96 Halloween Baked Goods to Make This Year

Updated: Apr. 14, 2024

Go preheat the oven! You'll want to make these Halloween baked goods all fall long. Find spooky and sweet ideas for breads, bars, cookies, cakes and so much more!

1 / 97

Mini Pumpkin Cakes

I saw these cute Halloween baked goods at a local grocery store and decided to make my own version at home. They’re a hit at any fall gathering. —Jennifer Dorff, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

2 / 97

Halloween Peanut Spider Cookies

These cute spider cookies are so easy. They’ll be the star at your next Halloween party! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Looking for something more substantive? Try these Halloween food ideas.

3 / 97

Caramel-Apple Skillet Buckle

My grandma used to bake a version of this for me when I was a little girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the backyard. I’ve adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apples, pecans and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
4 / 97

Jack-o’-Lantern Cream Puffs

These Halloween baked goods may look spooky on the outside, but inside is a creamy, sweet treat. The classic flavor of pumpkin pie spice will have all your ghosts and goblins screaming for more!
Karalee Helminak, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
5 / 97

Cinnamon Rolls with Cookie Butter Filling

I created this recipe when I had a jar of cookie butter on hand and I was craving cinnamon rolls. The cookie butter filling gives them a special touch. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
6 / 97

Halloween Witch Cake

If you’re looking for an extra-special dessert to serve for Halloween, this witch cake will delight all the ghouls and goblins at your party. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
7 / 97

Maple Bacon Bread

Swirled with maple syrup, raisins, bacon and brown sugar, this crave-worthy Halloween baked good is one they’ll remember. Plus, the dough is easy to work with and roll out! —Alicia Rooker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
8 / 97

Sour Cream-Pumpkin Coffee Cake

When I was on treat duty for my moms’ group, I baked this pumpkin coffee cake. So many people asked for the recipe, the group director wound up putting it in our newsletter. —Rachel Dodd, Avondale, Arizona

For more spooky sweets, try these Halloween treats.

9 / 97

French Toast Cookies

I created these soft, sparkly cookies because my sister loves cinnamon French toast covered in maple syrup. In the case of these cookies, bigger is definitely better! I like to use white whole wheat flour, but any whole wheat flour will work.—Mary Shenk, Dekalb, Illinois
10 / 97

Sugar Ghost Cupcakes

I had 10 neighborhood kids stop by to help me make these ghost cupcakes for a bake sale, though I have no doubt that most of the Halloween baked goods never made it that far! —Mysie Sabin, Franklin, Wisconsin
11 / 97

Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate fall treat. But my family likes them so much, they ask me to make them all year long! —Brenda Keller, Andalusia, Alabama
12 / 97

Halloween Chocolate Cookie Pops

Our children look forward to making these cute Halloween baked goods each year. They’ve become experts at making silly faces with little candies.

Check out even more Halloween cookies.

13 / 97

Maple Cream Meringue Pie

This dessert won first place in the pie category at the annual Vermont Maple Festival. It’s simple to make and uses more maple syrup than most other maple cream pies.
14 / 97

Sour Candy Cupcakes

If you love the pucker of sour candies, then these sour candy cupcakes will be right up your alley. The sour dust sprinkled on top gives you an instant pucker when you first take a bite, but the sweetness soon follows. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
15 / 97

Owl Tree

I have been “cooking” since I was 3 years old. Now I cook for my two teenage sons and bake decorated cakes for family and friends. I came up with this Halloween baked good for an online contest. It was a hoot! —Tammy Baker, Bowling Green, Kentucky
16 / 97

Meringue Bones

This unique treatment for meringue travels well, too! You will certainly get requests for the recipe, and folks will be surprised at how simple it is! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
17 / 97

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread

Skip the line and bake Starbucks pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat Halloween baked good might be even better than the original! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
18 / 97

Reese’s Chocolate Snack Cake

My family constantly requests this cake is constantly. I don’t mind making it because it’s surprisingly low-cal. And its yellow and orange toppings make it the perfect dessert for a Halloween party. —Eileen Travis, Ukiah, California
19 / 97

Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Pie

Apple pie baked in a cast iron skillet is a real stunner. This beauty, with its flaky, tender crust, also works in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. —Renee Schettler Rossi, New York, New York
20 / 97

