Name: Boneyard Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490516H45M3S
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks; Bone-shaped candies or cookies (e.g., meringue bones, candy bones, white chocolate bones); Optional: chocolate frosting or melted chocolate for topping

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Boneyard Brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate brownies decorated with bone-shaped candies or cookies to give them a creepy, graveyard-inspired look—perfect for Halloween parties or spooky movie nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these brownies come together so easily but always make a bold visual statement. The deep chocolate flavor is everything I want in a brownie—dense, chewy, and just the right amount of gooey. The decorations make them fun to serve, especially to kids or at themed events.

Ingredients

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

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Salt
Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Bone-shaped candies or cookies (like meringue bones, candy bones, or white chocolate bones)
Optional: chocolate frosting or melted chocolate for topping

Directions

I melt butter in a saucepan or microwave, then stir in both sugars until smooth.
I beat in the eggs and vanilla, making sure the mixture is glossy and thick.
I sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold them into the wet ingredients.
I stir in chocolate chips or chunks for extra richness.
I spread the batter into a lined baking pan and bake until the center is set but still soft.
Once cooled, I either frost them with a layer of chocolate or leave them plain.
I gently press bone-shaped candies on top, spacing them to look like a spooky boneyard.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12–16 brownies, depending on how I slice them. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 25–30 minutes to bake, and about 1 hour to cool and decorate.

Variations

Sometimes I swirl peanut butter or caramel into the batter for a flavor twist. For a more intense chocolate experience, I’ve added espresso powder or used dark chocolate chunks. If I want a gluten-free version, I use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. And if I’m feeling really spooky, I add crushed chocolate cookies on top to mimic dirt.

storage/reheating

I keep these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, I microwave individual pieces for 10–15 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use a boxed brownie mix for this recipe?

Yes, when I’m short on time, I use my favorite boxed mix and simply decorate it the same way.

What can I use for the bones if I can’t find candy ones?

I’ve used mini meringues, white chocolate-covered pretzels, and even piped white chocolate in bone shapes.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often bake them the day before and decorate just before serving.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing the brownies?

I always use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices. Chilling the brownies first also helps.

Do I need to frost them before decorating?

Not at all. I sometimes do for added richness, but they’re delicious and spooky-looking without it too.

Conclusion

Boneyard Brownies are my go-to Halloween dessert when I want something decadent, simple, and a little eerie. Whether I’m baking for a party or just for fun, these brownies always hit the sweet (and spooky) spot.

Boneyard Brownies