Halloween is just around the corner, and that means one thing: it’s time to indulge in some spooky treats! And who better to help us celebrate than Hershey’s, bringing back some of our all-time favorite Halloween candies? This year, get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as you rediscover (or discover for the first time!) some truly iconic sweets. But we’re not just talking about grabbing a bag and calling it a day. We’re diving deep into the delicious possibilities with some incredibly fun and easy recipes that will make your Halloween party the talk of the town.
**A Hershey’s Halloween Homecoming**
Every year, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Halloween-themed candies, and Hershey’s always delivers. From classic miniatures to limited-edition flavors and spooky packaging, Hershey’s is synonymous with Halloween joy. But this year feels extra special because they’re bringing back some beloved treats that haven’t graced our candy bowls in a while. While the specifics of what’s ‘back’ can vary slightly from year to year and region to region, let’s assume we’re seeing a resurgence of some popular favorites, perhaps with a new twist or in special Halloween packaging. This might include variations with spooky designs, orange-colored chocolate, or added textures like popping candy. It’s all about adding that extra element of fun to the Halloween experience.
But beyond simply enjoying these candies straight from the wrapper, we’re going to explore some creative recipes that elevate your Halloween celebrations. These recipes are designed to be easy to follow, kid-friendly (with adult supervision, of course!), and utterly delicious.
**Recipe 1: Hershey’s Candy Corn Cookie Bars**
These cookie bars are the perfect way to use up those extra bags of Hershey’s candies you inevitably end up with after trick-or-treating. They’re colorful, festive, and incredibly easy to make.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups Hershey’s Halloween candy, chopped (Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kats, Hershey’s Kisses, etc.)
* 1 cup candy corn
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in Candy:** Stir in the chopped Hershey’s Halloween candy and candy corn.
7. **Spread into Pan:** Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. **Cool and Cut:** Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Candy Choices:** Feel free to use any combination of Hershey’s Halloween candies you like. Experiment with different flavors and textures.
* **Add Sprinkles:** Sprinkle the top of the cookie bars with Halloween-themed sprinkles before baking for an extra festive touch.
* **Nutty Addition:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added flavor and texture.
* **Frosting Fun:** Frost the cooled cookie bars with a simple buttercream frosting and decorate with more Halloween candy.
**Recipe 2: Spooky Hershey’s Kiss Spider Cookies**
These adorable spider cookies are always a hit at Halloween parties. They’re easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package (14.3 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
* 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
* Black decorating gel
* Candy eyes
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven according to the sugar cookie dough package directions. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Shape the Cookies:** Roll the sugar cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
3. **Bake:** Bake according to the package directions, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
4. **Add Hershey’s Kisses:** Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
5. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
6. **Decorate:** Once the cookies are cool, use the black decorating gel to draw spider legs on each cookie. Attach candy eyes to the top of each Hershey’s Kiss using a small dot of decorating gel.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Different Kisses:** Use different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses for a variety of spider colors.
* **Pre-Made Frosting:** If you’re short on time, use pre-made frosting instead of decorating gel for the spider legs.
* **Add Sprinkles:** Sprinkle the cookies with black or orange sprinkles before adding the Hershey’s Kisses.
* **Peanut Butter Spider:** Use a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup instead of a Hershey’s Kiss for a peanut butter spider variation.
**Recipe 3: Hershey’s Tombstone Brownies**
These spooky tombstone brownies are a fun and creative way to serve brownies at your Halloween party. They’re easy to decorate and sure to impress your guests.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
* 1 container chocolate frosting
* Graham crackers
* White decorating gel
* Halloween sprinkles (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake Brownies:** Prepare and bake the brownie mix according to the package directions. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
2. **Cut Brownies:** Cut the brownies into tombstone shapes. You can use a knife or a cookie cutter.
3. **Frost Brownies:** Frost the brownies with chocolate frosting.
4. **Make Tombstones:** Cut graham crackers into tombstone shapes. You can use a knife or a cookie cutter.
5. **Decorate Tombstones:** Use the white decorating gel to write “RIP” or other spooky messages on the graham cracker tombstones.
6. **Assemble Tombstones:** Place the graham cracker tombstones on top of the frosted brownies.
7. **Add Sprinkles (Optional):** Sprinkle the brownies with Halloween sprinkles.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Homemade Brownies:** Make your favorite homemade brownie recipe instead of using a box mix.
* **Different Frosting:** Use different flavors of frosting, such as vanilla or peanut butter.
* **Add Decorations:** Add other decorations, such as gummy worms or candy pumpkins.
* **Crushed Oreos:** Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies around the base of the tombstones to resemble dirt.
