Peanut Butter Spider Cookies – Easy Halloween Treat

Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy—it’s about turning the everyday into something a little twisted, a little spooky, and a whole lot more fun. That’s where Peanut Butter Spider Cookies come in. These aren’t just another batch of peanut butter cookies. Nope. These are crawling with chocolatey little spiders, complete with candy eyes and creepy legs, ready to scurry straight into your mouth.

Let’s be clear: these cookies aren’t about subtlety. They’re bold. They’re goofy. They’re the kind of treat that makes kids scream (with joy) and adults grin like fools. The base is your classic peanut butter cookie—rich, salty-sweet, soft in the center with just enough chew. But it’s the decoration that turns them from ordinary into unforgettable.

Each cookie gets crowned with a round chocolate candy (think Reese’s or Lindt truffles), then dressed up with melted chocolate legs and candy eyes. The result? Something that looks elaborate, but is shockingly easy to pull off. It’s a baking project with maximum impact and minimum fuss.

Perfect for Halloween parties, classroom treats, or just making your kitchen a little more festive, these spider cookies are bound to become a seasonal tradition. Ready to bake up some spooky fun?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Halloween-perfect: A spooky, fun treat that fits any fall festivity.
• Kid-approved: Fun to decorate and even more fun to eat.
• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and a few store-bought extras.
• Soft and chewy: The peanut butter base is rich, tender, and packed with flavor.
• Easy to customize: Use your favorite chocolates and toppings.
• Great for parties: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at Halloween events.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Decoration:

• 20 round chocolate candies (like Reese’s Miniatures or Lindt truffles)
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for spider legs)
• Candy eyes (found in baking aisles or craft stores)

Instructions/Method

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugars, and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
3. Immediately press a chocolate candy into the center of each hot cookie.
4. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Step 3: Decorate the Spiders

1. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals until smooth.
2. Transfer melted chocolate to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off.
3. Pipe 4 legs on each side of the chocolate candy to form spider legs.
4. Use a dab of melted chocolate to stick candy eyes on each “spider.”

Tips & Variations

Tips:

• Press the chocolate candy in while cookies are hot for the best “embed.”
• Use gel icing if you prefer not to pipe melted chocolate.
• Let cookies cool completely before stacking or storing.

Variations:

• Nut-free: Use sunflower butter instead of peanut butter.
• Different “bodies”: Try chocolate-covered cherries or malt balls.
• Flavored cookies: Add a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder to the dough.

Note:

Don’t overbake—these cookies should be soft in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these on a Halloween-themed platter with dry ice or fog machine effects for drama. They’re perfect alongside hot cider, a bowl of popcorn, or a spooky movie marathon.

Nutrition Information

Per cookie (approximate):
Calories: 210
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 16g
Fiber: 1g

User Reviews/Comments

Rachel D. from Colorado: “Made these for my son’s class party and the kids went bananas. So cute!”
Mark P. from Florida: “The perfect combo of fun and delicious. I used Lindt truffles—amazing!”
Hannah K. from New York: “Super easy to make and a hit at our Halloween potluck.”

FAQs

Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely. The cookies can be baked a day ahead and decorated when cooled. Store in an airtight container to keep them soft.

What kind of chocolate should I use for the spider body?
You want something round and sturdy. Reese’s Miniatures, Lindt truffles, or even Whoppers work well. Avoid anything too soft or melty.

Do the candy eyes melt?
Nope—they’re made to withstand some heat and will stay put once stuck on with melted chocolate.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in a single layer or with parchment between layers in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.

Can kids help with this?
Definitely! Kids love sticking on the eyes and piping the legs. It’s a great hands-on baking activity.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No problem—just use a zip-top plastic bag with the corner snipped off. It works just as well.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are the kind of Halloween treat that brings the party to life. They’re spooky enough to make an impression, sweet enough to keep people coming back for seconds, and simple enough to whip up without any stress. Whether you’re hosting a haunted bash, need a treat for the classroom, or just want to add a little creepy charm to your baking routine, these cookies are a sure bet.

Want to know more about the origins of Halloween treats? Take a peek at the history of Halloween for some fascinating background on how this sugary tradition got started.

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