Ghost Shortbread Cookies

Pac-Man was my favorite video game when I was growing up. For a party, I decided to get creative and shape my go-to sugar cookies into the ghosts from the game for adorable Halloween baked goods. —Jamie S, Regina, Saskatchewan
21 / 97

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Spiced Frosting

My aunt makes the most delicious pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. But my kids prefer cupcakes for dessert, so I created these for all the youngsters at our holiday table! —Aimee Shugarman, Liberty Township, Ohio
22 / 97

Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls

These puffy dinner rolls take on rich color when you add squash to the dough. Any squash variety works. I’ve even used cooked carrots. —Marcia Whitney, Gainesville, Florida
23 / 97

Two-Layered Apple Crisp

I feel blessed to have the opportunity to bake this for the special ladies at the local homeless shelter. Try it with Honeycrisp apples, Golden Delicious or a blend of the two apple types. —Char Morse, Whitehall, Michigan
24 / 97

Chocolate Oat Bars

These chocolate oat bars are one of my favorite go-to snacks. I love that I usually have all the items on hand and can whip them up quickly. —John Kleckner, Muscoda, Wisconsin
25 / 97

Cake Eyeballs

Customize these Halloween baked goods to your liking with the flavors of your choice. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen
26 / 97

Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

When I place a pan of these bars in the teachers’ lounge and come back after the last bell, the pan is always empty. I’d say that’s a good thing. White chocolate chips and cranberries make them extra special. —Mirella Hackett, Chandler, Arizona
27 / 97

Popcorn Cookies

It’s so much fun to surprise people with the crushed popcorn in these yummy cookies. They’re definitely a distinctive cookie on the holiday tray.—Leigh Anne Preston, Palmyra, Indiana
28 / 97

So-Easy-It’s-Spooky Bat Cake

This gorgeous Halloween baked good starts with a boxed cake mix. Then it’s an easy and magical trick to make the bat silhouette with cocoa. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
29 / 97

Magic Brownie Bars

When I was a kid, one of my all-time favorite treats was magic cookie bars. This recipe combines all the same classic flavors in a magic brownie bar! —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
30 / 97
31 / 97

Chai-Spiced Bread Pudding

Nothing says Halloween baked goods to me more than the warming spices of chai. This bread pudding incorporates those flavors to make a dessert that everyone raves about. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California
32 / 97

Mummy Brownies

The grave couldn’t hold these mummified treats for long! Watch these fudgy brownies pull a disappearing act at your Halloween get-together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
33 / 97

Gingerbread-Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

A party favorite of ours is gingersnaps and pumpkin dip. I combined those flavors for a wonderful cross between gingerbread bar cookies and cheesecake. —Kathleen Rhodebeck, Penacook, New Hampshire
34 / 97

Behr Track Cookie Bars

The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in these ooey-gooey, salty-sweet peanut butter bars. A lot of people comment that the pretzels in the filling are a pleasant surprise. Just make sure to cut this Halloween baked good small. —Megan Behr, Marion, Iowa
35 / 97

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

My kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven’t met a person yet who doesn’t like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
36 / 97

Maple Syrup Pie

Folks in New Hampshire apparently appreciate maple syrup almost as much as we do in Vermont. When my husband and I took a road trip through New Hampshire, we discovered this pie at a number of diners and restaurants. We loved it so much we created our own version. —Laurie Herr, Westford, Vermont
37 / 97

Autumn Sweet Rolls with Cider Glaze

I love cooking with pumpkin because it’s versatile, colorful and nutritious. Combining it with chopped apple and cider gives these Halloween baked goods their autumn appeal. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio
38 / 97

Pumpkin Latte Cheesecake Tarts

It’s hard to resist this pumpkin latte cheesecake recipe. Use extra pretzel crumbs or toffee chips for a garnish. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
39 / 97

Frosted Pistachio Bars

Bar cookies are the best-so fast and easy. Go as spooky as you dare when decorating this pan for Halloween. Shannon Sheehy, Chesterfield, Virginia
40 / 97

Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies

Whenever I visit friends in Lutsen, Minnesota, I make sure to buy maple syrup there because I think it’s even better than in Quebec. These delicious Halloween baked goods can be decorated with sprinkles but they’re just fine as is.—Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
41 / 97

