before breaking. But don’t stress if they’re not perfect—slightly wonky wings make your Bat Brownies even more charming!
Are Bat Brownies safe for nut allergies?
They can be! Always check your brownie mix and cookie ingredients for allergen information and pick nut-free versions if needed. There are plenty of allergy-friendly options on the market.
Can I decorate Bat Brownies with kids?
Yes, and it’s actually one of the best parts! Kids love snapping cookies for wings and sticking on the silly eyes. Just make sure to supervise with melted chocolate or frosting, as things can get delightfully messy.
What can I use if I can’t find candy eyes?
No problem—try piping small dots of white chocolate with mini chocolate chips in the center, or use yogurt-covered raisins and chocolate chips for a homemade touch. The bats will still look irresistible!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping Halloween dessert that’s as easy as it is adorable, Bat Brownies absolutely belong on your menu. Gather your ingredients, recruit some little helpers, and watch your kitchen turn into a chocolatey bat-filled wonderland—enjoy every fudgy, spooky bite!
Print
Bat Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bat Brownies are a fun and easy Halloween treat that turns simple brownies into adorable bat-shaped delights. With chocolate cookie wings and candy eyes, these spooky-cute brownies are perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on the package)
Decorations:
- 12 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), separated into halves
- 24 candy eyes
- ¼ cup melted chocolate or frosting (for “glue”)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the brownie mix package instructions. Prepare the brownie batter as directed.
- Bake in a greased 9×13-inch pan until set, then let cool completely.
- Cut brownies into squares or circles. Break each cookie half into two equal pieces to form bat wings.
- Press two cookie wings into the sides of each brownie piece. Use melted chocolate or frosting to attach the candy eyes.
- Chill brownies for 10 minutes to set the decorations, then serve.
Notes
- Let brownies cool completely before cutting.
- If cookies break unevenly, it adds to the charm of the bats.
- Work on parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
