Spooky Treats Arrive Early: Hershey’s Halloween Reese’s Recipes to Die For!
It’s barely September, and the aisles are already haunted… by deliciousness! Hershey’s has unleashed its Halloween Reese’s lineup earlier than ever this year, and we’re not complaining. From classic pumpkins to spooky shapes and frighteningly fun flavors, these candies are begging to be incorporated into some ghoulishly good recipes. So, ditch the basic candy bowl (at least for a few minutes) and let’s get creative! We’re diving into a cauldron of ideas, from simple no-bake treats to impressive desserts that will be the star of any Halloween party. Prepare for a sugar rush and a whole lot of Halloween spirit!
Why the Early Halloween Candy Rush?
Before we get to the recipes, let’s address the elephant (or should we say, ghost?) in the room: why are Halloween candies hitting shelves so early? The reasons are multi-faceted. Supply chain improvements after previous disruptions allow manufacturers to get products out sooner. Also, early availability creates excitement and encourages early purchasing, maximizing sales for Hershey’s. Finally, consumers are eager for a sense of normalcy and fun, and Halloween candy provides a welcome dose of seasonal cheer.
Reese’s Halloween Lineup: A Candy Cornucopia
This year, Hershey’s Halloween Reese’s selection is brimming with tantalizing options, including:
* **Reese’s Pumpkins:** The quintessential Halloween candy, these peanut butter-filled pumpkins are a classic for a reason.
* **Reese’s Bats:** New for this year, these bat-shaped Reese’s offer a fun twist on the traditional cup.
* **Reese’s Ghosts:** These spooky specters are another adorable addition, perfect for decorating and snacking.
* **Reese’s Pieces Pumpkins:** A colorful mix of orange, yellow, and white Reese’s Pieces shaped like pumpkins.
* **Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (Halloween Wrapper):** The original Reese’s Cups in festive Halloween-themed wrappers.
* **Reese’s Franken-Cups:** Green-colored creme covers the signature peanut butter cup for a monster-mash of flavor.
With such a fantastic assortment, the recipe possibilities are endless. Let’s get started!
Recipe 1: No-Bake Reese’s Pumpkin Bars
These no-bake bars are the perfect quick and easy treat for any Halloween gathering. They require minimal effort and maximum flavor!
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
* ½ cup powdered sugar
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup creamy peanut butter
* ½ cup Reese’s Pieces Pumpkins
* 1 cup Reese’s Pumpkins, coarsely chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Crust:** In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until evenly moistened.
2. **Press the Crust:** Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars later.
3. **Make the Filling:** In a separate large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and peanut butter. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. **Add the Candy:** Stir in the Reese’s Pieces Pumpkins and chopped Reese’s Pumpkins.
5. **Spread the Filling:** Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
6. **Chill:** Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
7. **Cut and Serve:** Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the spooky goodness!
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a richer flavor, use salted butter in the crust.
* Add a pinch of salt to the filling to balance the sweetness.
* Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for an extra layer of decadence.
* Use different Reese’s candies, such as Reese’s Bats or Ghosts, for a unique twist.
* Top with Halloween sprinkles for added festive flair.
Recipe 2: Reese’s Franken-Cup Brownie Bites
These adorable brownie bites are a fun and festive treat that kids (and adults!) will love. The combination of rich chocolate and peanut butter is simply irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box brownie mix (and ingredients required by the box, such as eggs, oil, and water)
* 1 package Reese’s Franken-Cups
* Green candy melts (optional, for drizzling)
* Halloween sprinkles (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Brownie Batter:** Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions.
2. **Fill the Muffin Tin:** Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. Fill each liner about two-thirds full with brownie batter.
3. **Add the Reese’s:** Gently press a Reese’s Franken-Cup into the center of each brownie bite.
4. **Bake:** Bake according to the brownie mix instructions, but check for doneness a few minutes early, as the mini brownies will bake faster.
