Creepy-Cute Halloween Treats You Can Actually Make

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Greg Dupree

Greg Dupree

Spooky season is upon us!If you need a break fromHalloween candyor want something more substantial to serve guests, look to these eerie yet adorable dessert ideas.Fan of gore? TrySarah Kieffer’sred velvet cream cheese-swirled ice cream cake. Prefer something more simple? You can’t go wrong withZoë François’spider linzer cookies. Just make sure to share or you’ll end up with a scary stomachache!HappyHalloween, bakers.

Spooky season is upon us!

If you need a break fromHalloween candyor want something more substantial to serve guests, look to these eerie yet adorable dessert ideas.

Fan of gore? TrySarah Kieffer’sred velvet cream cheese-swirled ice cream cake. Prefer something more simple? You can’t go wrong withZoë François’spider linzer cookies. Just make sure to share or you’ll end up with a scary stomachache!

HappyHalloween, bakers.

01of 25’Bloody' Red Velvet Ice Cream CakeSarah Kieffer’s ‘Bloody' Red Velvet and Cream Cheese-Swirled Ice Cream Cake.Greg DupreeBloggerSarah Kiefferuses red melting wafers to create a “bloody” drip down the sides of her chilly dessert. “This cake has several textures: a creamy ice cream base and a nice crunch from the cookie crunch layer,” says the author of100 Afternoon Sweets. “It’s very rich, and a little bit goes a long way, so this makes it perfect for a big crowd.“Just make sure to prep it in advance as it requires 8 hours of chilling time.Get the recipehere.

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‘Bloody’ Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake

Sarah Kieffer’s ‘Bloody' Red Velvet and Cream Cheese-Swirled Ice Cream Cake.Greg Dupree

BloggerSarah Kiefferuses red melting wafers to create a “bloody” drip down the sides of her chilly dessert. “This cake has several textures: a creamy ice cream base and a nice crunch from the cookie crunch layer,” says the author of100 Afternoon Sweets. “It’s very rich, and a little bit goes a long way, so this makes it perfect for a big crowd.”

Just make sure to prep it in advance as it requires 8 hours of chilling time.

Get the recipehere.

02of 25‘Spider’ Linzer CookiesZoë François' Blackberry ‘Spider’ Linzer Cookies.Greg DupreeNot a master decorator? No problem. Use a toothpick to sketch out spider legs on top of classic linzer cookies once the jam pops through the middle hole.Zoë Françoislikes blackberry preserves for her recipe “but you can use chocolate-hazelnut spread or pumpkin-spice buttercream,” says theZoë Bakes Cookiesauthor.Get the recipehere.

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‘Spider’ Linzer Cookies

Zoë François' Blackberry ‘Spider’ Linzer Cookies.Greg Dupree

Not a master decorator? No problem. Use a toothpick to sketch out spider legs on top of classic linzer cookies once the jam pops through the middle hole.Zoë Françoislikes blackberry preserves for her recipe “but you can use chocolate-hazelnut spread or pumpkin-spice buttercream,” says theZoë Bakes Cookiesauthor.

03of 25‘Monster’ Cookie FudgeKim-Joy’s ‘Monster’ Cookie Fudge.Greg Dupree"You can get really creative with the Halloween toppings: Use any cookies, sweets or sprinkles that you have lying about,” says bakerKim-Joy. TheGreat British Baking Showalum, who released her cookbookBake Joyin September, tends to reach for a sandwich cookie because it “gives you the impression of a mouth when it is broken in half.“Get the recipehere.

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‘Monster’ Cookie Fudge

Kim-Joy’s ‘Monster’ Cookie Fudge.Greg Dupree

“You can get really creative with the Halloween toppings: Use any cookies, sweets or sprinkles that you have lying about,” says bakerKim-Joy. TheGreat British Baking Showalum, who released her cookbookBake Joyin September, tends to reach for a sandwich cookie because it “gives you the impression of a mouth when it is broken in half.”

04of 25Mini ‘Mummy’ Apple PiesFred Hardy IIMaegan Brown’s Halloween treats come together in just 30 minutes thanks to some store bought pie dough. “Not everyone has the time to commit to baking a full pie from scratch. These satisfy those pie cravings,” says theBrilliant Bitescookbook author.Get the recipehere.

