The eternal Halloween dilemma: You want to throw a fabulous party to celebrate spooky season, but you don’t want to get so kitschy and kiddie that your guests are spending half the party picking fake eyeballs and fingers out of their food. So, we went on a mission to find the classiest treat (and drink) ideas for the occasion. Here, 65 Halloween snacks for adults that all your party (or dinner) guests will love (think: pumpkin soup, pumpkin tiramisu, and apple cider doughnut holes). Then top it all off with a spooky Halloween movie, and you're golden. (Oh, and you can get even more ideas on our Halloween inspiration board.)
food
65 Halloween Snacks for Adults, That’ll Get Anyone in the Spirit
Published Sep 1, 2023
Sally Schimko/The Tahini Goddess
1. Pumpkin Hummus
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, make ahead, vegan, crowd-pleaser
This plant-based gem is a delicious way to get the party started. Finish the hummus with whole chickpeas, flaky salt, fresh herbs and pumpkin pie spice.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
2. Mulled Cider
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, special occasion-worthy
Another way to win your guests over in a heartbeat? Serve them homemade mulled cider, which can easily be made on the stove or in your Crockpot. Spike it with rum or whiskey if you'd like.
Katherine Gillen
3. Pumpkin Black and White Cookies
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
This NYC icon just got an autumnal makeover—and boy, does it suit her. Be sure to use plain canned pumpkin purée in the batter, not pumpkin pie filling.
4. Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
Cuter (and more impressive) than any typical apple pie recipe. Use a baking apple that will hold its shape and texture in the oven, like Honeycrisps or Granny Smiths.
5. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
We'd go ham with the cinnamon streusel on top if we were you. It is the best part, after all. (Or is it the tangy cream cheese swirl?)
6. Jolly Rancher Candy Apples
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
The perfect balance of sweet and sour, these carnival delicacies are classics for a reason. Drizzle them with white chocolate for extra flair.
7. Giant Cinnamon Roll
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Move over, pumpkin spice: There’s a new breakfast favorite to scarf down every morning this fall. Plop it on the snack table and let your guests serve themselves.
8. The Best Damn Pumpkin Soup
- Time Commitment: 2 hours, 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
Anyone who says soup isn't a snack hasn't tried this one. All you have to do is fill a hulled-out pumpkin with stock and seasonings, then roast it to perfection. To make it an app, skip the whole roasted pumpkin and serve the soup in shooters.
9. Pumpkin Pecan Scones with Maple Glaze
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegan, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Only have 30 minutes before your guests arrive? Challenge accepted. Use coconut oil instead of butter and non-dairy milk to keep it plant-based.
10. Baked Salted Caramel Apple Cider Doughnuts
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead
It’s not fall until you have at least two (or three) of these, either with mulled apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte. The homemade cider caramel would taste great on vanilla ice cream too, BTW.
11. Pumpkin Pie with Cinnamon-Roll Crust
- Time Commitment: 3 hours, 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser
The filling only requires six ingredients, but if you want to use store-bought, feel free. The cinnamon roll pie crust is what really sets this beauty apart anyway.
12. Sweet Potato Wedges with Avocado Aioli
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, sheet pan recipe
Your favorite seasonal spud makes for a wonderful appetizer. Seasoned with cold-weather spices like fennel, coriander and cumin, these are far from your average fries.
13. Giant Peanut Butter Cup
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Let’s face it: Not all Halloween treats are created equal, and the iconic combo of peanut butter and chocolate trumps them all. So, consider this the ultimate trick-or-treat candy.
14. Chocolate Bark Halloween Brownies
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
These oh-so-Instagrammable brownies are a sure win with both kids and adults alike. Go wild with the chocolate bark toppings, like M&M's, spooky sprinkles and candy eyes.
15. Savory Pumpkin Dip
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why We Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients
This dip's got it all, from cheddar cheese to toasted pecans to crispy bacon. Better yet, it'll only take you five minutes to prepare.
16. Candy Corn Surprise Cake
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Slice it open at the table and let the compliments roll in. The candy inside will really impress your friends and family (but mostly the kids at the party).
17. Pumpkin Tiramisu
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Our new favorite dessert, courtesy of Coterie member Heidi Larsen. Not only are there a ton of ladyfingers layered in there, but the dessert is also crowned with ginger snap cookies and infused with pumpkin liqueur.
18. Black Sesame Ice Cream
- Time Commitment: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, gluten free
Because ice cream season is never over in our hearts, no matter the weather. Not only is it naturally gluten-free, but the color of the ice cream is just right for spooky season.
