These make-ahead Halloween party recipes will make getting ready for your spooky shindig a breeze. Think deviled eggs, pumpkin dip, a brain-shaped cake and so much more.
50 Make-Ahead Halloween Party Recipes
Updated on Feb. 15, 2024
1/50
Mummy Brownies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
32 brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 234 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
2/50
Brownie Haunted House
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don’t have to worry about getting this spooky showstopper to stand upright. These fudgy brownies are the perfect canvas for creating a silly haunted house. Trick-or-treaters beware! —Sarah Farmer, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 293 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
3/50
Halloween Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Thrill partygoers with Halloween deviled eggs. The mayonnaise-filled bites are one of my favorite apps, so I had fun creating a spooky version. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 79 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
4/50
Candy Corn Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 83 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 77mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
5/50
So-Easy-It’s-Spooky Bat Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This gorgeous dessert 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 470 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
6/50
Meringue Bones
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 35 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
7/50
Creepy-Crawly Pasta Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet-and-sour dressing tops off this easy pasta salad that's actually good for you! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 162 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
8/50
Day of the Dead Cookies
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cookie: 364 calories, 19g fat (14g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
9/50
Witches’ Brew
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stir up some Halloween beverages that are as bewitching as the rest of your menu. Omit the vodka for a nonalcoholic version so the kids can have some, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 253 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 17mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein.
10/50
Quick Ghost Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Spruce up store-bought cookies for the holiday. These are a real hit with "goblins" of all ages. —Denise Smith, Lusk, Wyoming
11/50
Tombstone Treats
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 treats
From the Recipe Creator:
My brother loves Rice Krispies squares, and my mom loves sugar cookies. I came up with a cute treat they'd both like.
Nutrition Facts:
1 treat: 358 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
12/50
Magic Wands
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These fun and colorful wands don't need to be made by a magician to be magical. You can change the colors to fit any party theme. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 wand: 103 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/50
Halloween Layer Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing "scary" about this cake. I make it every Halloween for my husband, Mike, and our three children. —Karen Wirth, Tavistock, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 529 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 89g carbohydrate (67g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
14/50
Mini Meringue Pumpkins
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cast a sweet spell over your Halloween party guests by making a pumpkin patch’s worth of treats. It’s easy to use this basic meringue recipe spiced with pumpkin flavor to scare up fun cookies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 32 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
15/50
Owl Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with these cookies as a treat for my kids’ class parties. Not only do they look cute, but they are also delicious.—Starrlette Howard, Ogden, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 456 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
16/50
Frosted Pistachio Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 219 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
17/50
Eyes On You
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Look out! This crazy cupcake only has eyes for you. Don't worry though, he's delicious!
—Karen Tack, Riverside, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 787 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 126g carbohydrate (67g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
18/50
Witch's Caviar
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this dip with triangle-shaped tortilla chips because they look like pointy witch hats. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 17 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
19/50
Mini Pretzel Pumpkins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks are sure to share some tricks in order to get some of these pleasing pumpkin-shaped treats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 pumpkin: 61 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 27mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
20/50
Crazy Halloween Blondies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a real sweet tooth, so Halloween is my favorite holiday. I came up with these bars for my kids, but I think I like them even more than they do! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 358 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
21/50
Halloween Punch
Total Time
10 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My bright orange sipper fits right in with October fun. To serve it in a festive way, I often put the punch bowl inside a hollowed-out-pumpkin. —Sue Thomas, Casa Grande, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 132 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
22/50
Kiss from a Vampire Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Raspberry jam eerily oozes from these soft butter cookies. One bite, and you'll have a hard time stopping! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 115 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
23/50
Freaky Frankenstein Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
They're alive! Each year when the Halloween invites start coming my way, I create a little treat to bring. These cute cookies bring a lot of life to every party. —Philia Kelnhofer, West Allis, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 156 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 83mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
24/50
Colorful Candied Apples
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The glossy coating in this candy apple recipe is hard, so it's best to lick them like a lollipops or cut 'em into wedges to serve. Be sure your apples are clean and dry before dipping. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 candy apple: 634 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 166g carbohydrate (161g sugars, 4g fiber), 0 protein.
