Name: RIP Brownies: Spooky & Sweet Graveyard Halloween Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 batch of baked brownies (homemade or box mix); 9-12 Milano cookies; Black decorating gel; 9-12 candy pumpkins; Green buttercream frosting

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These RIP Brownies are my go-to for Halloween fun—equal parts creepy and cute. Using simple store-bought ingredients like Milano cookies and candy pumpkins, I turn ordinary brownies into edible little graveyards that never fail to impress. Whether it’s for a party or just a fun treat at home, these spooky brownies are always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and festive these RIP Brownies are. They require minimal effort but have maximum visual impact. Since I can use a brownie mix or my favorite homemade recipe, they’re super adaptable. Plus, decorating them is genuinely fun—perfect for getting kids involved or showing off some Halloween creativity. RIP Brownies: Spooky & Sweet Graveyard Halloween Treats

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Baked brownies (use a homemade recipe or box mix)
Milano cookies
Black decorating gel
Candy pumpkins
Green buttercream frosting

Directions

I start by preparing and baking brownies in an 8×8” pan. I always line the pan with parchment paper so I can lift the brownies out easily once they’re cool.
While the brownies are baking or cooling, I write “R-I-P” on the top half of each Milano cookie using black decorating gel. It helps to let them dry a bit before handling.
Once the brownies are completely cool, I cut them into squares. Then I gently press a decorated Milano cookie into the top edge of each brownie square to serve as the headstone. If the cookies are too tall, I just trim the bottoms a little with a sharp knife.
To finish, I place a small amount of green buttercream frosting on the bottom of each candy pumpkin and stick them near the cookie headstones for a fun and spooky look.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9 to 12 decorated brownies, depending on how large I cut the squares. From start to finish, it takes around 45 minutes total—30 minutes to bake the brownies and 15 minutes to decorate once cooled.

Variations

I sometimes crumble chocolate cookies or Oreo crumbs around the base for a “dirt” effect.
For extra fun, I’ve used gummy worms poking out from the brownie “graves.”
If I want to make a larger batch, I double the recipe and use a 9×13” pan.
For a nutty twist, I like to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter.
I occasionally tint some shredded coconut green and use it as “grass” instead of frosting.

Storage/Reheating

I keep these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I need them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To keep the decorations looking fresh, I avoid stacking them. If I want to reheat a brownie square, I remove the cookie and candy, warm it briefly in the microwave, and then replace the decorations.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make these brownies?

I like to bake the brownies a day ahead and decorate them the day of serving for the best texture and appearance.

Can I freeze these decorated brownies?

I prefer not to freeze them once decorated because the cookies and candy can get soft, but I can freeze the undecorated brownies and decorate after thawing.

What kind of brownies work best?

Any sturdy brownie recipe works great—fudgy or cakey, it’s up to personal preference. I usually use my favorite homemade fudgy brownie recipe.

Can I use something else instead of Milano cookies?

Yes, I sometimes use rectangular graham crackers or shortbread cookies if Milano cookies aren’t available.

How do I keep the cookie headstones from falling over?

I make sure the brownies are completely cool before inserting the cookies and sometimes trim the bottoms flat so they sit securely in the brownie.

Conclusion

These RIP Brownies are a Halloween must-have for me. They’re festive, easy, and delicious, and they always get compliments. Whether I’m hosting a party or just celebrating the season with family, these treats bring spooky charm to any table.