Graveyard Brownies

These Graveyard Brownies are pure chocolate bliss with a spooky twist! Fudgy, chewy, and topped with “dirt” made from crumbled Oreo cookies, Milano cookie tombstones, and bone sprinkles, they’re a Halloween dessert everyone will love.

The brownies start with a rich, from-scratch batter of melted chocolate, butter, and cocoa powder. Once baked and cooled, you add a simple cocoa glaze, sprinkle on the Oreo “soil,” and press in Milano cookies as headstones. A little black icing completes the look, making a fun and festive dessert.

If you love these, check out my Witch Hat Cookies and Ghost Brownies — just as easy, just as spooky, and perfect for any Halloween party or family bake day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Spooky & delicious. Fudgy chocolate brownies meet Halloween fun with cookie “tombstones” and Oreo “dirt.”
• Chewy perfection. Rich, dense, and gooey brownies that stay soft with every bite.
• Creative Dessert Fun. A super fun baking project that’s perfect for getting the kids involved!
• Party ready: Eye-catching and festive, these graveyard brownies are guaranteed to disappear fast at any Halloween gathering.

Ingredient Notes

• Bittersweet chocolate: Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture. Use a good-quality chocolate for the best results.
• Unsalted butter: Enhances richness and helps create a smooth, velvety batter. Cut into pieces for even melting.
• Cocoa powder: Boosts chocolate flavor and contributes to the brownie’s dark, fudgy color. Dutch-process works well too.
• Espresso powder or instant coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture; room temperature eggs mix more evenly.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a slightly shiny, crackly top.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the chocolate.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the brownies while keeping them tender.
• Confectioners’ sugar & cocoa powder: Used for a simple homemade frosting or dusting, sift to avoid lumps.
• Oreo cookie crumbs: Mimic “dirt” in the graveyard theme. Use finely crushed for best effect.
• Decorative accents: This recipe uses bone sprinkles, Milano cookies and black icing to make your Halloween brownies fun and spooky.

Refer to the recipe card for ingredient measurements and details.

Recipe Variations

Spooky swirls. Add a layer of cream cheese or peanut butter to the brownie batter before baking for marbled swirls.

Different “dirt”. Use chocolate cookie crumbs, crushed graham crackers, or toasted coconut to create different textures for the graveyard soil.

Ghostly toppers. Use mini meringues or white chocolate ghosts instead of bones for a playful twist.

Glitter & glow. Dust with edible glitter or shimmer powder for a magical Halloween look.

How to Make Graveyard Brownies

1. In a makeshift double boiler over low heat, melt chocolate chips and butter, stirring occasionally (see notes for microwave method). Remove pan from the heat and whisk in the cocoa and instant espresso. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a stand mixer, beat eggs and sugar on medium-high for 1 minute. Lower speed, add vanilla and salt, then slowly mix in the chocolate mixture (or fold in by hand).
3. Remove bowl from mixer and stir in the flour with a wooden spoon until just combined. If the batter is too thick to spread, add 1 to 2 Tablespoons milk.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spread into the corners and level with a rubber spatula. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is shiny and the center is still dense. Brownies will continue to bake once removed from oven.

5. Once the brownies are cooled, make the chocolate icing on top. Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, water and a pinch of salt. Spread over cooled brownies.
6. Sprinkle Oreo crumbs over the icing for “dirt” and scatter bone decorations on top. Use black icing to write “RIP” on Milano cookies and press them into the brownies, or make a small cut in the brownies to set them in if needed.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Make ahead. You can bake the brownies up to 2 days in advance. Let them cool completely before decorating. For best results, wait to add Oreo “dirt,” bone sprinkles, and Milano cookies until right before serving so they stay crisp and fresh.

Storing. Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store longer, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing. Brownies can be frozen, undecorated, for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.