5. **Cool:** Let the brownie bites cool completely in the muffin tin before removing them.
6. **Decorate (Optional):** Melt the green candy melts according to the package directions. Drizzle the melted candy over the brownie bites and sprinkle with Halloween sprinkles.
7. **Serve:** Enjoy these spooky and delicious brownie bites!
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use your favorite brownie mix recipe. From scratch recipes also work beautifully.
* Use regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups if you can’t find Franken-Cups.
* Add chopped nuts to the brownie batter for added texture.
* Drizzle with white chocolate instead of green candy melts.
* Add a small pretzel stick to each brownie bite to resemble Frankenstein’s bolts.
Recipe 3: Spooky Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Spider Cookies
These creepy crawly cookies are a fun and easy way to add a spooky touch to your Halloween treats. The pretzel legs and candy eyes make them extra adorable (in a spooky sort of way!).
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package of your favorite refrigerated sugar cookie dough
* 1 package Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (unwrapped)
* Pretzel sticks, broken in half
* Candy eyes
* Chocolate frosting (or melted chocolate)
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake the sugar cookies according to the package directions. Let them cool completely.
2. **Frost the Cookies:** Frost the top of each cookie with chocolate frosting or melted chocolate.
3. **Attach the Reese’s:** Place a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the center of each frosted cookie.
4. **Add the Legs:** Gently insert 4 pretzel stick halves into each side of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup to create spider legs.
5. **Add the Eyes:** Attach two candy eyes to the top of each Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup using a small dab of frosting or melted chocolate.
6. **Let Set:** Allow the frosting or melted chocolate to set completely before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different flavors of frosting, such as peanut butter frosting or vanilla frosting.
* Use mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for smaller spiders.
* Add edible glitter to the spider legs for extra sparkle.
* Use black licorice laces for the spider legs for a more realistic look.
* Get creative with the candy eyes – use different sizes or colors.
Recipe 4: Reese’s Halloween Bark
This colorful and festive bark is a perfect treat to make with kids. It’s easy to customize and requires minimal effort.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces white chocolate chips
* 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
* Assorted Reese’s Halloween candies (Reese’s Pieces Pumpkins, chopped Reese’s Pumpkins, Reese’s Bats, Reese’s Ghosts)
* Halloween sprinkles
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the White Chocolate:** Melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
2. **Spread the White Chocolate:** Pour the melted white chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread it into an even layer.
3. **Melt the Semi-Sweet Chocolate:** Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a separate bowl using the same method.
4. **Drizzle the Semi-Sweet Chocolate:** Drizzle the melted semi-sweet chocolate over the white chocolate layer.
5. **Swirl the Chocolates (Optional):** Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the chocolates together for a marbled effect.
6. **Add the Candy:** Sprinkle the assorted Reese’s Halloween candies and Halloween sprinkles over the chocolate.
7. **Press the Candy:** Gently press the candies into the chocolate to ensure they adhere well.
8. **Chill:** Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
9. **Break into Pieces:** Once firm, break the bark into pieces and serve.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
* Add chopped nuts, pretzels, or dried fruit to the bark.
* Use different holiday-themed candies and sprinkles to customize the bark for other occasions.
* Add a layer of peanut butter to the bark for an extra peanut butter flavor.
* For a thinner bark, use a larger baking sheet.
## Recipe 5: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Dates
These are a surprisingly sophisticated and delicious treat! The sweetness of the dates perfectly complements the salty peanut butter of the Reese’s, creating a delightful flavor combination.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 Medjool dates, pitted
* 6 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, halved (or mini Reese’s if desired)
* Flaky sea salt (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dates:** Gently open each date and remove the pit if it’s not already done.
2. **Stuff with Reese’s:** Place a half of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (or one mini Reese’s) inside each date.
3. **Press Gently:** Gently press the date closed, securing the Reese’s inside.