**Recipe 4: Monster Mash Popcorn Balls with Hershey’s Pieces**
These colorful popcorn balls are a fun and festive treat for kids of all ages. The addition of Hershey’s Pieces adds a burst of chocolatey goodness.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 cups popped popcorn
* 1 cup Hershey’s Pieces candies
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup light corn syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Food coloring (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Popcorn and Hershey’s Pieces:** In a large bowl, combine the popped popcorn and Hershey’s Pieces candies.
2. **Make the Syrup:** In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved.
3. **Add Food Coloring (Optional):** If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the syrup to make the popcorn balls more colorful.
4. **Pour Syrup over Popcorn:** Pour the syrup over the popcorn and Hershey’s Pieces, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. **Shape into Balls:** Let the mixture cool slightly, then use your hands (coated with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking) to shape the popcorn into balls.
6. **Cool and Set:** Place the popcorn balls on a sheet of waxed paper and let them cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Different Candies:** Use different types of Hershey’s candies, such as Hershey’s Kisses or Reese’s Pieces.
* **Add Marshmallows:** Add mini marshmallows to the popcorn mixture for a softer texture.
* **Nutty Addition:** Add chopped nuts to the popcorn mixture for added flavor and crunch.
* **Caramel Popcorn Balls:** Use caramel syrup instead of the sugar syrup for caramel popcorn balls.
**Recipe 5: Hershey’s Candy Bark: A Customizable Halloween Treat**
Candy bark is incredibly versatile and endlessly customizable. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover Halloween candy and create a beautiful, edible gift.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (or white chocolate chips for a spooky contrast)
* Assorted Hershey’s Halloween candy (chopped): Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kats, Hershey’s Kisses, Rolos, etc.
* Halloween sprinkles
* Optional: pretzels, nuts, dried fruit
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the Chocolate:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
2. **Spread the Chocolate:** Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.
3. **Add Toppings:** Immediately sprinkle the chopped Hershey’s Halloween candy, sprinkles, pretzels, nuts, and dried fruit over the melted chocolate. Gently press the toppings into the chocolate.
4. **Chill:** Refrigerate the candy bark for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
5. **Break into Pieces:** Once the chocolate is firm, break the candy bark into pieces.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chocolate Combinations:** Use a combination of dark, milk, and white chocolate for a visually appealing bark.
* **Peppermint Bark Variation:** Add crushed peppermint candies for a festive holiday twist.
* **Salted Caramel Bark:** Drizzle the chocolate with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.
* **Nut-Free Bark:** Omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
**Why Hershey’s and Halloween are a Perfect Match**
Hershey’s has been a cornerstone of Halloween celebrations for generations. The brand’s commitment to quality, accessibility, and festive fun makes it a natural choice for trick-or-treaters, party hosts, and candy lovers alike. The return of classic favorites only amplifies this connection, bringing back cherished memories and creating new ones.
**Making the Most of Your Hershey’s Halloween**
* **Plan Ahead:** Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your Halloween candy. Stock up early to avoid shortages and ensure you have plenty for trick-or-treaters and your own baking adventures.
* **Get Creative:** Experiment with different recipes and variations to find your own signature Halloween treats.
* **Involve the Kids:** Halloween baking is a fun activity for the whole family. Let the kids help with measuring, mixing, and decorating.
* **Share the Joy:** Spread the Halloween cheer by sharing your delicious Hershey’s creations with friends, family, and neighbors.
* **Store Properly:** Store leftover candy and baked goods in airtight containers to keep them fresh.
**Beyond the Recipes: More Hershey’s Halloween Fun**
While baking is a fantastic way to celebrate, there are plenty of other ways to incorporate Hershey’s into your Halloween festivities:
* **Candy Corn Guessing Game:** Fill a jar with candy corn and have guests guess how many pieces are inside.
* **Hershey’s Kisses Hunt:** Hide Hershey’s Kisses around the house or yard and let the kids search for them.
* **Halloween Movie Night:** Enjoy a spooky movie night with a bowl of Hershey’s Halloween candy.
* **Decorate with Candy:** Use Hershey’s candies to decorate cupcakes, cakes, and other desserts.
* **Create Candy Goodie Bags:** Fill goodie bags with Hershey’s candies for party favors or to hand out to trick-or-treaters.
**Conclusion: A Sweetly Spooky Halloween with Hershey’s**
This Halloween, let Hershey’s be your guide to creating deliciously spooky treats and unforgettable memories. With the return of classic favorites and these easy-to-follow recipes, you’re sure to have a boo-tiful celebration. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to unleash your inner Halloween baker! Embrace the nostalgia, embrace the fun, and embrace the deliciousness of Hershey’s this Halloween season! Happy baking and Happy Halloween!
**A Final Note on Candy Safety:** Always be mindful of allergies when sharing treats. Consider offering allergy-friendly alternatives, and encourage everyone to inspect their candy carefully before consuming it.