Spooktacular Ways to Use Leftover Candy
Got way too much candy left after Halloween? You’re not alone. Between your kids’ trick-or-treat haul and other leftover handouts, it’s easy to end up with more sweets than you know what to do with, and you definitely don't want your kids to be finishing every last bite. But don't toss out the stash just yet—get creative instead! From baking them into cookies or cupcakes to folding them into pancakes and waffles, here are 20 fun and clever ways to use up your leftover Halloween candy.
1. Cookies
The most classic way to repurpose Halloween candy is to mix it into cookie dough! From M&M's and Rolo to Twix and Hershey Kisses, there are plenty of different chocolates and candies you can use to make a mean, delicious biscuit.
2. Cupcakes
Another popular baked treat to make with Halloween candy? Cupcakes! You can either mix chocolates into the dough for a little surprise in every bite or use them as toppings over creamy frosting. Candy corn, M&M's, Twix, or Snickers bars work equally great.
3. Trail Mix
If you're just looking for a quick snack to enjoy for a movie marathon, try tossing M&M's (as you can see, they're extremely versatile), pretzels, Chex squares, nuts, and other goodies for a delicious handful. We guarantee the bowl will be finished even before the first film ends.
4. Gingerbread House
With Christmas coming up soon after Halloween ends, you can also use leftover Halloween candy to decorate your gingerbread house. Any type of candy bars work here, as well as candy corn, Skittles, and yup—M&M's, too.
5. Candy Garland
Another way to bring in the Christmas cheer? Make candy garlands! This edible decoration works best with ring-shaped candies, but you can also use a skewer stick to poke holes in gummy-like candies for more variety.
6. Popcorn Mix
Not the biggest fan of trail mix? No problem—toss leftover candy into a big bowl of popcorn instead for a more traditional TV snack. Any flavor of popcorn works, but if you're craving something extra sweet, salted caramel pairs deliciously well with any candy.
7. Cake Toppers
Baking a cake? Instead of just using frosting to make creative shapes and edible decor, try putting leftover Halloween candy to good use by crafting tiny figures or spelling names with it. Who doesn't love getting chunks of Twix or Snickers with every bite?
Anastasia Ilina-Makarova on Pexels
8. S'mores
With all the candy bars you have left over, you can easily turn them into S'mores by just mashing them between marshmallows and graham crackers. Roast them over an open fire for the ultimate sweet-and-smoky treat, or melt these favorites in the microwave.
9. Candy Bark
The best thing about candy bark isn't that it's yummy—it's that it's surprisingly easy to make. All you need to do is line your baking sheet with some parchment paper, then spread melted chocolate and top with your favorite candies (and pretzels for a pinch of saltiness!). Let cool and voilà: a tasty treat everyone will enjoy!
10. Brownies
If you really want to lean into that fudgy, chocolate taste, whip your leftover candy bars into brownies! You can either make the base from scratch or a box mix to save time, then mix in M&M's, Reese's Pieces, candy corn, or any other favorite candy from your batch. Top your brownies with more candy for an extra decadent crunch.
11. Edible Cookie Dough
How to make edible cookie dough? Easy: heat your flour beforehand and forgo the eggs in the recipe. After heat-treating your flour, mix in your favorite candies and chocolates. We highly recommend M&M's, Rolo pieces, and other candy bars with a gooey filling.
12. Campfire Cones
For a twist on S'mores, try making campfire cones! Simply stuff waffle cones with marshmallows, chopped up chocolate bars, and graham cracker pieces, then toast in the oven. For an even sweeter treat, add a scoop (or two) of ice cream.
July Brenda Gonzales Callapaza on Unsplash
13. Cheesecake
Who doesn't love cheesecake? You can either melt candy bars into a glaze to drizzle or cover your cheesecake, or garnish the layer with crunchy, chewy, decadent bites, like Twix, Reese's Cups, M&M's, or Snickers pieces.
14. Chocolate Pizza
Make your own pizza dough at home or grab a pre-made one from the store, then bake until crispy and spread a generous scoop of Nutella as your tomato sauce, before sprinkling pieces of candy, chocolate, and marshmallows. Yup—it's as easy as that.
15. Rice Krispies
Chewy, sweet, and delicious? Who doesn't want rice krispies made with leftover Halloween candy? The great thing about this treat is that it's easy to make, and you can spice it up any way you want. Stuff with candy pieces or drizzle with melted chocolate—it's all up to you.
16. Reese's Trees
Have one too many packs of Reese's Cups sitting around in that Halloween stash? Don't worry—there are better ways to enjoy them than just popping them into your mouth. A simple treat to make to ring in the holidays is to stack these cups into a Christmas tree, then dress with Hershey's Kisses, frosting, and sprinkles.
17. Starburst Slime
If you're looking for slime that you can chew, savor, and swallow, look no further than this sweet, stretchy recipe made with Starburst candies. To make, simply melt the candies in glass bowls over a pot of boiling water. Dust cornstarch and powdered sugar on your counter, then knead melted candies (after they've cooled down!) until you reach a slime-like consistency.
18. Parfaits
You can make these parfaits with yogurt, but if you ask us, ice cream is the way to go. To make, simply layer scoops of ice cream with candy or chocolate pieces, then top with whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles, and pretzel bits for a touch of saltiness.
19. Hot Cocoa
No matter what chocolate bar you prefer to use, we guarantee they'll work great with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. You can either melt them in a mug with hot milk, or top as a garnish along with whipped cream and a generous handful of marshmallows.
Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash
20. Pancakes & Waffles
Making pancakes or waffles for breakfast? Fold leftover Halloween candy into your batter! Trust us—they'll give you that satisfying, sweet crunch that'll make you never want to go back to using plain chocolate chips again.
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