19. Pepper Teigen’s Thai Glazed Ribs
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
Place these on a festive tray and watch them vanish in 30 seconds flat. The trick to cooking them at lightning speed? Deep-frying the ribs instead of smoking or grilling them.
20. Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, make ahead, kid-friendly
These adorable treats—made with white chocolate, Biscoff cookie butter and pumpkin pie spice—are bite-size, so go ahead and have a whole bowl (or two). We won’t judge.
21. Tahini Buckeyes
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, beginner-friendly
A subtle (and non-spooky) nod to eyeball candies. Nutty tahini takes over for traditional peanut butter here for an earthy twist.
22. Curried Parsnip and Apple Soup
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: make ahead, one pot, beginner-friendly
A hearty bowl of this nutrient-packed root vegetable soup will keep you warm through December. Serve them in shot glasses with hunks of bread for an easy app.
23. Apple Cider Churros with Cider Beer Caramel
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Use the leftover caramel sauce (which is made with hard cider) as a dip for apples, drizzle it over ice cream or just eat it by the spoonful.
24. Sea Salt Pumpkin Butter Cups
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: gluten free, dairy free, Paleo-friendly, make ahead
A fall take on the standard peanut butter cup, these pumpkin purée-filled candies come together with just five ingredients.
25. Candy Corn Cupcakes
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Layers of yellow and orange cake batter topped with buttercream frosting make these vanilla cupcakes resemble their namesake.
26. Pumpkin Sage Biscuits
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegan, dairy free, <10 ingredients
Thanks to almond milk and non-dairy butter, these babies are totally vegan. Serve them with soup, slather them in butter or use them to crown a green salad.
27. Cranberry Apple Crisp
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
Tackle this recipe whenever pie crust feels like a tall order. There's no fancy crimping required; instead, it's topped with brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel.
28. Apple Pie Biscuits
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, kid-friendly
Whether you have these for breakfast, dessert or an appetizer, they'll only take you 45 minutes to make. Finish them with sanding sugar, whipped cream or nothing at all.
29. Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Feel free to use your favorite roasted fall vegetable in place of tomatoes if you'd like. Think crispy mushrooms, brown sugar-glazed carrots or air-fried Brussels sprouts.
30. Brown Sugar Pear Puff Pastries
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
It only *looks* like one of those treats from a fancy bakery that you could never pull off on your own. The secret is starting with store-bought puff pastry.
31. Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Store-bought pie crust and cranberry sauce make these hors d'oeuvres a total cinch, while Brie makes them just fancy enough.
32. Mini Caramel Pecan Pies with Cinnamon Roll Pie Crust
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
In a word, irresistible. And they've got a foolproof ratio of pie to whipped cream to boot. Start with store-bought canned cinnamon roll dough to save time.
33. Goat Cheese, Apple and Honey Tarts
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Since the cheese is tangy and salty, sweet apples like Braeburns or Galas balance this recipe best. Go the extra mile by finishing them with a drizzle of honey and micro purple basil.
34. Apple Cider Doughnut Holes
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
Want to see a bunch of children turn into monsters? Put a bowl of these down on the kids' table.
35. Spiked Caramel Apple Cider Cocktail
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy, <30 minutes
This mature take on your classic caramel apples will change your life.
36. Ghost Pizza
- Time Commitment: 2 hours, 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
OK, so we said no cheesy recipes. But we'll never pass on melted mozzarella. Plus, how can you resist that cute little tomato face? Save a ton of time by starting with store-bought pizza dough.
37. Mini Caramel Apples
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, kid-friendly
Bring the fall festival home this year with these sweet treats that only take four ingredients and 50 minutes to prepare. Skip the sticks and slice the apples instead for easy serving.
38. Creamy Pumpkin Eton Mess
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, gluten free
Pumpkin pie haters, beware. You're about to be converted by this pumpkin cream-meringue hybrid that's finished with a generous dose of caramel sauce.
39. Ritz Crackers with Whipped Honey Ricotta and Bacon
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
Cheese and crackers, but make it fashion. Bonus points for candying the bacon in brown sugar and maple syrup.
40. Pumpkin Spice Pecan Rolls
- Time Commitment: 3 hours, 5 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser
Pumpkin purée-spiked dough meets buttery, spiced pecan filling. The three-ingredient icing is technically optional...but we can't imagine why you'd skip it.
41. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, kid-friendly
Consider it the best of ginger snaps, cheesecake and pumpkin pie, all in one bite. (They practically melt in your mouth to boot.)