Jack-o’-Lantern Pie

Pumpkin pie does not have to be difficult to make. This recipe has wonderful maple flavor and is sure to be a hit at your fall get-togethers. —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
42 / 97

Pear-Berry Breakfast Tarts

When my kids were small, I could never get pancakes on the table while they were all still hot. Then I got the idea for these breakfast tarts. They’re a good and simple recipe for any busy family. —Joan Elbourn, Gardner, Massachusetts
43 / 97

Pumpkin Spice Bagels

Enjoy pumpkin pie flavor with these classic Halloween baked goods. For a change, adjust the spices to suit your taste buds. —Kristy Reeves, LeRoy, Kansas
44 / 97

Ginger Creme Sandwich Cookies

With a lemony filling, these spiced cookies go over big because they have old-fashioned, comfort-food appeal. Your party guests will snatch them up! – Carol Walston, Granbury, Texas
45 / 97

Tombstone Treats

My brother loves Rice Krispies squares, and my mom loves sugar cookies. I came up with a cute treat they’d both like.

46 / 97

Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate fall treat. But my family likes them so much, they ask me to make them all year long! —Brenda Keller, Andalusia, Alabama
47 / 97

Giant Buckeye Cookie

I’m from Ohio, and we love our buckeye candy! Buckeyes are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate, which is exactly what this cookie is. All you need is a box of cake mix, a few common pantry ingredients, and voila—you have a tasty dessert ready for family and friends in under an hour. You can customize it, too, by substituting other mix-ins for the chocolate chips. We serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Arianna Harding, Cincinnati, Ohio
48 / 97

Chocolate Candy Corn Cupcakes

My oldest son asks me to make these cupcakes every year for his class Halloween party. I always get compliments about how tasty and cute these treats are. —Nicole Clayton, Prescott, Arizona
49 / 97

Cinnamon Twirl Roly-Poly

My whole house smells incredible when this Halloween baked good is in the oven. Change it up with other extracts—maple is heavenly. —Holly Balzer-Harz, Malone, New York
50 / 97

Day of the Dead Cookies

I make these cookies for all occasions. In the spring, I cut them in flower shapes and insert a lollipop stick in each to make a bouquet. Using candies, food coloring and a wild imagination, try your hand at this Day of the Dead version. —Kristine Fossmeyer, Huntley, Illinois
51 / 97

Pumpkin Cake

Try out this Halloween cake! You’ll be glad you did—it will conjure up a host of smiles during your dinner. —Carole Lajeunesse, Aurora, Colorado
52 / 97

Cake Mix Brownies

These cake mix brownies are a mashup of two of my favorite Halloween baked goods. A woman I worked with gave me a recipe for chocolate caramel brownies, and I have a recipe for yellow cake mix bars. I wondered what they would taste like together, so I tried it—and I’ve been making them ever since! —Staci Mergenthal, Verdi, Minnesota
53 / 97

Pumpkin Spice Cutouts

Through all the years I’ve been baking, I’ve never come across a pumpkin cookie recipe that you can actually cut out with cookie cutters. (Most I’ve found are drop cookies.) Each bite tastes just like pumpkin pie—delicious! —Marion Kearley, Ladner, British Columbia
54 / 97

Caramel Apple Pie with Streusel Topping

I developed this recipe through the years to get it exactly where we want it. I’ve entered several pie contests with it and placed first each time—one bite and you’ll know why this pie’s a winner! —Laurel Dalzell, Manteca, California
55 / 97

Crazy Halloween Blondies

I have a real sweet tooth, so Halloween is my favorite holiday. I came up with these Halloween baked goods for my kids, but I think I like them even more than they do! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
56 / 97

Maple Dumplings

To give your meal a warm and cozy ending, look no further than this comforting dessert. Tender homemade dumplings are nestled in a thick, rich maple sauce. —Denise Boutin, Grand Isle, Vermont
57 / 97

Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Usually I prepare two different desserts for our holiday dinner, but one of them must be pumpkin pie—otherwise, it just wouldn’t seem like Thanksgiving. My version calls for more eggs than most, making this pie’s custard filling especially rich. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
58 / 97

Cinnamon Breakfast Bites

Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 118 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

These Halloween baked goods are the perfect breakfast treat with a sweet, crispy coating.—Ruth Hastings, Louisville, Illinois
59 / 97

