Last Halloween, we had a power outage that lasted the better part of the afternoon. The wind howled, the sky turned charcoal gray, and just as I lit the jack-o’-lanterns on the porch, our lights flickered off. My husband lit candles while the kids grabbed their flashlights and costumes.

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I was in the middle of prepping these Oreo Layered Halloween Brownies when the power blinked out—but I wasn’t about to let that stop me. I’ve always said the kitchen is where I recharge after work, and that night, it turned into a baking adventure by candlelight.

With the oven still hot and a half-mixed bowl of brownie batter staring back at me, I pressed on. The scent of chocolate slowly filled the kitchen while my daughter kept sneaking orange-filled Oreos from the counter. I remember laughing when she tried to stack three together and called it a “monster cookie sandwich.” The frosting step had to wait until morning, but even plain, those brownies were gone in minutes.

Since then, these have become a non-negotiable Halloween treat in our house. They’re rich, gooey, fun to make, and let me tell you—those bright orange Oreo middles? They steal the show every time. If you’ve got kids, neighbors, or coworkers to impress, this one’s for you.

Short Description

These fudgy Oreo Layered Halloween Brownies are baked with orange-filled Oreos in the center and topped with chocolate and orange frosting for a festive and delicious treat.

Key Ingredients

1 box brownie mix
2 eggs
⅓ cup oil
⅓ cup milk
1 package Oreo cookies with orange filling
1 can milk chocolate frosting
1 can white or vanilla frosting
Orange food coloring gel

Tools Needed

Mixing bowls
Whisk or hand mixer
9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking pan
Rubber spatula
Piping bag or small zip-top bag (for frosting drizzle)
Cooling rack
Toothpick

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to the temperature listed on your brownie mix box. Mine called for 350°F.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, 2 eggs, ⅓ cup oil, and ⅓ cup milk. Whisk until the batter is smooth and well blended. It should look thick and glossy.

Step 3: Layer the First Half of the Batter

Grease your baking pan lightly with cooking spray or butter. Pour in half of the brownie batter and spread it evenly using a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Oreo Layer

Place Oreo cookies with orange filling across the top of the batter. You can fit about 16–20 depending on your pan size. Don’t press them in too deep—just let them sit on top.

Step 5: Top with Remaining Batter

Pour the rest of the brownie batter over the Oreos. Use a spatula to gently spread it, making sure all the cookies are covered.

Step 6: Bake

Bake according to the time on your brownie mix package, usually around 28–35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (but no raw batter), they’re ready.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and allow brownies to cool completely before frosting. This is key—don’t rush it, or your frosting will melt.

Step 8: Tint the Frosting

In a small bowl, scoop out the white or vanilla frosting. Add a few drops of orange food coloring gel and mix well until you get a vibrant, Halloween-orange shade.

Step 9: Frost

Spread the milk chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Use a clean spatula for smoothness.

Step 10: Decorate

Use a piping bag or small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to drizzle or pipe the orange frosting on top. Make swirls, spiderwebs, zigzags—whatever spooky pattern your heart desires.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Fun: The orange-filled Oreos pop visually and taste incredible in every bite.

Kid-Approved: Between the gooey brownie and bright frosting, these are a Halloween hit with little ones.

Beginner-Friendly: No baking degree needed—just a box mix, a spoon, and some Oreos.

Customizable: Switch up the frosting design or add sprinkles to match your spooky theme.

Rich and Fudgy: The milk and oil combo makes for ultra-moist brownies with just the right chew.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Brownies Too Dry?
Overbaking is the most common culprit. Start checking 5 minutes before the suggested time using a toothpick. Aim for moist crumbs, not a clean pick.

Oreos Floating to the Top?
If you pour batter too aggressively over the cookies, they can shift. Try spooning it gently and smoothing it slowly with a spatula.

Frosting Too Runny?
Make sure the brownies are completely cooled. Warm brownies will melt the frosting and ruin your drizzle designs.

Color Looks Dull?
Use gel food coloring, not liquid. Gel gives you brighter colors without thinning the frosting.

Uneven Layers?
Use an offset spatula to level both batter layers. It makes a huge difference in appearance and bake quality.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve At: Halloween parties, kids’ school events, potlucks, or spooky movie nights.

Pair With: Cold milk, hot cocoa, or apple cider.

Style: Cut into squares or spooky shapes with cookie cutters. Add candy eyeballs or themed sprinkles for extra flair.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerate for up to 1 week if you prefer a firmer texture.

Freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months.

Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you like them warm and gooey—just skip the frosting if you’re microwaving.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?
Yes! Just make sure it’s enough for an 8×8 or 9×9 pan and adjust baking time as needed.

2. Can I use regular Oreos if I can’t find the orange ones?
Absolutely. The flavor won’t change much, just the look—feel free to add orange sprinkles instead.

3. How do I cut clean slices without messing up the frosting?
Chill the brownies for 30 minutes before cutting. Use a warm knife and wipe it between each slice.

4. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients. Bake for about 40–45 minutes, checking doneness.

5. Are these brownies nut-free?
As long as your brownie mix and frosting are nut-free, yes. Always double-check labels if allergies are a concern.

Tips & Tricks

Add a pinch of instant espresso to your batter for a richer chocolate flavor.

For crispier edges, use a metal pan instead of glass.

Want extra crunch? Toss in some crushed Oreos on top before baking.

Let kids decorate with candy eyeballs or Halloween-themed sprinkles to make it interactive.

If using a piping bag, chill the colored frosting for 5–10 minutes for cleaner lines.

Recipe Variations

Mint Oreo Halloween Brownies
Swap orange Oreos for mint Oreos and use green food coloring in the frosting. Add a drop of peppermint extract for a chilly twist.

Spooky Peanut Butter Brownies
Mix ¼ cup of peanut butter into the batter and use peanut butter-filled Oreos. Top with chocolate frosting and pipe on spiderwebs using white.

Cream Cheese Swirl Version
Add dollops of sweetened cream cheese (4 oz cream cheese + 2 tbsp sugar) between the Oreo and top brownie layer. Swirl before baking.

Candy Corn Crunch Brownies
Add a handful of candy corn and mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate frosting before the orange drizzle for extra texture.

Blackout Brownies
Use dark chocolate brownie mix and black gel food coloring in vanilla frosting. Perfect for a “midnight” Halloween theme.

Final Thoughts

If Halloween had a flavor, I think it’d taste like these brownies—deep chocolate, a burst of orange filling, and a swirl of frosting that makes you smile before the first bite. They aren’t fancy or fussy, but they’re fun, foolproof, and loaded with charm. I’ve made them for school bake sales, coworkers’ treat tables, and more than one emergency “Mom, I need something spooky by tomorrow” moment.

There’s just something magical about layering up simple ingredients and ending up with a dessert that feels like a celebration. Even after a long day at the office, baking these gives me energy instead of taking it away. They’re that kind of recipe—the kind that invites people to hover around the kitchen asking for a bite before the frosting’s even on.

And let me tell you, nothing feels more rewarding than watching people’s faces light up when they bite into that hidden Oreo center. Go ahead, bake a batch. You won’t regret it.

Gooey Oreo Layered Halloween Brownies