Whether you are throwing a party or just spending time with friends, Halloween-themed treats can add flair to any event. You don’t need to be a baking expert to throw together these fun snacks.

Can’t decide which ones to try? The Editors-in-Chief of Manhattan High School’s student publications tested and rated each of these recipes to help.

If you make any or all of these recipes, share your opinions with us on Twitter @mhsmentoronline.

SPOOKY BOO BROWNIES

Ingredients

Brownies, prepared from scratch, mix, or store bought, completely cool

1 1/4 cups of white frosting

16 large marshmallows

Black decorating gel or frosting.

Instructions

Cut brownies into squares slightly larger than the diameter of a large marshmallow.

Heat frosting in microwavable bowl uncovered on High 30 seconds, stirring every 10 seconds, until frosting can be stirred smooth and fluid. If frosting becomes too firm while decorating, microwave 5 seconds; stir.

Top each brownie with 1 large marshmallow. Spoon 1 tablespoon frosting over each marshmallow to coat. Let stand until frosting is set, about 30 minutes. Use black gel/frosting to make eyes and mouths.

COATED PRETZELS – PUMPKINS

Ingredients

1 bag mini pretzels

1 bag M&M’s candy, needing only the green ones

circular candies- little pearls or Sixlets or any other type of round decoration

orange and green food coloring

2 bags White Chocolate chips, melted slowly

2 TBSP shortening or coconut oil, to thin out chocolate

semi-sweet chocolate chips, for decorating the alien eyes (you’ll only need about 3-4 TBSP

Instructions

Melt each bag of chocolate with 1 TBSP shortening (or coconut oil) in separate microwave safe bowls.

Microwave each bowl 1 minute at a time, stirring after each minute, until completely melted and smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring to one bowl and a few of orange to the other.

For the pumpkins: Dunk each pretzel into the orange chocolate until completely coated. The each onto a sheet of wax paper. While it’s still wet, take a green M&M and set it in the crook of the pretzel, on its side.

Dunk each pretzel into the green chocolate until completely coated. The each onto a sheet of wax paper. Add melted semi-sweet chocolate to the coated pretzel and place round candies on top to make eyeballs.

If you see a few bare spots on your pretzels, while they’re still wet, dab some more chocolate on them using your finger.

Let pretzels harden completely and enjoy.

HARVEST HASH

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

3/4 cup Butter, melted

3/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed

2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

For the Mix:

1 box Rice Chex

1 bag of Goldfish

4 cups Pretzels

1 heaping cup Candy Corn

1 bag Reese’s Pieces

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 275°F.

Melt the butter in the microwave in medium bowl or measuring cup.

Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract and whisk well until combined and dissolved.

In a VERY large bowl, add the Chex cereal, pretzels and Bugles.

Pour the sauce over the cereal mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Divide mixture on the two baking sheets and spread in even layers.

Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool. Then add it to a large bowl, along with the candy corn, pumpkins and Reese’s Pieces. Toss to combine.

Store in airtight container.