12 Must-Haves for the Shortcut Chef

You know we can’t live without our muffin pan and mini cookie cutters, but what other quirky, innovative, and helpful tools will you find in the Brit kitchen? Here are our 12 favorite gadgets, tricks, and doodads for equipping a fully functional crafty kitchen.

1. Piece of Cake Layer Slicing Kit ($60): Ever tried your hand at a homemade layer cake? One without using 5 different cake pans and taking all day baking? It’s time to try it out, and this sweet slicing kit is truly a piece of cake. We love the idea of baking a bunch of different colored cakes and assembling an array of colorful mix-and-match cakes.

Cuisinart SmartStick Immersion Hand Blender

Almond Cream of Broccoli Soup in batches in your food processor? Enter, the SmartStick. We use this for everything from soup to hummus to smoothies and everything in between.

Ziploc Bag + Hammer

Our tried and true technique for crushing Graham Crackers, Girl Scout cookies, Sweet Tarts, and Oreos, these two kitchen items are absolutely essential. We recommend heavy duty freezer bags, a cutting board (for underneath the Ziploc) and any old hammer.

Chef Sleeve for iPad

Chef Sleeve know what’s up. We all use our iPads for recipes, for listening to music (thank you Spotify) and for catching up on Glee while we cook. Now, thanks to the Chef Sleeve, we don’t have to worry about spilling on our iPads, and can easily navigate through websites even if our hands are covered in frosting. ;)

5. Stem Citrus Spritzer ($5): How often do you find yourself squeeze a lemon or lime and you end up with way too much juice? For us, it’s often. That’s why we’re so pumped about Quirky’s easy Citrus Spritzer. Just pop it into any citrus fruit, and mist away!

6. Scoop Colander ($7): Sometimes the production of getting a colander out, putting it in the sink, and draining a pot over it is completely unnecessary. This scoop colander also works great to draining canned veggies, tofu, and washing small quantities of fruit!

7. Grip Grater ($25): Like a good man, a good grater is hard to find. Well, we’ve found one that is sure you cure your grating woes. You can use it either vertically or has a hand-held grater, or horizontally over a plate or bowl. Best of all, the plastic frame is equipped with non-slip grips making it super easy to grate over any surface.

8. Wilton Cookie Sticks ($5): Can you say On A Stick? It’s always good to have a big bag of cookie sticks around in case you feel like whipping up a spontaneous batch of Pop Rocks Pops or Easter Egg Pops. And stay tuned for a new round of pops later this week!

9. Portion Spoon ($9): When we’re cooking, we’ve definitely found ourselves stirring things up with a measuring spoon just to make sure all the ingredients make it into the mix. Why not combine the two? Portion is a cooking spoon with integrated measurement tools. Woot woot!

Index Color Coded Chopping Boards

Food posts, and with good reason. Not only do they make delightful backdrops, but each board is coded to make sure you keep raw meat, seafood, veggies, and cooked foods separate. Plus, they’re all dishwasher safe!

11. Resin Santoku Knife with Sheath ($9): What would a super colorful cutting board set be without a bright orange Santoku knife? You can get away with using this knife for pretty much everything you could possibly want to cut. We love that it comes with a matching sheath so you can chef-ify even an impromptu picnic.

Cheat Sheet Apron

Kitchen Unit Converter is countless. With this apron, all of your unit conversions are printed upside down, so you can simply look down at your apron and get all the info you need.

If there's one day a year that you can guarantee your drinks to be gaudy and over-the-top, it's October 31, because there's nothing like a Halloween cocktail. They run the gamut from chic spiderweb martinis to seriously gross-looking (but tasty) fake-blood-infused tonics. Whether you're having a sophisticated and spooky Halloween dinner party or you're going crazy with a big Halloween bash, these cocktails are *exactly* what you need to keep your beverages on-theme.

When you're not entertaining yourself with fall baking or trying on your Halloween costume, play mixologist and try out one of these ghoulish drinks! Put on a classic horror film (or your go-to comfort TV show), and scroll your way through the goriest, spookiest, and most delicious cocktail recipes we have. Happy boo-zing!

