Owl Brownies Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and utterly adorable twist on a classic treat, let me introduce you to my Owl Brownies Recipe. This is one of those recipes that instantly brings a smile to your face—perfect for parties, Halloween, or anytime you want a whimsical dessert that’s as tasty as it is cute. I absolutely love how these brownies turn out moist, chocolaty, and decorated with charming little owl faces made from candies. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your owls look just as fantastic as they taste!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the perfect owl brownies, you’ll want ingredients that bake rich, fudgy brownies and candies that bring the little owl faces to life. Everything you need is easy to find at most grocery stores or online, and these ingredients work together beautifully to make your brownies both delicious and playful.

• Brownie mix: I prefer Betty Crocker™ Fudge Brownie Mix because it yields moist, rich brownies every time.
• Water, vegetable oil, eggs: These are the standard mix-ins called for by the brownie box; I like following the package directions for the best texture.
• Chocolate frosting: Using Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy Chocolate Frosting adds extra moisture and a shiny finish that’s perfect for candy “gluing.”
• Gummy peach ring candies: They make perfect owl eyes’ frames with their fun, round shape and pop of color.
• Candy eyeballs: These are what really bring the owls to life—bet you’ll smile decorating with these!
• Candy corn: Tiny candy noses add a whimsical touch—plus, it’s seasonal and festive.
• Reese’s Minis peanut butter cups: Cut into quarters, they serve as the owls’ quirky little eyebrows, adding a lovely peanut buttery note.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Owl Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your own taste or occasion. Whether you want to switch up the frosting flavors or add a different candy theme, I encourage you to get creative and make it your own.

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the brownie mix for a gluten-free brand to accommodate dietary needs; your owls will still look fantastic and taste great.
• Frosting Flavors: I sometimes use peanut butter or vanilla frosting for a fun flavor twist—each holds the candy just as well.
• Seasonal Candy: Instead of candy corn on the nose, try mini jelly beans around Easter or red-hots for a holiday sparkle.
• Nut-Free Version: Use non-peanut candy pieces for eyebrows to keep these safe for all kids at your gathering.

How to Make Owl Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Batter

Start by heating your oven to 350°F – I always preheat right when I sit down to gather my ingredients. Line a 13×9-inch pan with foil so you have a little overhang on the sides; this makes removing the entire brownie slab a breeze. Don’t forget to spray the foil with cooking spray so nothing sticks later. Then, prepare your brownie batter following the box instructions—using that mix is a real time-saver! Spread it evenly in your pan for even baking.

Step 2: Bake and Cool Perfectly

Bake your brownies for 22 to 25 minutes. The trick I learned is to test them around 22 minutes by inserting a toothpick about 2 inches from the edge; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once baked, transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let the brownies cool completely—about an hour. Cooling fully is important so the frosting doesn’t melt and the candies stick perfectly.

Step 3: Frost and Cut with Care

Using the foil edges, gently lift the brownies out of the pan and place on a flat surface. Now for the fun part: spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top. I like to use an offset spatula for a smooth finish. Next, carefully cut the slab into 6 rows by 4 columns—making 24 individual brownies. This sizing is perfect for little hands and easy display.

Step 4: Decorate Your Owls

Place two gummy peach ring candies on each brownie for the big “owl eyes.” Then pop two candy eyeballs in the centers of those rings. Add a single candy corn for the nose right below the eyes. Finally, position two quartered peanut butter cups, cut side down, at the top of each brownie for those expressive eyebrows. This step is so much fun—I’ve found that you can get your kids involved here for an extra special family baking moment.

How to Serve Owl Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these owl brownies, I like to keep it simple and let the candy decorations shine. Sometimes I dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar around the edges to mimic a soft “snowy” effect, especially around holidays. A drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a little extra flair without overwhelming the cute owls.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a cold glass of milk or even some hot apple cider if you’re serving them in the fall. They work well alongside fruit salads or a light scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. I’ve found they’re also a hit at kids’ parties when served alongside colorful veggie trays for a fun sweet-and-savory combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the owl brownies on a platter decorated with edible fall leaves or surrounded by small pumpkins for a Halloween or autumn party. You could also use cupcake liners for each brownie to make handing them out even easier. Another fun idea is to assemble mini “owl nests” with coconut shavings on the plate, placing each brownie in the center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover owl brownies keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. I’ve found that leaving them uncovered makes the frosting a bit tacky, so sealing the container tightly is key to keeping them fresh and the candy decorations intact.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for a large event, you can freeze the unfrosted brownies after baking and cooling. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to serve, thaw completely and then add frosting and decorate. Freezing the brownies with candies on top isn’t recommended since the frosting and candies can shift or get soggy.

Reheating

I usually don’t reheat these to preserve the candy decorations, but if you want to warm a brownie slightly, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This way, you get that melty fresh-baked feel without messing up the eyes and nose.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Owl Brownies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so much fun to make and even more fun to share. It’s that rare recipe that brings out smiles from the tiniest taste-testers to the grown-ups who can’t resist a playful twist on a classic treat. Give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy the process and the taste, and your family and friends will go crazy for these little chocolatey owls as much as I do!

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