Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour

3 tbsp cocoa powder

½ tsp salt

½ cup butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

½ cup brown sugar

3 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp red food coloring

1 cup milk chocolate melting wafers, divided (such as Stover & Company)

8 Oreo cookies, crumbs

Chocolate skull chips (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the skull chips ahead of time by placing ½ cup of the milk chocolate melting wafers into a small piping bag. Melt in the microwave according to package directions. Snip the end of the bag and pipe small amounts of chocolate into a tiny skull mold. Freeze for 3-5 minutes, then unmold. Repeat melting and piping with the remaining chocolate as needed.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line an 8 x 8 x 2-inch brownie pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Pulse the Oreo cookies in a food processor until they form coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 4: In a stand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

Step 5: Lightly whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the stand mixer and mix on low until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into a medium bowl. Add these dry ingredients to the stand mixer and mix on low until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Remove the brownies from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips over the top. Let sit for 2 minutes to soften, then smooth the chocolate with the back of a spoon.

Step 9: Sprinkle the Oreo crumbs evenly over the melted chocolate. Allow the brownies to cool for 15 minutes.

Step 10: Garnish with the prepared chocolate skull chips on top of the cookie crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing into 16 pieces, each about 2 inches square.

Tips & Variations

Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream the butter and sugars well for a lighter texture.

If you don’t have a skull mold, try using any small silicone mold in fun shapes like pumpkins or bats.

For extra richness, add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chunks to the batter before baking.

Adjust the red food coloring according to your desired shade or omit for traditional chocolate brownies.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without the red food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the red food coloring to make classic chocolate brownies. The flavor and texture will remain delicious, though the festive red hue will be missing.

How do I melt milk chocolate melting wafers properly?

Microwave the wafers on half power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. This prevents overheating and ensures even melting for piping or dipping.