42. Biscuit Dough Pumpkin Hand Pies
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Brunch is served. The pies are coated in cinnamon glaze, in case the spiced pumpkin filling isn't enticing enough for you. Did we mention they pair beautifully with a venti PSL? (With extra whip, of course.)
43. Pumpkin Brioche
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes (plus rising time)
- Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
Light as air, fragrant and undeniably autumnal. A few leftover slices would make for a scary delicious fall spin on French toast...just sayin'.
44. Classic Guacamole
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, make ahead
No matter the occasion, a heaping bowl of fresh guac never fails. Go the festive route by serving it in a hollowed-out pumpkin and garnishing with toasted pepitas.
45. Everything Bagel-Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, high protein, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
If your menu consists mostly of snacks, add these filling handhelds to the list so your guests (*cough* the kids) don't fill up on candy.
46. Homemade Cheese Crackers
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
When in doubt, let cheddar and Parm lead the way. Whip up a few batches prior to your Halloween party so you have one less thing to think about the day of.
47. ‘Frycuterie’ Board
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
If you have no choice but to invite the kids to your Halloween soirée, this spread of crinkle-cut fries, curly fries, sweet potato fries and frozen tots should keep them occupied.
48. Three-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles
- Time Commitment: 4 hours, 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
Heavy cream, cocoa powder and quality chocolate unite to create these poppable treats. Be sure to use chocolate discs or a bar instead of chips, since they're designed to keep their shape when heated.
49. Spanish Tapas Board
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser
Come for the Spanish cheeses, cured meats, nuts and olives. Stay for the heirloom pan con tomate and patatas bravas with saffron aioli.
50. Coffee and Brown Sugar Granita with Whipped Cream
- Time Commitment: 3 hours
- Why We Love It: no cook, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
This visually fancy dessert is mind-blowingly simple to whip up, and it's just the closer for your elegant-ish Halloween party. You only need five ingredients and a freezer to pull it off.
51. Feta Wrapped in Phyllo with Sesame and Honey
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
You're only 25 minutes away from this crisp, gooey, sweet-and-salty masterpiece. It can be served as a starter, side or post-dinner snack with wine.
52. S’mores Cookies
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Aka the easiest way to get a taste of summer in the off-season. Top the marshmallows with your favorite fun-sized candies for a Halloween-inspired finish.
53. Pommes Anna
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
Buttery, paper-thin potatoes that are impossibly crisp? Yes, please. A side of aioli or fancy ketchup will keep the dippers at your table happy.
54. Black Sesame Shortbread
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
It may look fancier than your average chocolate chip cookie, but these shortbread cookies are a breeze to make. (Seriously—you won't even need an electric mixer.)
55. Garlic Parmesan Popcorn
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
There's so much garlic in this movie snack that you won't have to worry about vampires crashing your Halloween party, promise.
56. Vegan Miso Caramel Dip with Pretzels and Granny Smith Apples
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, vegan, dairy free
Sweet, salty and rich with umami (thanks, white miso paste), this vegan caramel dip made with canned coconut cream blows the jarred kind way out of the water.
57. Candy Land ‘Jarcuterie’
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: no bake, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
Nope, we'll never be over jarcuterie, the single-serve charcuterie "boards" that took over Pinterest in 2020. Here, we trade meat and cheese for fun-size candy bars, yogurt-covered pretzels, lollipops and gummies.
58. Paleo Witch Finger Cookies
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, Paleo-friendly, make ahead, gluten free, crowd-pleaser
Coconut flour cookies stuffed with homemade jelly? And they’re vegan? That’s some strange magic.
59. Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O'-Lantern Cookies
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
Could these spiced brown sugar cookies be any cuter? We think not. Even better, they're brushed with cinnamon-laced salted butter before being assembled.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
60. Hot Buttered Rum
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
There's no nightcap classier or cozier than hot buttered rum, especially when it's made with a bold mix of warm seasonal spices. Make hot cocoa for the kids so they don't get too jealous.
Photo: Erin McDowell
61. Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly
Spice things up at your ~adult~ Halloween party with this savory and seasonal number.
62. Espresso 'n' Bourbon Cocktail
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy
Get the party started with this sophisticated sip.
63. Kit Kat Bar Ice Cream Cake
- Time Commitment: 3 hours
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Nothing is more impressive than making your own ice cream cake... and let's be real: everyone loves Kit Kats.
64. Raspberry-Lime Champagne Punch
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
This will absolutely steal the show at any and all spooky brunches this fall.
65. Butternut Squash Quesadilla with Caramelized Onion
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian
It's the perfect finger food, whether you're tearing up to "The Monster Mash" or on break from bobbing for apples.
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