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In recent years, Halloween gatherings in Indian cities have taken on a livelier, more expressive tone, with themed food at the centre of it all. Home bakers have started experimenting beyond orange frosting and candy eyes, opting for flavours that surprise as much as they please. The charm of this celebration lies in creating something slightly mischievous yet indulgent. Using an Usha OTG or any good home oven, it becomes easy to make small batches that carry a personal touch. The beauty of these treats is that they don’t demand complicated skills, only a willingness to mix familiar Indian ingredients with seasonal themes. From roasted nuts to warm spices and rich ganache, the possibilities are endless for anyone who enjoys baking with imagination and care.
1. Charcoal S’mores Cookies With Dark Chocolate And Sea Salt
S’mores have always been about warmth and comfort, but for Halloween, they can take on a darker form. Activated charcoal gives these cookies a deep grey shade that feels perfectly suited to the night’s theme. The dough is rich with butter and cocoa, with crushed digestive biscuits folded through for a faint crunch. Marshmallows melt within the cookie, forming gooey pockets that pair beautifully with the bitterness of dark chocolate. A small sprinkle of sea salt at the end cuts through the sweetness and adds depth. The visual effect is striking, and the flavour feels layered without being heavy.
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2. Hazelnut Espresso Cupcakes With Chocolate Ganache
For those who enjoy nutty, bold flavours, hazelnut and espresso create an ideal pairing. The cupcakes stay moist with a mix of ground hazelnuts and brown sugar, which lends a soft caramel tone to the crumb. A swirl of chocolate ganache on top ties the entire dessert together. For a Halloween twist, the ganache can be tinted with a touch of black cocoa to achieve a deeper hue. Crushed hazelnuts scattered on top add a pleasing crunch. When baked in small batches in an OTG, these cupcakes rise evenly and develop a rich aroma that fills the kitchen long before they cool. They look refined yet playful, making them suitable for both adult gatherings and children’s parties.
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3. Spiced Rum Raisin Cookies With Burnt Butter
A recipe that carries a grown-up charm, these cookies balance sweetness with a gentle warmth. Soaking the raisins in a spoon of dark rum for a few hours softens them and allows the flavour to blend into the dough. Brown butter forms the base, lending a nutty undertone that pairs well with cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg. The edges bake into a delicate crispness, while the centre remains chewy. For a non-alcoholic version, apple juice or orange juice can be used instead of rum. When served warm, the aroma itself feels festive and slightly nostalgic.
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4. Black Sesame And White Chocolate Cupcakes
Black sesame is often overlooked in Western-style desserts, yet it brings a toasty depth that suits Indian palates well. These cupcakes combine roasted black sesame paste with a simple vanilla batter, resulting in a marbled effect that looks dramatic without extra decoration. White chocolate chips create soft, creamy spots within the crumb, balancing the sesame’s intensity. For frosting, a light cream cheese base works best, flavoured with a hint of honey. The visual contrast of pale frosting against dark cake makes them a subtle showstopper. They fit right into a Halloween table with minimal effort and a mature flavour profile.
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5. Chilli Chocolate Cookies With Cocoa Nibs And Orange Zest
Halloween baking doesn’t always need to be sugary and sweet. These cookies celebrate boldness through spice and contrast. A small amount of dried red chilli powder or Kashmiri chilli adds a soft warmth to a dark cocoa base. Cocoa nibs provide crunch, while orange zest brightens the flavour. The combination is balanced, giving each bite a faint heat that follows the chocolate’s richness. These cookies bake well in an OTG at a moderate temperature, allowing the flavours to develop slowly. When arranged on a tray, their cracked surfaces and deep brown colour give them a rustic, slightly mysterious look.