@thespritzeffect

Speak Now Spritz

Very few combos scream "Halloween" like purple and glitter. This Halloween cocktail is totally magical, and it's so pretty, it's basically party decor! (via @thespritzeffectfor Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Vampire's Kiss Cocktail

This is one Halloween cocktail that tastes good *and* looks good. Add it to all your spooky get-togethers to totally freak out your guests. Bonus points if you're dressing up as a vampire for Halloween! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cranberry Is The New Black Halloween Cocktail

Did you know that black vodka exists? Well, thankfully, it does, and it goes effortlessly into this sparkling cranberry drink. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Black & Orange Rum Punch

It's a Halloween party, so there has to be some orange and black on the menu. This delicious rum punch is a welcome change from all of those pumpkin drinks out there. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Blood Bones Halloween Cocktail

This campy cocktail is something your guests will be talking about all night. Prep your Jello bones ahead of time using some molds, and there's no need for any other garnish. Unless, of course, you want blood bags for the drinks. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Ghostly Halloween Cocktail

Turn your cocktail a ghoulish hue by mixing red and green food coloring together with Chambord. Dry ice added before serving makes the drink smoke like a spooky potion. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Apple Cide-Car

This spin on the classic Sidecar cocktail is like the grown up (and tastier) version of bobbing for apples. You can serve this Halloween cocktail hot or cold, depending on your preference. (via Brit + Co)

A Couple Cooks

Zombie Cocktail

This delicious drink uses rum for a fruity, tropical finish that will remind you of summer – even on Hallow's Eve. (via A Couple Cooks)

Half Baked Harvest

Apple Butter Old Fashioned

Put your fall stock of apple butter to good use in this Old Fashioned recipe. The tart-sweet apple flavor mellows out bourbon's fiery bite for smooth sipping all night long. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Chattavore

Prosecco Punch with Cranberry + Orange

Tangy cranberry and sweet orange set this Prosecco punch apart, giving it a festive harvest flair. Change up the cranberry and orange ratio until you find a mix that you like the best. (via Chattavore)

Sprinkles & Sprouts

Eyeball Martinis

Make your guests squirm with this ingenious Halloween hack. Stuff some Spanish olives into cocktail onions, and they look just like eyeballs – ready to grace your glass with gross. (via Sprinkles & Sprouts)

Madelynne Boykin of @BitesandBevsMedia

YoCo Vodka’s Monster Halloween Cocktail

To make this spooky sip, add 1 ½ oz YoCo Vodka, ¾ oz Lemon Juice, 1 oz Black Raspberry Liqueur, ½ oz Simple Syrup, and ½ tsp Activated Charcoal to a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with regular ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass, add 1 pea-sized Dry Ice Chip on top, and watch your "monster" come alive! (via YoCo Vodka)

Half Baked Harvest

Death Eater Negroni

This moody take on the Negroni is the drink your Harry Potter-themed party craves. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The Seasoned Mom

Hallowine Sangria

Here's a sweet sangria to add to your spooktacular holiday list! It's made with Cabernet Sauvignon, sugar, orange juice, orange liqueur, and club soda. Easy! (via The Seasoned Mom)

Culinary Hill

Spooky Punch

This tasty fruit punch gets a spooky upgrade when you swap the fruit garnishes for faux spiders. Serve in small glasses or go big with fancy goblets that would make Dracula proud. (via Culinary Hill)

Boulder Locavore

Glow-in-the-Dark Infected Brain Cocktail

If you're into the blood and gore of The Walking Dead or 28 Days Later, this bright concoction may be right up your alley. While it's not quite as eerie as a brain hemorrhage shot (eek!), this whole drink glows in the dark thanks to the tonic water, so serve it when the lights go out. (via Boulder Locavore)