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Mini ‘Mummy’ Apple Pies

Fred Hardy II

Maegan Brown’s Halloween treats come together in just 30 minutes thanks to some store bought pie dough. “Not everyone has the time to commit to baking a full pie from scratch. These satisfy those pie cravings,” says theBrilliant Bitescookbook author.

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Tie-Dye Sugar Cookies

Jennifer Causey

06of 25‘Dracula’ Jam-Filled CupcakesFred Hardy IIBuddy Valastromade these macabre masterpieces when his four kids were younger and “they’ve continued to be a family favorite.” TheCake Dynastystar suggests focusing entirely on the decorations if you don’t have time to make homemade cupcakes. “I know that some years you just have more time than others so you can bake them from scratch, use box cupcakes or buy them made from the bakery,” saysValastro. “No one has fun when they’re stressed!“Get the recipehere.

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‘Dracula’ Jam-Filled Cupcakes

Buddy Valastromade these macabre masterpieces when his four kids were younger and “they’ve continued to be a family favorite.” TheCake Dynastystar suggests focusing entirely on the decorations if you don’t have time to make homemade cupcakes. “I know that some years you just have more time than others so you can bake them from scratch, use box cupcakes or buy them made from the bakery,” saysValastro. “No one has fun when they’re stressed!”

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Hocus Pocus 2-Inspired Dark Chocolate Brownies & Potion of Life Cocktails

JENNIFER CAUSEY

Light a black flame candleand celebrate the return of the Sanderson sisters — again! — with this party-ready brownie-and-cocktail combo.

08of 25Harry Potter-Inspired Butterbeer Ice Cream FloatsJENNIFER CAUSEYServed hot and foaming at the Three Broomsticks tavern in theHarry Potterbooks and movies, this Muggle twist on the butterscotch-flavored drink is much cooler.The ice cream float combines caramel sauce, cream soda, whipped cream and homemade butterbeer ice cream — magically made without any churning.Get the recipehere.

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Harry Potter-Inspired Butterbeer Ice Cream Floats

Served hot and foaming at the Three Broomsticks tavern in theHarry Potterbooks and movies, this Muggle twist on the butterscotch-flavored drink is much cooler.

The ice cream float combines caramel sauce, cream soda, whipped cream and homemade butterbeer ice cream — magically made without any churning.

09of 25Addams Family-Inspired “Thing” Hand PiesJen CauseyThing, the bodiless forearm that lives with theAddams family, emerged from boxes in the original 1960s series but mischievously scurries around on its fingertips in the movie revivals andTim Burton’sNetflixseries,Wednesday.Like Thing itself, these hand-shaped pastries — filled with blood-red raspberry jam and served with a sweet iced-maple sauce — are delightfully creepy, kooky and altogether ooky.Get the recipehere.

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Addams Family-Inspired “Thing” Hand Pies

Jen Causey

Thing, the bodiless forearm that lives with theAddams family, emerged from boxes in the original 1960s series but mischievously scurries around on its fingertips in the movie revivals andTim Burton’sNetflixseries,Wednesday.

Like Thing itself, these hand-shaped pastries — filled with blood-red raspberry jam and served with a sweet iced-maple sauce — are delightfully creepy, kooky and altogether ooky.

10of 25Monster MeringuesEllis ParrinderKim-Joyshared the recipe for these fuss-free sweets. “You can pipe any shape, and they all work — they’ve each got their own personality!” said the author ofBake Me a Cat. “There are different ways to pinch the meringue and create different effects.” Eat them on their own or add them as decoration to any dessert for a haunting effect.Get the recipehere.

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Monster Meringues

Ellis Parrinder

Kim-Joyshared the recipe for these fuss-free sweets. “You can pipe any shape, and they all work — they’ve each got their own personality!” said the author ofBake Me a Cat. “There are different ways to pinch the meringue and create different effects.” Eat them on their own or add them as decoration to any dessert for a haunting effect.

11of 25Monster Cake PopsJennifer CauseyPreppy Kitchenfounder John Kanell says his bite-sized treats are great for home cooks who want to make something “really festive that won’t be frustrating or take all day.” Plus, the little creatures are great to make with kids who can “put their own spin on the decorations” to make the perfect party or school treat.Get the recipehere.

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Monster Cake Pops

Preppy Kitchenfounder John Kanell says his bite-sized treats are great for home cooks who want to make something “really festive that won’t be frustrating or take all day.” Plus, the little creatures are great to make with kids who can “put their own spin on the decorations” to make the perfect party or school treat.