Chocolate Chip Blondies

Folks who adore the classic cookies will enjoy that same beloved flavor in these chocolate chip bars. This blondie recipe can be mixed up in a jiffy, tastes wonderful, and is perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois
60 / 97

Jack-o’-Lantern Cake

I pieced two fluted tube pan cakes together to make this gap-toothed grinner that will make the best-ever centerpiece at your Halloween party. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota
61 / 97

Toffee Turtle Squares

Here’s an easy way to make turtle candies for a big group. These Halloween baked goods are very rich, so a little square will do ya. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho
62 / 97

Ghosts in the Graveyard Cake

This spooky cake is easy to make and fun to decorate. To save time, bake and freeze the brownies weeks in advance, then thaw at room temperature overnight before decorating.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
63 / 97

Best Ever Bread Pudding

The secret to incredible bread pudding with a soft middle and crisp edges starts with leftover dinner rolls. I picked up the rich brown sugar sauce recipe from my friend Kathryn Gartmann. A big drizzle of it takes this dessert over the top and really makes it the best bread pudding ever. —Maria Petrella, Taste of Home Prep Cook
64 / 97

French Toast Spirals

These little Halloween baked goods taste just like French toast. They’re not too sweet, and they’re pretty enough for a cookie plate. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
65 / 97

Pumpkin Cookie Pops

These cookie pops are a great way to liven up a Halloween party. Kids love them! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
66 / 97

Cranberry Bog Bars

Sweet and chewy, these fun bars combine the flavors of oats, cranberries, brown sugar and pecans. I like to sprinkle the squares with confectioners’ sugar before serving. —Sally Wakefield, Gans, Pennsylvania
67 / 97

Autumn Apple Torte

During apple season, I always look forward to making this yummy Halloween baked good. It has a cream cheese layer and apples galore. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
68 / 97

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

I discovered this wonderful pumpkin cupcake recipe and changed a bit to suit my taste. I love the flavor of pumpkin and the cinnamon makes ordinary cream cheese frosting extra special. When I made a batch for my husband to take to work, he said they disappeared in record time. —Debbie Wiggins, Longmont, Colorado
69 / 97

Cinnamon Chip Chai-Spiced Snickerdoodles

I love cinnamon chips, and this is an intriguing way to use them. Make sure to stock up on them during the holiday season so you have plenty to last during the year. —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
70 / 97

Halloween Layer Cake

There’s nothing “scary” about this Halloween baked good. I make it every Halloween for my husband, Mike, and our three children. —Karen Wirth, Tavistock, Ontario. If you like this idea, then you must check out our collection of spooky Halloween cakes.
71 / 97

S’mores Brownies

My family simply adores my daughter’s fudgy s’mores brownies. The cinnamon graham cracker crust and the dark chocolate brownies bring our passion for s’mores to a whole new level! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
72 / 97

Mocha Cinnamon Rolls

I love cinnamon rolls and coffee together! They are the perfect flavor combination, which is proven by these mocha cinnamon rolls. —Victoria Mitchel, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
73 / 97

Orchard Pear Pie

I made this pie using Bartlett pears fresh from the orchard. It’s a lovely Halloween baked good to include in your holiday menu. You can also use canned pears if fresh are not available. —Mary Anne Thygesen, Portland, Oregon
74 / 97
75 / 97

Apple Fritter Cake

I was experimenting with a beer bread to make it into a dessert and came up with this delectable apple fritter cake. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington
76 / 97

Owl Cookies

I came up with these Halloween baked goods as a treat for my kids’ class parties. Not only do they look cute, but they are also delicious.—Starrlette Howard, Ogden, Utah
77 / 97

Sticky Cinnamon-Sugar Monkey Bread

You can do all the prep work for this monkey bread the night before. I prepare the dough pieces and put all the sauce ingredients in the pan so it’s ready for the morning. You can sprinkle chopped nuts in with the dough pieces before pouring the sauce on and baking. — Diana Kunselman, Rimersburg, Pennsylvania
78 / 97

Skillet Stout Brownies

These stout brownies are so rich and fudgy. I love how quickly they come together. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight. —Mandy Naglich, New York, New York
79 / 97

