It was a blustery October afternoon when I first whipped up these Spider Brownies. My kids, usually glued to their screens, were instantly intrigued by the creepy, crawly treats I was making. The delightful aroma of chocolate filled the air as we decorated each brownie with pretzel “legs” and candy eyes, sharing giggles and spooky stories. Those moments baking together transformed a regular day into something special. Now, this recipe holds a treasured place in our family’s Halloween traditions.
These Spider Brownies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. They’re remarkably easy to make, even for novice bakers. With a simple combination of rich brownies, melted chocolate, and creative decorating, you can whip up a batch of these spooky treats in no time. Get ready to delight everyone with a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to devour!
Why You’ll Love It
These Spider Brownies aren’t just visually appealing; they’re incredibly delicious, too! The rich, fudgy brownie base combined with the sweet chocolate topping and crunchy pretzel legs creates a symphony of textures and flavors. They are perfect for baking with kids, who will love decorating the spooky spiders. Plus, the recipe is surprisingly simple, making it an easy win for any occasion, especially Halloween.
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Spider Brownies
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 16 brownies
Description
These spooky Spider Brownies combine a rich, fudgy brownie base with a smooth chocolate topping and crunchy pretzel legs. Easy to make and decorate, they’re a perfect Halloween treat that’s both fun and delicious, ideal for baking with kids.
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- Pretzels
- Candy eyes
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare brownie mix according to box instructions. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Let brownies cool completely. Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread melted chocolate over cooled brownies.
- Break pretzels for spider legs and press them into the melted chocolate. Add candy eyes to each brownie.
- Chill brownies for 15 minutes to set the chocolate. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Slightly underbaking the brownies results in an extra fudgy texture. Consider adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the chocolate chips for a smoother, glossier melt. Get creative with the spider decorations! Use different colored candy melts or add sprinkles for unique designs.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Spider Brownies. It’s a simple list, perfect for quick baking sessions:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- Pretzels
- Candy eyes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix box instructions. Grease a baking pan and prepare the brownie mix as directed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
Step 2: Cool and Frost
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting. Once cooled, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled brownies.
Step 3: Create the Spiders
Break the pretzels into smaller pieces to create spider legs. Press the pretzel pieces into the melted chocolate on top of each brownie. Add two candy eyes to each brownie to complete the spider look.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. Cut into squares and serve these spooky spider brownies!
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- For extra fudgy Spider Brownies, slightly underbake them. Keep a close eye on them and take them out of the oven just before a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you need brownie inspiration check out our Lunch category.
- If your chocolate chips aren’t melting smoothly, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening. This will give you a glossy, easy-to-spread ganache.
- For larger spiders, use pretzel sticks instead of smaller pretzel twists for the legs.
Make It Your Way
- White Chocolate Spiders: Use white chocolate chips for the frosting and milk chocolate pretzels for a different color scheme. Looking for a classic brownie recipe? Explore our delicious options on the Desserts page.
- Nutty Spiders: Add chopped nuts to the brownie batter or sprinkle them on top of the melted chocolate for extra crunch.
- Spiderweb Design: Use a toothpick to create spiderweb designs on top of the melted chocolate before it sets.
Can I use a different kind of brownie mix?
You can use any type of brownie mix you like, whether it’s fudgy, cakey, or somewhere in between. Just be sure to follow the baking instructions on the box.
Can I use different decorations?
Absolutely! While candy eyes and pretzel legs are classic, you can get creative with other toppings. Try gummy worms, sprinkles, or even edible glitter for extra sparkle.
How should I store leftover Spider Brownies?
These brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
How do I make the pretzel legs stick?
While the melted chocolate helps the pretzels stick, you can also use a little melted white chocolate or a dab of frosting as ‘glue’ if needed.
How to Serve
These Spider Brownies are delicious on their own, but you can take them up a notch with a few simple additions. A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast to the warm, fudgy brownies. For a spooky twist, top with a drizzle of red or green food coloring gel thinned with a bit of water to resemble spiderwebs. If you’re craving another dessert view our Breakfast recipes. No matter how you serve them, these creepy crawlies are sure to be a hit!
That’s a Wrap
These Spider Brownies are a guaranteed hit, blending spooky fun with irresistible chocolatey goodness. Perfect for Halloween parties or a creepy movie night, they’re easy to make and even more fun to eat. Don’t forget to snap a picture before they disappear! For more festive treats, check out our Desserts category. Share your spooky creations on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