4. **Chill (Optional):** Chill the stuffed dates in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the Reese’s to firm up slightly. This makes them easier to handle.
5. **Sprinkle with Salt (Optional):** Before serving, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over each date. This enhances the sweetness and peanut butter flavor.
6. **Serve:** Enjoy these simple yet elegant treats!
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use a different type of nut butter instead of Reese’s. Almond butter or cashew butter would be delicious.
* Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the dates along with the Reese’s.
* Drizzle the stuffed dates with melted chocolate.
* Use different varieties of dates, such as Deglet Noor dates.
* Warm the stuffed dates slightly in the microwave for a gooey, melty treat.
## Recipe 6: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate
This decadent hot chocolate is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly Halloween night. The rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor is simply irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups milk
* 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
* Whipped cream (optional)
* Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (optional, for topping)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a saucepan, combine the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. **Heat and Whisk:** Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. **Add Reese’s:** Add the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to the saucepan.
4. **Whisk Until Melted:** Continue whisking until the Reese’s are melted and the hot chocolate is smooth.
5. **Serve:** Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream and mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of milk, such as almond milk or soy milk.
* Add a pinch of salt to the hot chocolate to enhance the flavor.
* Use different flavors of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, such as Reese’s White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.
* Add a shot of espresso to the hot chocolate for a mocha flavor.
* Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
## Recipe 7: Reese’s Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) Halloween Edition
Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a highly addictive snack mix that’s perfect for parties and movie nights. This Halloween version adds a spooky twist with colorful candies and festive sprinkles.
**Ingredients:**
* 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup peanut butter
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
* 1 cup Reese’s Pieces Pumpkins or other Halloween candies
* Halloween sprinkles
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cereal:** Pour the Rice Chex cereal into a large bowl.
2. **Melt the Chocolate Mixture:** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. **Add Vanilla:** Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Coat the Cereal:** Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
5. **Coat with Powdered Sugar:** Place the powdered sugar in a large zip-top bag. Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag. Seal the bag and shake well until the cereal is completely coated with powdered sugar.
6. **Add Candies and Sprinkles:** Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with Reese’s Pieces Pumpkins and Halloween sprinkles.
7. **Let Set:** Let the puppy chow set for about 30 minutes before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of cereal, such as Corn Chex or Cheerios.
* Add chopped nuts, pretzels, or marshmallows to the mix.
* Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
* Add a pinch of salt to the chocolate mixture to balance the sweetness.
* Store the puppy chow in an airtight container.
## Recipe 8: Reese’s Stuffed Halloween Cookies
Take your favorite chocolate chip cookies to the next level by stuffing them with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup! This recipe is simple, yet creates an amazing treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
* Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (unwrapped)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Cookie Dough:** Prepare your chocolate chip cookie dough according to the recipe instructions.
2. **Wrap the Reese’s:** Take a scoop of cookie dough (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly. Place a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the center of the dough.
3. **Enclose the Reese’s:** Wrap the cookie dough around the Reese’s, completely enclosing it. Make sure there are no gaps or exposed candy.
4. **Bake:** Place the stuffed cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake according to the cookie dough recipe instructions, but add a few extra minutes to ensure the center is cooked through.
5. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, such as Reese’s White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups or Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cups.
* Add chopped nuts to the cookie dough.
* Drizzle the baked cookies with melted chocolate.
* Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the tops of the cookies before baking.
* Use different flavors of cookie dough, such as peanut butter cookie dough or oatmeal cookie dough.
## The Takeaway: Embrace the Early Halloween Spirit!
Hershey’s early release of Halloween Reese’s means one thing: more time to indulge in delicious treats and get creative in the kitchen. These recipes are just a starting point – feel free to experiment, adapt, and create your own spooky masterpieces. So, grab a bag (or three) of your favorite Reese’s Halloween candies and let the baking adventures begin! Happy Halloween!
Enjoy these recipes and have a deliciously spooky Halloween season!