Ingredients

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

¾ teaspoon baking soda

¾ teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar

¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup (70g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

3 cups (360g) powdered sugar

½ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup (120ml) milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Orange food coloring gel (optional)

Green food coloring gel (optional)

Black food coloring gel (optional)

Halloween sprinkles (various colors and shapes)

Miniature candy corn

Small gummy worms

Pretzel sticks

Miniature chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream together sugar and melted butter until smooth.

Step 4: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Stir in chocolate chips and nuts if using.

Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.

Step 9: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 10: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.

Step 11: Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk, and beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 13: Divide the frosting into three bowls.

Step 14: Add orange, green, and black food coloring to separate bowls to create different colored frostings.

Step 15: Once brownies are completely cool, frost with the different colored frostings.

Step 16: Decorate with Halloween sprinkles, candy corn, gummy worms, pretzel sticks, and miniature chocolate chips for a spooky and festive finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra fudgy brownies, replace half of the flour with an equal amount of almond flour or add a little extra melted butter.

Use any favorite nuts like walnuts or leave them out for nut-free brownies.

Swap the buttermilk for plain yogurt mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.

Try decorating with crushed cookies or edible glitter for a different spooky effect.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or add some to help with texture.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To slightly reduce sweetness, try using half powdered sugar and half cream cheese for the frosting, which adds tanginess and balances the flavor.