Mi Campo Tequila

Pulparindo

Natali Villarruel, National Tequila Ambassador for Mi Campo crafted this stellar cocktail inspired by Halloween candy. “This drink is a throwback to my childhood growing up in Mexico and the Pulparindo candy we’d get on Halloween," she said. To make it, shake 1.5 oz Mi Campo Reposado, .5 oz Ancho Reyes Liqueur, and .5 oz lime juice with ice before straining into a glass. Top it with some Jarritos Tamarindo, and get ready to gulp! (via Mi Campo Tequila)

Half Baked Harvest

Haunted Orchard Cocktail

A mysterious rustling noise in the orchard... a mist creeping in between the trees... it sounds like after your apple picking adventure, you could use a drink! (via Half Baked Harvest)

The Cookie Rookie

Magic Cotton Candy Martini

Impress your friends with an alcoholic magic trick by playing magician mixologist at your party. Pour shaken grape juice and vanilla vodka over cotton candy, and watch it dissolve into a delicious syrup to sweeten your Halloween cocktail. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Elvie's

Toil & Trouble

Craving a Hallowen cocktail that's a bit more elevated? This recipe from Elvie's in Jackson, Mississippi infuses edible glitter into your holiday elixir. To make it, combine 1.5 oz black sesame-infused scotch, 0.5 oz Cathead Hoodoo Chicory liqueur,0.5 oz Cocchi sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes blood orange bitters with some edible glitter! (via Elvie's)

How Sweet Eats

Pomegranate Cider Mimosas with a Salted Caramel Rim

Start your Halloween celebration early by serving up these pomegranate cider mimosas. Of course, it wouldn't be trick-or-treating season without adding some candy to the mix with the salted caramel rim. (via How Sweet Eats)

Grand Marnier

Beetle Juice

This Halloween cocktail boasts a haunting blood red color, perfect for spooking your friends with. To make it, shake 1.5 oz Espolon Blanco tequila, 0.75 oz Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, 0.75 oz orange juice, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 0.5 oz beet syrup over ice. Strain the mix into an iced glass and garnish with an orange slice! (via Grand Marnier)

Clonakiilty Distillery

Clonakilty Witches Brew Cocktail

This drink pays homage to Ireland's myths and legends through the essence of Samhain, which is, essentially, the ancient Celtic version of Halloween! To make it, mix together 1.75 oz Clonakilty Port Cask Whiskey, .5 oz orange juice, a splash of ginger ale, and garnish it all with an orange slice. (via Clonakiilty Distillery)

Sprinkles & Sprouts

Witches Brew Cocktail

Use regular or black vodka to make this eerie cocktail. The recipe *also* includes a special hack for rimming the glasses with colorful sugar. It's scary good! (via Sprinkles & Sprouts)

Boulder Locavore

The Grave Digger Halloween Cocktail

This creepy cocktail mixes bourbon, hard cider, and ginger ale for a drink that will make even the scariest of demons disappear. (via Boulder Locavore)

The Girl On Bloor

Sour Frankenstein Halloween Cocktails

What makes these cocktails *so* delightfully sour? Homemade margarita mix, shaken with freshly squeezed limes. Oh, and that's not real blood on the rim — just a little corn syrup and red food coloring. (via The Girl On Bloor)

Best Friends for Frosting

The Quick Demise Halloween Cocktail

You wouldn't think that a drink with such a poisonous name would be good for you. With ingredients like carrot, lime, and orange juices, this cocktail is more likely to extend your life... rather than end it. (via Best Friends for Frosting)

A Beautiful Mess

Spider Bite Cocktail

Give the *illusion* of a spider's web, without having to deal with the real thing (or having to clean up a party prop!). This Halloween cocktail is bright and colorful, which is perfect for anyone who's not a huge fan of darker decor this time of year. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Half Baked Harvest

Vampire's Drip Cocktail

If vampires had access to these boozy milkshake-inspired cocktails, maybe they wouldn't be thirsting for blood all the time. Yum! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Ilegal Mezcal

Ilegal Mezcal Margarita de Granada

This spookily strong Halloween drink is powered by mezcal. To make it, add 2 oz Ilegal Mezcal Joven, 1 oz agave syrup, and 0.5 oz pomegranate juice to a shaker, shaking well until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice, garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime wheel, and you're set to sip! (via Illegal Mezcal)