12of 25Floating Ghost CupcakesJennifer CauseyA ghoulishly good-looking dessert in just 20 minutes? Count us in. By using store-bought cupcakes and Dum-Dums lollipops,food blogger Tara Benchcreates Floating Ghost Cupcakes that elevate a party with their levitating look.Get the recipehere.

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Floating Ghost Cupcakes

A ghoulishly good-looking dessert in just 20 minutes? Count us in. By using store-bought cupcakes and Dum-Dums lollipops,food blogger Tara Benchcreates Floating Ghost Cupcakes that elevate a party with their levitating look.

13of 25Red Velvet “Eyeball” Cake TrufflesJennifer CauseyZac Young’s cake balls are just as creepy as some of the sweets he judges on Food Network’sHalloween Baking Championship.The fresh raspberry inside each one gives them that gory look — a sure way to spook trick-or-treaters.Get the recipehere.

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Red Velvet “Eyeball” Cake Truffles

Zac Young’s cake balls are just as creepy as some of the sweets he judges on Food Network’sHalloween Baking Championship.The fresh raspberry inside each one gives them that gory look — a sure way to spook trick-or-treaters.

14of 25Brownie and Pretzel SpidersJennifer CauseyKim-Joy’s cute critters are gooey and festive, with easy decorations that really step up your dessert game. The author of theCelebrate with Kim-Joycookbook recommends making perfectly imperfect treats with some “wonky spiders who are missing legs or squashed” to capture theHalloweenspirit.Get the recipehere.

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Brownie and Pretzel Spiders

Kim-Joy’s cute critters are gooey and festive, with easy decorations that really step up your dessert game. The author of theCelebrate with Kim-Joycookbook recommends making perfectly imperfect treats with some “wonky spiders who are missing legs or squashed” to capture theHalloweenspirit.

15of 25Sprinkle Cake-Batter CookiesJennifer CauseyCustomizeDŌowner Kristen Tomlan’s treats with any combination of Halloween-colored sprinkles you have — the moist yet crunchy texture will be all the same. “It’s perfect for when you can’t decide between a cupcake and a cookie!” says the author of theHello, Cookie Doughcookbook.Get the recipehere.

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Sprinkle Cake-Batter Cookies

CustomizeDŌowner Kristen Tomlan’s treats with any combination of Halloween-colored sprinkles you have — the moist yet crunchy texture will be all the same. “It’s perfect for when you can’t decide between a cupcake and a cookie!” says the author of theHello, Cookie Doughcookbook.

16of 25Maple and Candied Ginger Dip with “Boo-Scotti"Jennifer CauseyCory Colton, the executive pastry chef atQuality Italianin New York City, says his dip is a “frightfully easy dessert.” But it’s his spooky spin on biscotti where the fun comes in. Serve them with the dip, on their own as a snack or with hot coffee for dunking.Get the recipehere.

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Maple and Candied Ginger Dip with “Boo-Scotti”

Cory Colton, the executive pastry chef atQuality Italianin New York City, says his dip is a “frightfully easy dessert.” But it’s his spooky spin on biscotti where the fun comes in. Serve them with the dip, on their own as a snack or with hot coffee for dunking.

17of 25Ghost-Topped Peanut Butter Hot ChocolateVictor ProtasioPastry chefJacques Torrestops his thick peanut butter hot chocolate recipe with hauntingly-cute whipped-cream ghosts that eventually melt to create the creamiest cocoa for a cold fall night.Get the recipehere.

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Ghost-Topped Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Victor Protasio

Pastry chefJacques Torrestops his thick peanut butter hot chocolate recipe with hauntingly-cute whipped-cream ghosts that eventually melt to create the creamiest cocoa for a cold fall night.

18of 25Graveyard Pumpkin Pie ShootersVictor ProtasioThe OfficestarAngela Kinsey, who hostsYouTube’sBaking with Josh and Angewithhusband Joshua Snyder, reveals there are more ways than one to use a shot glass at a party. With three main ingredients (cookies, cream cheese and pumpkin puree), these Graveyard Pumpkin Pie Shooters are an easy last-minute treat for kids and adults.Get the recipehere.