Maple and Bacon Bars

This bacon maple bar recipe is the perfect Halloween baked good when you’re craving both salty and sweet. Its aroma will taunt you while it’s baking in the oven. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
80 / 97

Candy Corn Cookies

Get a head start on these buttery cookies by shaping and chilling the homemade dough ahead of time. When you’re ready, just slice and bake the tricolor treats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
81 / 97

Pumpkin Patch Biscuits

I got smart and started making double batches of these moist, fluffy biscuits to meet the demand. My dad loves their pumpkiny goodness and requests them for Christmas, Father’s Day and his birthday. —Liza Taylor, Seattle, Washington
82 / 97

Chai-Spiced Star Bread

My chai star bread is great for potlucks or parties because it’s easy to share and looks beautiful. Prepare this Halloween baked good ahead of time, refrigerate, then just pop it in the oven before serving. Try using this recipe with other fruits, too, like persimmons or apples. —Elizabeth Ding, El Cerrito, California
83 / 97

Frosted Butter Rum Brickle Bites

The rum, real butter and toffee bits made these cookies my husband’s new favorite. If you’d like them less sweet, skip the frosting and sprinkle the cookies with confectioners’ sugar while still warm. —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan
84 / 97

Almond Joy Cake

This is a fantastic Almond Joy cake recipe—tastes just like the candy bar. —Daria Burcar, Rochester, Michigan
85 / 97

Roasted Red Pepper Bread

These savory loaves are moist, tender and loaded with flavor from grated Parmesan cheese and roasted sweet red peppers. These Halloween baked goods are fantastic at dinner or as an appetizer. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina
86 / 97

Pumpkin Apple Pie

The first time I made this for my family, they gobbled up this wonderful change-of-pace holiday dessert. It has a scrumptious layer of apples under the pumpkin.—Elizabeth Montogomery, Taylorville, Illinois
87 / 97

Autumn Tree Cake

You can decorate this special cake any way you like for Halloween or the colorful autumn months. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
88 / 97

Drizzled Butternut Bread

My two young children love this buttercup yellow bread. Squash makes the Halloween baked good moist and goes so well with the cinnamon. This will be a welcome addition to a brunch or dinner table.—Misty Thompson, Gaylesville, Alabama
89 / 97

Halloween Party Cutout Cookies

I’ve been making these Halloween cookies for about 40 years—first for my children and now my grandchildren and all their friends, too. I make about 20 trays a year to give away to trick-or-treaters. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
90 / 97

Cinnamon Apple Cider Monkey Bread

I use the cold-weather staple apple cider—plus apples and more cinnamon—to turn plain cinnamon rolls into monkey bread. My boys love the sticky sweetness. —Kelly Walsh, Aviston, Illinois
91 / 97

Pumpkin Spice Latte Rolls

I get instant cravings for pumpkin spice when the fall weather creeps in. These Halloween baked goods incorporate one of my favorite coffee drinks with one of my favorite pastries. I make them all the time. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
92 / 97

Brownie Spiders

I’m absolutely petrified of real spiders. But I can make an exception for these cute ones made from chocolate. They make perfect Halloween treats. —Ali Ebright, Kansas City, Missouri
93 / 97

Pumpkin Bread with Maple Syrup Glaze

This luscious pumpkin bread with maple syrup glaze is well worth the occasional splurge. When we first discovered how fantastic it is, I made four loaves on three separate occasions in just over a week! —Jaleen Burkholder, Waterloo, New York
94 / 97

Pumpkin Cornbread

This has become a regular Halloween baked good at our house. It has a subtle pumpkin flavor with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. While it’s sweet enough to satisfy my sweet tooth, yet pairs well with a soup or stew.
95 / 97

Kiss from a Vampire Cookies

Raspberry jam eerily oozes from these soft butter cookies. One bite, and you’ll have a hard time stopping! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
96 / 97

Sparkling Cider Pound Cake

This pound cake is incredible and completely reminds me of fall with every bite. Using sparkling apple cider in the batter and the glaze gives it a delicious and unique flavor. I love everything about it! —Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah
97 / 97

Coconut Orange Slice Cookies

This is a family recipe that was handed down to me. The coconut and orange combination gives them a distinctive taste unlike any other Halloween baked good I’ve had. —Patricia Ann Stickler, Durand, Michigan