Boulder Locavore

Slow Cooker Vampire Punch

It's always a nice gesture to make a special drink for guests who don't consume alcohol. Simmer this mocktail punch in the slow cooker so they can help themselves whenever they get thirsty — it'll also make your house smell deliciously like cinnamon. (via Boulder Locavore)

Best Friends for Frosting

White Widow Halloween Cocktail

Sure, a black widow sounds scarier, but this white widow will knock you out with one swing (or swig, ha!). Garnish the top with a black gel icing web that will catch all of your Halloweentime prey. (via Best Friends for Frosting)

Pizzazzerie

Witch's Brew Cocktail Recipe

You certainly wouldn't catch any self-respecting witch with a single beer. She would most definitely be drinking a fabulous purple cocktail, complete with a glitter spider garnish. (via Pizzazzerie)

Growing Up Gabel

Pumpkin Beer-mosas

Pumpkin juice (like they drink in Harry Potter) is mixed with pumpkin beer for a brunch drink that's truly autumnal. (via Growing Up Gabel)

Kitchen Treaty

Candy Corn-Infused Vodka

Didn't think the all-time best Halloween candy (we know it's an unpopular opinion, but still, the right one) could get any better? This infused vodka will make you think again. (via Kitchen Treaty)

Diplomatico Rum

Diplomatico Rum Blood Moon Negroni

To craft this delicious Halloween negroni, stir 1 part Diplomatico Mantuano with 1 part sweet vermouth and 1 part of a bitter Italian aperitif over ice to chill. Strain into a rocks glass with a big block of ice, then garnish with grapefruit peel! (via Diplomatico Rum)

Crowded Kitchen

Poison Apple Cocktail

These spookily sour cocktails emulate everything you love about a margarita and make it Halloween-friendly. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Clean Cuisine

Pumpkin Margaritas

The season's favorite ingredient gets blended into a frozen sip that'll leave you with the spooks all Halloween long. (via Clean Cuisine)

A Spicy Perspective

Smoke & Mirrors Halloween Cocktail

Love a Halloween cocktail, but aren't a huge fan of spooky drink accessories? This sip is equal parts sweet and smokey, and features one of our favorite ingredients: orange blossom water. (via A Spicy Perspective)

The Edgy Veg

Halloween Punch with a Severed Hand

You can create an icy 'severed hand' using a glove for this big ol' bowl of spooks. (via The Edgy Veg)

Follow us on Pinterest for more wickedly delicious Halloween cocktail recipes, and check out these Halloween Drink Recipes For Any Age!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Additional reporting by Paige Johnson and Meredith Holser.

This post has been updated.

You can't deny it: One of the most fun parts of having kids is dressing them up in adorable Halloween costumes, like a baby Dory or a roly-poly BB-8. Even if you don't have a big brood, don't fret! There are plenty of creative ways for you and your fam to play dress up, even if you're pregnant and need an easy maternity costume.

Keep scrolling forover 60 fabulous family costumes for you and your entire family to rock, no matter what Halloween looks like this year.

Brit + Co

Max and a Wild Thing Costumes

Let the wild rumpus start with this ferociously adorable costume. Your little Max will be regal in the cutest way possible and you'll be the cuddly momster who keeps him safe from whatever he's afraid of.

Brit + Co

Mufasa and Simba Costumes

The Lion King is a nostalgic kids movie that touches our hearts every time we watch it. If you can quote every line Mufasa said to Simba, it's only right you embrace one of the cutest family Halloween costumes in our roundup.

Image via Brit + Co

Queen Bee[oncé] and Blue Ivy

Go for a punny pop culture costume with this playful look at Queen Beyoncé and Blue Ivy when she was an infant.

Brit + Co

Edward Scissorhands

This year, we’re really digging this mommy and me version of Edward Scissorhands and the dinosaur bush. ‘Cause cuteness overload.

Brit + Co

Beetlejuice Costumes

Don't get sick of us because this is easily our favorite costume and the most effortless one to put together thanks to our Halloween BFF, Amazon Prime.

