As temperatures drop, leaves fall from trees and the Halloween sections at department stores emerge, you know fall has arrived. For those who celebrate, this means it’s time to get out hoodies, blankets, apple cider and Halloween costumes.

A great addition to the ambiance of crunching leaves and overcast skies are some fall-themed dishes to raise holiday spirits and impress your friends with your baking skills. From mocktails to sweet treats, these recipes could get you in the mood to turn on a horror movie and put on some Doc Martens.

To start, pumpkin muffins are known as a classic baking staple to the fall season. This treat could be great for potlucks, gatherings or pumpkin-lovers in general. Making your space smell like pumpkin straight out of the oven, they are perfectly paired with a fall ambiance. 

Ingredients needed are:

• 1 and ⅔ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 and ¼ teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of ginger
• ¾ cup of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of light brown sugar 
• 1 and ¼ cups of canned pumpkin puree
• ½ cup of vegetable oil
• ¼ cup of milk
• 2 eggs 
• 2 large bowls

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Set up your muffin tray with muffin liners or grease the pan.
3. In one large bowl, mix the baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt and flour together.
4. In another large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar and two eggs. Then, add the vegetable oil and milk and whisk until combined. After that, incrementally add the pumpkin puree and whisk until combined. Finally, sift in the dry mixture until combined with the liquid mixture. 
5. Evenly divide the batter into the muffin tray. Bake the muffins for 17-22 minutes, depending on the heat of your oven.
6. Test the muffins with a toothpick to ensure it is fully baked. Stick the toothpick through the middle of the muffin. If they are done baking, there should be no batter on the toothpick. Once the muffins are finished, let the muffins sit in the pan for a few minutes to cool. Then, transfer the baked goods to a wire rack to cool completely. 
7. Feel free to decorate with vanilla glaze or cinnamon and enjoy!

Candy corn brownies serve as a fun and spooky twist to the widely popular brownie dessert. Candy corn brownies are aesthetically pleasing for the Halloween season and bakers have the freedom to take creative liberties if they choose to decorate further. 

You will need:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of melted butter
• ½ cup of all-purpose flour 
• ¼ teaspoon of salt 
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon of baking powder
• ½ cocoa powder 
• 2 eggs 
• ½ cup of candy corn
• Optional: Orange Pillsbury Funfetti Frosting  

1. Get an 8×8 baking pan and grease it. 
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. In a large bowl, whisk in the butter, eggs vanilla, salt and sugar until smooth.
4. Sift in the cocoa, flour and baking powder and stir until relatively smooth. 
5. Bake for around 25-30 minutes.
6. Take the brownies out of the oven and let sit for one minute.
7. Optional: Cover the brownies with the Funfetti Frosting.
8. Spread the candy corn on top of the brownies.
9. Let sit for a few minutes in the pan, and then cut to your desired portion.
10.  Take the brownies out and seal them in an airtight container.

Oftentimes a nostalgic piece of childhood, Worm Dirt Cups could be a great addition to your cookbook. They’ll bring the fun element needed to have the best Halloween party out of all your friends.

Ingredients needed: 

• 2 cups of cold milk
• 20 Oreo cookies 
• 1 pack of Jello Instant Chocolate pudding 
• 1 tub of CoolWhip 
• 1 pack of gummy worms 
• Plastic cups

1. In a large bowl, mix the instant pudding and milk together. Let stand for five minutes. 
2. In a medium bowl, crush all of the Oreos into small crumbs. 
3. Add the CoolWhip and ½ of the Oreo crumbs into the large bowl with the pudding mixture. Stir well.
4. Evenly distribute the mixture into the plastic cups and refrigerate for at least one hour. 
5. Take out the cups and spread the remaining Oreo crumbs on top of the mixture in the cups.
6. Top the cups with a few gummy worms. 

The following recipes aim to fulfill your mocktail needs. Who says you can’t have a fun and Halloween-themed drink?

Pirate Waters is a blue, sparkly drink that will make you feel like you’re sailing the seven seas. If you’re bringing this drink to a function, you might get fun reactions from attendees. 

You will need (one serving):

• 1 can of Sprite
• 1 bottle of Cool Blue Gatorade
• 1 plastic cup
• Edible glitter
• Optional: 1 pirate flag cocktail toothpick 

1. Fill the first half of the plastic cup with Sprite.
2. Fill the second half of the plastic cup with Cool Blue Gatorade.
3. Add Edible glitter to the mix.
4. Mix all ingredients together.
5. Add the pirate flag cocktail for decoration. 

Worm Juice has the potential to be a great solo sweet and savory treat. You can add more toppings to further display your creativity skills.

You will need:

• 1 can of Sprite 
• 1 bottle of Green Apple Gatorade
• 1 can of whipped cream 
• 1 package of gummy worms
• 1 plastic cup

1. Fill the first half of the plastic cup with Sprite.
2. Fill the second half of the plastic cup with Green Apple Gatorade. The two parts should be equal.
3. Top the drink off with whipped cream and stick a few gummy worms into the whipped cream. Add any other toppings you see fit.

Food is often a way for people to get into the mood of the season, so these recipes could help to prepare you for fall. Whether it’s for a cozy night inside or for a fun fall outing, these recipes could set you apart from your friends.

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