25/50
Halloween Monster Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 monster cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Don’t be surprised if all the monsters come out of hiding when you assemble these fun and easy Halloween party treats. My kids and I made them for their classroom Halloween party one year. Their classmates loved them, and it’s now a tradition to make them every year. —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia
26/50
Witches’ Fingers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't need a cauldron to conjure these frightening fingers. They're a sweet-and-salty treat that's spookily easy to make. —Beth Tomkiw, Chief Content Officer, Taste of Home
Nutrition Facts:
1 pretzel half: 155 calories, 7g fat (7g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
27/50
Pumpkin Spice Cutouts
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 156 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
28/50
Spiced Chocolate Truffles
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make truffles for family events and gift-giving. Someone once asked me to add pumpkin spice, and now my recipe is legendary. —Gerry Cofta, Milwaukee, WI
Nutrition Facts:
1 truffle: 89 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
29/50
Crescent Roll Witch Hats
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
It doesn’t take magic to transform these crescent rolls into charming witch hats—just a few minutes and a couple of ingredients. They’re so good, you’ll want to make a double batch. —Mara Fletcher, Batesville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 129 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
30/50
Freaky Frankenstein Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
They're alive! Each year when the Halloween invites start coming my way, I create a little treat to bring. These cute cookies bring a lot of life to every party. —Philia Kelnhofer, West Allis, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 156 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 83mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
31/50
Out-Of-This-World Cupcakes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These are a cinch to bake—and even more fun to decorate! Save the decorating fun for a party activity, and let the kids top their cakes any way they want. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake (calculated without toppings): 174 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
32/50
Halloween Party Mix
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
"This colorful snack mix has a light coating that also makes it perfect for gatherings," notes field editor Jeanette Urbom of Overland Park, Kansas.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 562 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 92g carbohydrate (61g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
33/50
Broccoli Boo Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 217 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
34/50
Jack-o’-Lantern Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 492 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (64g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
35/50
Eyeball Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
25 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
All eyes will definitely be on these adorable cookies when they're set on any buffet table. I created them for my son's kindergarten class for Halloween. —Sherry Lee, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 36 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
36/50
Edible Arachnids
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I bring cake pops to my church group when we have movie nights. This year for Halloween, I used my go-to recipe to make these not-so-scary spiders. —Nicole Rae Paoli, Newark, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 spider: 495 calories, 29g fat (13g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
37/50
Brainy Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Godson and I made this cake after fun day at the science museum. We've made it several times now, and we get a kick out of experimenting with the frosting colors. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
38/50
Ghostly Hot Cocoa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
30 servings (10 cups mix)
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate pudding mix is the convenient start to this clever cocoa mix. Kids of all ages get a kick out of the marshmallow ghost floating on top. —Ruby Gibson, Newton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 214 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
39/50
Scary Eyeballs
Total Time
50 min
Servings
40 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids will squeal with delight at the sight of these eyeball treats. But the peanut butter flavor is the best part! —Shannon Blatchley, Ludlow, Massachusetts
40/50
Candy Cupcakes
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich chocolaty cupcakes include a cream cheese surprise. Get kids in on the fun by letting them help decorate. ‐Mrs. Walter Jacobson, Ashland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 404 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 255mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
41/50
Ghost Shortbread Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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. —Jamie S, Regina, Saskatchewan
42/50
Halloween Brownies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
9 brownie spiders
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 367 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
43/50
Witches’ Brooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 brooms
From the Recipe Creator:
Pair these edible mini brooms with Witches’ Brew for a spellbinding combination. The only ingredients you need here are pretzel rods and licorice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 broom: 106 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
44/50
Ghosts to Go
Total Time
25 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Are these adorable or what? Little kids would love to eat these treats, made colorful with food coloring and decorated with candy treats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup (without decorations): 73 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
45/50
Monster Munchies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Magically transform squash or pumpkin seeds into a spellbinding snack with ranch salad dressing mix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 350 calories, 23g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 481mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 9g fiber), 9g protein.
46/50
Halloween Sugar Cookies
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making these Halloween sugar 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 182 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
47/50
48/50
Trick-or-Treat Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 slices
From the Recipe Creator:
Don’t let your leftover Halloween loot go to waste. Pile your favorite candies onto a monster-size cookie. — Kendra Bowen, Louisville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 246 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 111mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
49/50
Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Friends and family are always happy to see these tasty peanut butter popcorn balls and I love making them! —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 popcorn ball: 281 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
50/50
Goblin's Orange Popcorn
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Your little goblins will love to munch this tasty, colorful popcorn that features a crispy crunch and sweet flavor.
Donna Higbee, Sandy, Utah