Image via Brit + Co

Grease Costumes

Dress your little one as Danny Zuko from Grease while you don this Sandy Olsson costume. The matching red Converse are a must, and you can wear them all year long! Plus, you can add one of these leather jackets to your outfit to complete the full look.

Brit + Co

Family of Trolls

Bring *all* the good luck with your very own team of trolls! You can take turns singing solo songs or have your own dance party before you go trick or treating.

Brit + Co

The Labryinth Family Halloween Costumes

ICYMI, David Bowie was in a fantastical movie in the ‘80s and you need to see it ASAP. It’s creepy, strange, and beautiful all at the same time. Kind of like these costumes.

Brit + Co

Lightening and Thunder

This mommy and me costume is elemental, to say the least. Your baby's cloud onesie can be a testament of the stork that braved a thunderstormto bring little one to your home.

Brit + Co

Big Bird and Elmo

Real talk: Who has time to make more than one costume? It’s okay because your mini will lose their minds when they see the life-like Elmo ‘fit in person! Totally worth it.

Brit + Co

Ewok Family Halloween Costumes

Are there cuter creatures than the Ewoks from Star Wars?! We don't think anyone will agree once they see you and your family dressed like them.

Brit + Co

Finding Dory Family Halloween Costumes

Dress the whole fam in your fave marine creature cast! Dory, Hank, and Nemo FTW!

Image via Brit + Co

Paint Brush and Paint Palette

Live your most creative life when you and your babe match in these adorbs DIY costumes. Now it’s time to paint the town red!

Image via Brit + Co

Frida Kahlo

Of course Frida’s signature unibrow is an essential part of pulling off this look — for both mommy *and* bb.

The Princess Bride Costumes

Brit + Co

The Princess Bride Costumes

Dress your littlest one as Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, Vizzini, or our personal fave pictured above — a R.O.U.S. (rodent of unusual size).

Brit + Co

Aladdin Costumes

It's a "whole new world" with these Aladdin costumes. You and your besties can choose who'll wear the Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, and Abu the monkey costumes. Seriously, can you think of a cuter family trio?

Tell Love and Party

Futuristic Family

Here’s one family’s take on what the future holds for us. They’re way more stylish than The Jetsons.

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Image via Brit + Co

Princess Peach and Toad Costumes

Pay homage to your favorite childhood video game and dress up as the original royal princess, complete with a tiny toad companion. It’s also the perfect excuse to try on the most outrageous princess dress you can find.

Image via Brit + Co

Cat in the Hat and Goldfish Costumes

This goldfish is completely DIY while the Cat in the Hat costume can be purchased online. The perfect balance of buy and DIY.

Image via Brit + Co

A Family of Circus Snacks

Who doesn’t love the sugar-filled snacks at the circus?! We know your family does so have dad dress as a bag of peanuts, while you hold a bag of popcorn in your cotton candy costume. And if someone requests gum drops a lot, have your daughter show everyone she knows how to have a great time.

Brit + Co

Cop and Donut

These two pieces are easy to find at most costume stores or on Amazon if you don’t have time for a shopping trip. Finish the whole look off with a very stern donut-loving look and you’re good to go.

Brit + Co

Katy Perry and Her Sharks

Before there was the song "Baby Shark," Katy Perry and her dancing large blue fish have to be one of our favorite pop culture memories of all time.

Brit + Co

Toy Story Family Halloween Costumes

This is the perfect family costume for a family of any size since there are endless characters to choose from.

Brit + Co

Usher and Bucket of Popcorn

The usher look is simple and a great last-minute costume — black skirt, white button-down, and bowtie. For the popcorn, grab your baby carrier and a handful of safety pins. That’s right — this is a totally temporary piece!

Image via Brit + Co

Winnie the Pooh

Willy nilly silly old bear and his best friends make for the cutest family Halloween costumes. Your neighbors won't stop smiling once they see your little girl dressed as piglet.

