Halloween isn’t cute, and neither are these brownies.
Just like the Jack O’Lantern-bedecked holiday, they’re a little dark (and okay, maybe a little creepy looking), and full of surprises. Thankfully, though, the only trick to these treats is another sweet surprise: A green chocolate chip cookie ball.
They’re aptly named after my 8-year-old brother’s Halloween costume: He’s going as Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. Since I’m about 1,200 miles away from him this year, I wanted to make something that I could ship his way without it going stale — and that was easy enough that he could make it on his own. It kills me that I won’t be able to chase after him as he skateboards from house to house, collecting candy in an old Spongebob Squarepants pillowcase while my mom takes photos and my dad pushes the little red wagon carrying water bottles, plastic bags for emptying out overfilled loot bags (because we’re that serious about scoring free candy) and other Trick-or-Treating necessities.
Like leaving for college in the first place though, this transition is part of growing up. Instead of trying to cling to it, it’s time to make my own long-distance traditions.
It all starts with this deliciously addictive dessert.
Kitchen gadgets needed: large mixing bowl, medium mixing bowl, measuring cups, spoonula, muffin tin, oven, oven mitts
NOTE: Making the brownies in muffin form ensures that everyone finds a few cookie dough surprises in their treat, but you can also make these brownies in a standard 9″x13″pan (or 9″x9″, depending on what size container your batter calls for — check the box).
Ingredients (makes 13 brownies):
- Premade Chocolate chip cookie dough
- Your favorite brownie recipe & ingredients (or fave box mix)
- Green food coloring
- Cooking spray (or cupcake liners or 1 tablespoon of butter)
Time commitment: 5 minutes to prepare, 25ish minutes to bake
Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. While it heats, grab the muffin tray and lightly coat the bottom of each cup with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare the brownie batter according to the recipe (or box’s) directions, then pour the batter into each of the cups in the muffin tray, filling each one nearly two-thirds of the way.
3. Once that’s done, place the cookie dough in the medium mixing bowl (or wash and reuse the brownie batter one). Add 9-10 drops of green food coloring, and mix it all together thoroughly.
4. Is the dough roughly the color of Frankenstein’s big ol’ blockhead? Then you’re ready to scoop out tablespoon-sized balls, placing each one in the center of the brownie batter.
5. Place the brownies in the oven for about 23-25 minutes, or until you can still a toothpick into the center of one and it comes out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in!