Get ready to win Halloween with the spookiest, fudgiest, and easiest Spiderweb Brownies you’ll ever make! These aren’t just any ordinary Halloween brownies – they start with a rich, chewy brownie base that’s so decadent, you’ll want to make them year-round. But the real magic happens when you create that show-stopping marshmallow web topping that transforms simple brownies into a Halloween masterpiece.
Why This is the Only Spiderweb Brownie Recipe You’ll Need
Here’s why this recipe beats all the rest:
- Unbelievably Fudgy & Chewy: Made with melted chocolate and butter for the ultimate rich texture that stays moist for days
- Surprisingly Simple: No electric mixer needed! Just a bowl and a whisk – perfect for stress-free baking
- 3 Ways to Make the Web: Choose from the classic marshmallow web, a simple icing web, or a gourmet white chocolate web. We show you how to master all three!
- Perfect for Parties: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can easily be made ahead of time
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Decorating the webs is a fantastic Halloween activity that keeps little ones entertained
This easy Halloween dessert recipe has been tested dozens of times in my kitchen, and I’ve perfected every single detail. You’re getting foolproof instructions that work every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let me break down exactly what you’ll need for these incredible Halloween brownies. Don’t worry – most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry!
For the Classic Fudgy Brownies
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Expert Tip: Why melted butter? Using melted butter instead of creamed butter is the secret to a dense, fudgy brownie rather than a light, cakey one. This technique creates that perfect chewy texture that makes these Spiderweb Brownies absolutely irresistible.
For the Spiderweb Topping (Choose Your Favorite!)
Method 1 – The Classic Marshmallow Web:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil
Method 2 – The Simple Icing Web:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method 3 – The White Chocolate Ganache Web:
- 4 oz white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Melt the butter and chocolate chips together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. You can also use a double boiler if you prefer.
Step 3: Whisk in the sugar until well combined. The mixture should look glossy and smooth.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Don’t overmix – just until everything is incorporated.
Step 5: Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Mix just until you don’t see any dry flour streaks.
Step 6: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake!
Step 8: Cool completely in the pan. This is crucial! Your Spiderweb Brownies need to be completely cool before decorating, or your topping will melt.
How to Make the Perfect Spiderweb Topping
This is where the magic happens! I’m going to show you three different techniques so you can choose the one that works best for your skill level and taste preferences.
Method 1: The Stretchy Marshmallow Web
This is my personal favorite because it creates the most realistic-looking web, and kids absolutely love helping with this part!
Step 1: Place the mini marshmallows and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted and smooth.
Step 2: Working quickly (this is important!), use your fingers to stretch the marshmallow mixture over the cooled brownies. Start from one corner and stretch thin strands across the surface.
Step 3: Create intersecting lines to form web patterns. Don’t worry about making it perfect – real spider webs aren’t perfect either!
Pro Tip: Work quickly! The marshmallow mixture becomes hard to work with as it cools. It’s best to have a partner help you stretch it over the brownies. If your hands get too sticky, lightly grease them with butter.
Method 2: The Easy Powdered Sugar Icing Web
This technique is perfect if you want clean, precise lines and don’t want to deal with sticky marshmallows.
Step 1: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to pipe.
Step 2: Transfer the icing to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
Step 3: Pipe concentric circles on your brownies, starting from the center and working outward.
Step 4: Use a toothpick to drag lines from the center to the edges, creating that classic web pattern.
Method 3: The Gourmet White Chocolate Web
This method creates the most elegant Halloween brownies – perfect for adult Halloween parties!
Step 1: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer (don’t let it boil).
Step 2: Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Let the ganache cool for 5 minutes, then use the same piping and toothpick technique as Method 2.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Let me share some insider secrets that’ll make your Spiderweb Brownies absolutely perfect:
Can I use a box mix? Absolutely! This is a great time-saver for busy parents. Simply bake your favorite fudgy brownie box mix according to package directions, let it cool completely, and then jump to our decoration steps. I won’t tell if you don’t!
How do I get clean cuts? For perfect squares that look bakery-professional, chill the decorated brownies in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then use a large, sharp knife, wiping it clean between each cut. This prevents the topping from smearing.
Why is my marshmallow web clumpy? You may have overheated it. Marshmallows can go from perfectly melted to burnt rubber in seconds. Always melt in short 15-20 second bursts and stir well between each interval. If it’s too sticky to handle, lightly grease your fingers with butter or coconut oil.
How do I store Spiderweb Brownies? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The marshmallow topping actually helps keep the brownies moist! If you’re making them ahead for a party, they’re even better the next day.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. I recommend Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour – they work perfectly in this recipe.
What if I don’t have an 8×8 pan? You can use a 9×9 pan, but reduce the baking time by 3-5 minutes and keep a close eye on them. For a 9×13 pan, double the recipe.
Can I freeze these? Absolutely! Freeze the decorated brownies for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Spiderweb Brownies have become my go-to Halloween dessert because they never fail to impress. The combination of rich, fudgy brownies with that spooky web topping creates something truly special that both kids and adults absolutely devour.
The best part? You can customize them to your heart’s content. Add orange food coloring to the white chocolate ganache for a more Halloween-themed look, or sprinkle on some edible glitter for extra sparkle. Some of my friends even add plastic spiders on top – just remember to remove them before eating!
Whether you choose the fun marshmallow web, the elegant white chocolate version, or the simple icing technique, you’re going to end up with an easy Halloween dessert that looks like it came from a fancy bakery. Trust me, once you make these Halloween brownies, they’ll become a tradition in your house too.
Ready to create some Halloween magic in your kitchen? Let’s get baking!
Print
Spiderweb Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, fudgy brownies topped with a spooky spiderweb design using your choice of marshmallow, icing, or white chocolate.
Ingredients
For the Classic Fudgy Brownies:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Spiderweb Topping (Choose One Method):
Method 1 – Marshmallow Web:
2 cups mini marshmallows
2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil
Method 2 – Icing Web:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method 3 – White Chocolate Web:
4 oz white chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
3. Whisk in the sugar until well combined and glossy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
5. Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt just until no dry streaks remain.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Cool completely in the pan before decorating.
9.
10. Method 1 – Marshmallow Web:
11. Melt mini marshmallows and butter in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
12. Quickly use your fingers to stretch strands of the mixture over the brownies in a web pattern.
13.
14. Method 2 – Icing Web:
15. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pipeable.
16. Pipe concentric circles over the brownies and drag a toothpick from center outward to create webs.
17.
18. Method 3 – White Chocolate Web:
19. Heat cream until it simmers, then pour over white chocolate chips and let sit 2 minutes.
20. Stir until smooth, cool for 5 minutes, then use the same piping technique as Method 2.
Notes
Expert Tip: Using melted butter gives brownies that dense, chewy texture we all crave. It’s the key to getting that perfect fudgy bite.
If using the marshmallow web method, have a helper ready and grease your hands to avoid sticking.
For a neat, clean design, try the icing or white chocolate method — they’re great for piping and precise lines.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American