Image via Brit + Co

The Three Stooges

Larry, Curly, and Moe won many hearts throughout the mid-20th century. This goofy trio makes for the perfect (read: easy) kooky family costume. Get your giggles ready and pull out every suit piece you own to create these outfits.

Brit + Co

The Incredibles

Not only is this one easy, but it’s also perfect for all those Pixar fans (hello, everyone). There’s nothing quite like a superhero family united in the service of justice.

Brit + Co

Russian Nesting Dolls

A group of Russian nesting dolls is the perfect group Halloween costume for families of all sizes. The key is to dress every member of the family the same and include a piece with an intricate pattern.

Image via Brit + Co

Ariel and Sebastian

If you’re looking for a night full of undersea adventures, treasures, and dinglehoppers, this costume will definitely do the trick. Your little crab’s costume is as easy as a red onesie, a red headband, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes.

Image via Brit + Co

Princess Leia and An Ewok

This mommy and kiddo Star Wars costume is so good we’d rock it year-round.

Brit + Co

Top Gun

Maverick? Check. Iceman? Yep. Goose? Obvs this little goose makes the perfect Anthony Edwards. Grab your aviators and get ready to teach your mini-me to fly.

Brit + Co

Curious George and the Woman in the Yellow Hat

We know George loved the Man in the Yellow Hat, but your curious infant loves you. Make an exception to this character by becoming the zookeeper who has a special bond with her little monkey.

Brit + Co

Saved By The Bell

’90s lovers, it’s time to introduce your little ones to everything magical about this nostalgic TV show. Mom jeans, leftover ’80s hair, and really large cordless phones. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Brit + Co

Sriracha and Taco

This one is a show-stopper! The trendy hot sauce can finally give you an excuse to turn your mini into a teeny tiny taco!

Brit + Co

Rainbow and Sunshine

If you've been singing a mixture of "Rain, rain go away," and "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine," to your baby, you've already found the family Halloween costumes that'll work for you. What's a better way to honor your little sunshine than by pairing up as your mini’s rainbow?!

Image via Brit + Co

A Family of Frappes

These days we can all agree that Starbucks is pretty much a part of most family traditions. Recreate everyone’s favorite Starbucks drinks as a group Halloween costume!

Image via Costume-Works

Back to the Future

There’s no cuter Halloween trio than this loving tribute to Back to the Future.

Image via Say Yes

Alice in Wonderland

Fall down the rabbit hole this Halloween and hit the town with a pint-sized Red Queen. Scour your local thrift store for a blue skirt and white blouse and put your own spin on the lovely Alice.

Image viaCupcakes and Cashmere

Jurassic Park Costumes

You and your S.O. can undoubtedly pull the necessary rugged clothes right from your closets, and all that’s left is finding your little one some sort of dino gear. We do love the half-hatched look, but if you’re out of time or are dealing with a cranky kiddo, just throw on their fave dino PJs.

Image via A Beautiful Mess

Peter Pan and the Lost Boys Costume for Family of 4

Harness that rebellious spirit as a whole family this Halloween. All you’ll need are some PJs, cardboard swords, and a Pan getup.

Say Yes

Royal Family Costumes

Channel your inner royal with this adorable, yet sophisticated, family costume. Even if you don’t have this exact getup, a few key pieces will make you easily recognizable — like the fascinator and blue knee socks. Prince William not required (but always welcome)!

Lovely Indeed

Where’s Waldo?

Pull out all of those striped shirts in your closet and pile on your wackiest accessories. Anything goes with these Waldo costumes.

Tell Love and Party

Monster Family

Take a little inspiration from the famous Munsters this All Hallows’ Eve. We’re sure your little mummy and bat will approve.

Say Yes

Disney Tourist

Okay, this one might be a little confusing to the kiddos, but just tell them you are practicing for that trip later this year.

Say Yes

Star Wars

The force is strong with this family costume. Bonus points if you turn your dog into Yoda.

Studio DIY

Bathtime Family Fun

Rub a dub dub, the whole fam’s in the tub! This may sound familiar if your little one is used to taking baths with you.

