Halloween Leftovers?
Make Some New Treats
Embrace the Sweet Side of Halloween
Halloween isn't just about costumes and trick-or-treating; it's also a perfect time to celebrate the joy of baking and creating delicious treats like cookies, brownies, and candy bark with family and friends. Americans spend around $3 billion on Halloween candy each year, much of which is left over after the celebrations. Instead of letting all that candy go to waste, why not transform it into something delightful? In this guide, we'll share some fun recipes, tips for baking, and ways to involve kids and adults alike in the Halloween spirit.
🍪 Candy Bar Cookies Recipe
One of the easiest ways to use leftover candy bars is to bake them into cookies. Imagine taking your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and adding chunks of leftover candy—it's a delicious way to breathe new life into those chocolate bars! This easy and popular recipe will soon become a Halloween favorite.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped leftover candy bars (Snickers, Milky Way, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in the chopped candy bars.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍫 Reese's Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Is there anything more delicious than the combination of chocolate and peanut butter? By adding chopped Reese's cups to a classic brownie recipe, you can bake a batch of gooey, sweet treats that everyone will love. These brownies are a perfect choice for both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chopped Reese's cups
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
Fold in the chopped Reese's cups.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
🍬 Candy Corn Trail Mix Recipe
For a light and fun snack, create a candy corn trail mix by combining candy corn with pretzels, nuts, and raisins. It's easy to prepare and perfect for sharing during the Halloween season. Plus, it's a great way to use up candy corn that may otherwise go untouched.
Ingredients:
1 cup candy corn
1 cup pretzels
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup peanuts or other nuts of choice
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine candy corn, pretzels, raisins, and nuts.
Mix until evenly distributed.
Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Enjoy as a light, festive snack!
Candy-Coated Apple Slices
Halloween is the perfect occasion to prepare classic candy apples, but why not put a new twist on it? Instead of whole apples, cut the apples into slices, then dip them in chocolate and sprinkle with leftover candy pieces. This fun, easy recipe is perfect for kids to get involved in.
Halloween Cake Pops
Cake pops are another great way to use leftover Halloween candy. Simply bake a cake from scratch, crumble it, mix it with frosting, and roll into balls. Dip each cake pop into melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles or candy pieces. They’re a fun and delicious treat to make with kids.
Sweet and Salty Candy Bark
Candy bark is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that can be adapted for Halloween. Simply melt chocolate, spread it onto a baking sheet, and top it with a mix of leftover candy, pretzels, and nuts. It’s a great way to create something delicious without a lot of effort—perfect for busy families.
Spooky S'mores Bars
S'mores bars are a perfect Halloween treat that combines graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate into a delicious, gooey dessert. Add some candy eyes to give them a spooky twist, making them perfect for a Halloween party.
🎂 Baking Tips for Halloween Success
Use Leftover Candy for Decorations
Leftover Halloween candy can be used as decoration for cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Items like M&Ms, candy bars, and gummies make great toppings, adding a fun and colorful twist to your baked creations.
Make Baking a Family Activity
Baking together can be a fun activity for the whole family, especially during Halloween. Whether it's decorating spooky-shaped cookies or mixing ingredients for a delicious cake, involving everyone makes the experience even more enjoyable. Set aside time to let the kids help with measuring ingredients, rolling out dough, or decorating treats. It’s a great way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories.
Get Creative with Ingredients
Halloween baking doesn’t have to be limited to just candy. Incorporate fruits like apples or nuts for added flavor and texture. This helps balance out the sweetness of the candy and makes the treats more complex and delicious.
🎃 Tricks for Making Halloween Treats Easy
Plan Ahead for a Successful Baking Day
Halloween baking can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to plan ahead to ensure everything goes smoothly. Make a list of all the ingredients you need and set aside time to bake without feeling rushed. This will make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
Use Simple Recipes for Busy Days
If you’re short on time, opt for simple recipes that don’t require a lot of ingredients or steps. Recipes like candy bark or trail mix are perfect for those days when you want to make something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Adapt Recipes to Fit Your Tastes
Don’t be afraid to adapt recipes to fit your family’s tastes. If you don’t like a certain type of candy, swap it out for something you do like. Halloween baking is all about having fun and making something delicious that everyone will enjoy.
🎉 Make Halloween Baking Fun for Everyone
Halloween is a time for fun, creativity, and of course, delicious treats. Whether you're baking with kids, using up leftover candy, or trying new fall recipes, there are plenty of ways to get creative. From candy bar cookies to pumpkin chocolate chip bread, these recipes are sure to make your Halloween celebrations extra special. Whether you’re baking with kids, using up leftover candy, or trying new fall recipes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. By getting creative with your ingredients and involving the whole family, you can make Halloween baking a fun and memorable part of your celebrations.
So grab your apron, gather your leftover candy, and get ready to bake some sweet, spooky treats this Halloween season. There’s no better way to celebrate than by filling your home with the smell of freshly baked goodies and enjoying them with the ones you love.