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Graveyard Pumpkin Pie Shooters

The OfficestarAngela Kinsey, who hostsYouTube’sBaking with Josh and Angewithhusband Joshua Snyder, reveals there are more ways than one to use a shot glass at a party. With three main ingredients (cookies, cream cheese and pumpkin puree), these Graveyard Pumpkin Pie Shooters are an easy last-minute treat for kids and adults.

19of 25Spiderweb BrowniesGreg DuPreeEven novice bakers can impress their guests with this shockingly easy dessert fromrestaurateur Elizabeth Blau. To make the webs, simply pipe four to five concentric circles on each brownie with white frosting, then drag several lines with a wooden toothpick through the frosting, starting at the smallest center circle.Get the recipehere.

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Spiderweb Brownies

Greg DuPree

Even novice bakers can impress their guests with this shockingly easy dessert fromrestaurateur Elizabeth Blau. To make the webs, simply pipe four to five concentric circles on each brownie with white frosting, then drag several lines with a wooden toothpick through the frosting, starting at the smallest center circle.

20of 25Pumpkin Spice Jack-in-a-JarGreg DuPree"I love that you can take an ordinary jar and bring it to life,” saysDuff Goldmanof his mason jar dessert layered with pumpkin spice cake and vanilla buttercream. For added “flavors and textures,” the owner ofCharm City Cakessuggests adding different orange-colored candies between the layers.Get the recipehere.

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Pumpkin Spice Jack-in-a-Jar

“I love that you can take an ordinary jar and bring it to life,” saysDuff Goldmanof his mason jar dessert layered with pumpkin spice cake and vanilla buttercream. For added “flavors and textures,” the owner ofCharm City Cakessuggests adding different orange-colored candies between the layers.

21of 25Red “Dead” Velvet CakeVictor ProtasioIf you’re looking for something a little more ghoulish for your party, this is the perfect dessert. Austin, Texas-based pastry chefDennis Van’s Red “Dead” Velvet Cake is a blood-red cake covered in cream cheese and splattered with red food coloring.Get the recipehere.

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Red “Dead” Velvet Cake

If you’re looking for something a little more ghoulish for your party, this is the perfect dessert. Austin, Texas-based pastry chefDennis Van’s Red “Dead” Velvet Cake is a blood-red cake covered in cream cheese and splattered with red food coloring.

22of 25Mummy MeringuesHector Manuel SanchezCookbook author Dorie Greenspan suggests piping her sweet meringue mixture back and forth to create mummies. To create ghosts instead, “pipe the meringue vertically using a circular motion to create little towers,” says the author ofDorie’s Cookies, adding, “Don’t go higher than 2 1/2 inches — the ghosts will topple over.“Get the recipehere.

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Mummy Meringues

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Cookbook author Dorie Greenspan suggests piping her sweet meringue mixture back and forth to create mummies. To create ghosts instead, “pipe the meringue vertically using a circular motion to create little towers,” says the author ofDorie’s Cookies, adding, “Don’t go higher than 2 1/2 inches — the ghosts will topple over.”

23of 25Black Candy ApplesHector Manuel SanchezColton ofQuality Eatsin New York City colors his caramel to give the look of “poisoned” candy apples. The result is a crunchy dessert on the outside that turns your whole mouth black.Get the recipehere.

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Black Candy Apples

Colton ofQuality Eatsin New York City colors his caramel to give the look of “poisoned” candy apples. The result is a crunchy dessert on the outside that turns your whole mouth black.

24of 25Chocolate Cobweb CupcakesHector SanchezAccording to the owners ofGeorgetown Cupcake, the secret to mastering this “creepy-crawly dessert” is a Ziploc bag, a steady hand and a serious passion for chocolate fudge.Get the recipehere.

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Chocolate Cobweb Cupcakes

Hector Sanchez

According to the owners ofGeorgetown Cupcake, the secret to mastering this “creepy-crawly dessert” is a Ziploc bag, a steady hand and a serious passion for chocolate fudge.

25of 25Pretzel “Bones"Hector SanchezSarah Michelle Gellar’s scary snack is a fun (and stress-free!) way to spend an afternoon with the kids. Once you’ve got your dough together, all you do is roll, twist and snip.Get the recipehere.

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Pretzel “Bones”

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s scary snack is a fun (and stress-free!) way to spend an afternoon with the kids. Once you’ve got your dough together, all you do is roll, twist and snip.

source: people.com