Tell Love and Party

Circus Family

Everything about this costume just screams cuteness. We can’t decide which we like better: the cute lion or the strong little man.

The Emperor’s New Groove Costumes

Say Yes

The Emperor's New Groove

If you haven’t seen this gem of a movie, it’s time. Once you’ve watched it we guarantee you’ll want to outfit the whole fam for Halloween.

Studio DIY

Lawn Flamingo and Cactus

Even if you’re not Palm Springs-bound, we think this desert-inspired duo is just the mama and baby costume to win that contest.

The Merrythought

Dominoes

Rather than just playing bones, why not be the bones?! Your family will love seeing pictures of your family Halloween costumes if Dominoes is a staple at family gatherings.

See Vanessa Craft

Care Bears

Perfect for busy moms and dads, this tutorial is even no-sew, so you won't be up all night before trick-or-treating. Plus, a family in matching sweatsuits is a sight to behold.

Share your family Halloween costumes with us @BritandCo and join our newsletter for more creative ideas and inspiration.

This article has been updated.

Halloween can be a whole lot of spooky fun for everyone. From creating the perfect DIY Halloween costume to updating your gallery wallto indulging in boo-zy Halloween cocktails all season long, it can be a very busy time of year, too. Here's a kitchen time-saver: no-bake Halloween treats! Tackle all your Halloween plans with these easy Halloween treats that are frightfully simple to make and fun for kids and adults alike – no oven necessary!

Brit + Co

Creepy Petit Fours

Nothing says 'Halloween' quite like a smattering of bite-sized blood. Shards of sugar make a super creepy cake topper for these tiny bites. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Blood and Bones Cocktail

What could be creepier than bone-inspiredjello shots? Let them float in a blood-red cocktail. Cheers! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Pumpkin S'moreos

Here's a crazy idea: combine summer's favorite treat with milk's favorite cookie and Halloween's favorite flavor. Yum, yum, yum. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

No-Bake Mummy Sponge Cake

Get ready to unleash your inner artist and freehand a mummy design with this delicious no-bake sponge cake recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Frankengoblin Jello Shots

Oreos. Jello. Are you sensing a theme here? These cookie shooters will scare your socks off! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Homemade Candy Bars

In case your local grocery store is all out of your favorite Halloween candy, you can make your own! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Reese's Peanut Butter Shooters

Take your favorite Halloween candy up a notch with some chocolate vodka. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Gummy Worm Ice

Don't like creepy crawlers? Trap them in ice for the perfect Halloween cocktail garnish. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Candy Corn Popcorn

Since we can't enjoy candy corn year-round, let's go candy corn overboard this whole month. This no-bake Halloween treat doubles the fun with candy corn popcorn served in a tri-color waffle cone. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Candy Corn Jello Shots

Let your partygoers shoot back these tasty shots of festive color and scary spirit. Pro tip: always make extra shooters! (via Brit + Co)

Spooky Punch

Servings: 12

Prep time: 5 minutes

Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups white tea, such asPOM Pomegranate Orange Blossom White Tea
  • 2 cups vodka, tequila, or gin
  • 1 1/2 cups pineapple juice
  • 2 cups orange or mandarin juice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 cups sparkling water
  • Lychees and oranges, sliced for garnish
  • Ice

Preparation:

  1. In a large bowl or pitcher, add white tea, spirit of choice, water, pineapple juice, mandarin juice and water.
  2. Stir to combine.
  3. Top with sparkling water, and garnish with lychees and orange slices.

Salt & Lavender

Halloween Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

This is basically pumpkin spice cream cheese frosting in a bowl — the way it was meant to be eaten. (via Salt & Lavender)

Half Baked Harvest

Sweet and Salty Healthier Caramel Apples

While you do need to heat up the maple syrup, honey, cream, and vanilla to make the caramel, all you have to do after that is dip some apples into the caramel, and drizzle with chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Jodi Levine

Halloween Bats

Supplies:

  • Mandarins, such as Wonderful Halos
  • Food coloring markers
  • Scissors
  • Black heavyweight paper or card stock
  • Paring knife
  • Adhesive dots

Instructions:

  1. Draw jack-o-lantern faces onto the mandarins with the food coloring marker.
  2. Cut pairs of bat wings, leaving an extra bit – around ¼ inch – on the flat side to fold back and act as a tab. Add an adhesive dot to the tab to adhere each wing to the mandarin.
  3. Cut pairs of small triangles for ears. Use the knife to cut small shallow slits on the top of the mandarin and tuck in the ears. (via Jodi Levine)

Mom on Timeout

Easy Pumpkin Patties

Whip up these festive homemade candies for a treat that will put your actual Halloween candy to shame. Each bite is as buttery and sugary as the last! (via Mom on Timeout)

Something Swanky

Peanut Butter Candy Corn Bark

Just in case caramel's not your thing! Plus, you can't ever go wrong with pretzels and PB! (via Something Swanky)

Epicurean Mom

Spiderweb Cheesecake Halloween Treat

The itsy-bitsy spider... ended up on your Halloween cheesecake (that you didn't have to bake)! (via Epicurean Mom)

Homemaking Hacks

Halloween Chocolate Bars

Did you know you could make candy corn- and Oreo-filled brownies without using your oven? This is turning into the best Halloween ever. (via Homemaking Hacks)

Hungry Happenings

Black Cat Cookies

Our favorite thing about these ominous feline bites is that the cookies are pre-made and totally smothered in melted chocolate. Me-ow! (via Hungry Happenings)

A Bajillion Recipes

Butterfinger Fudge

Here's another homemade (and more adult-ish) spin on one of Halloween's staple sweets. (via A Bajillion Recipes)

Marin Mama Cooks

Homemade Almond Joy and Mounds Bars

It seems these candy bars only make an appearance come Halloween. But we're willing to bet the homemade kind will stick around all year. They're that good! (via Marin Mama Cooks)

Creme de la Crumb

Mummy Truffles

These mummy truffle bites don't have a trace of “scary," thanks to the decadent pumpkin cheesecake filling. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Healthful Pursuit

Vegan Twix Bars

Something tells us the word “healthy" never comes to mind when you're eating a Twix. That's all about to change with this no-bake vegan dessert. (via Healthful Pursuit)

Family Fresh Cooking

Cheerios and Chocolate Tart

You're never too old for a helping of Cheerios. Especially when they're looking at you from this jack-o'-lantern tart! (via Family Fresh Cooking)

Finding Zest

Halloween Monster Marshmallows

These sweet desserts are about as no-bake as it gets. Plus, you only need four ingredients: candy eyes, candy melts, oil, and marshmallows. (via Finding Zest)

The Semisweet Sisters

Halloween Spider Donuts

Here, you'll use not just one, but two donuts per treat: one traditional donut and one donut hole for the creepy-crawly spider. (via The Semisweet Sisters)

Shaken Together

No-Bake Sugar Wafer Frankenstein Cookies

For this DIY Halloween dessert, all you'll need are sugar wafers, candy melts, chocolate sprinkles, and candy eyes. Yes, if you haven't gotten the hint already: you need to buy some candy eyes! (via Shaken Together)

Sugar Spice and Family Life

Graveyard Dirt Cake Cups Halloween Treats

These layered cookie-and-pudding cups are to die for. See what we did there? (via Sugar Spice and Family Life)

Unicorn Hat Party

DIY Halloween Monster Apple Bites

This kid-friendly DIY treat is only *kinda* creepy. It's also really cute, and a surprisingly healthy Halloween snack, made from apples, peanut butter, strawberries, corn, and — you guessed it — candy eyes. (via Unicorn Hat Party)

Inside BruCrew Life

Peanut Butter Zombie Eyeballs

It may be hard to believe, but these super-cool zombie eyeballs are simple to make. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare them before your big party. They'll need at least an hour or two to make, including chill time in the fridge. (via Inside BruCrew Life)

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This post has been updated with additional reporting by Theresa Gonzalez and Meredith Holser. Previous reporting by Miranda Eifler and Maggie McCracken.