Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

The scent of warm peanut butter wafting from the oven… chocolatey eyes staring back at you… yep, Halloween just got deliciously spooky. These peanut butter spider cookies are crazy fun to make, surprisingly easy, and always the first to vanish from the dessert table. If you love festive baking without the fuss, this one’s for you.

These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Are Creepy-Cute and Crazy Good!

Halloween cookies don’t need to be complicated to be showstoppers. This recipe brings together soft peanut butter cookies and melty mini Reese’s to create tiny edible spiders that are equal parts cute and creepy. They’re perfect for kids to decorate, school parties, bake sales, or just because you want something fun and sweet to nibble on with your coffee.

And while they look impressively spooky, you won’t need a piping degree from a pastry academy. Just a squeeze bottle or ziplock bag, a few candy eyes, and a steady-ish hand.

If you’re already planning treats, these cookies go great alongside these soft pumpkin sugar cookies for a full Halloween-themed spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pantry Basics

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Halloween Goodies

• About 24 mini Reese’s (frozen for 30 minutes)
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for legs)
• 48 candy eyes (2 per cookie)

How to Make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies (Step-by-Step)

1. Freeze the Reese’s

Unwrap and freeze your mini Reese’s cups for at least 30 minutes. This helps them stay firm and not melt into puddles when placed on warm cookies.

2. Mix That Fluffy Peanut Butter Dough

In a bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

3. Roll, Sugar-Coat, and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and toss them in a bit of granulated sugar. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes. They should be puffed, with lightly cracked tops.

4. Add the Spiders!

Let cookies sit for 1–2 minutes after baking. Gently press a frozen Reese’s into the center of each cookie. Then melt your chocolate chips (microwave 30 seconds at a time, stir until smooth), and use a piping bag or ziplock with the tip cut to draw 3 little legs on each side. Stick on two candy eyes while the chocolate is still wet.

Want a bit more spooky variety? Mix and match these with Halloween popcorn recipes for an easy snackable dessert tray.

Helpful Tips for the Best Spider Cookies

• Freeze those Reese’s: This keeps them solid when you place them on warm cookies.
• Use a small cookie scoop: Even sizes bake evenly and look uniform.
• Don’t overbake: The cookies will keep baking slightly after removing from the oven.
• Attach eyes quickly: Do this while the chocolate legs are still melted so they’ll stick.

Honestly, these turn out adorable every time — even if the eyes are a little wonky (adds character, right?).

Storage & Freezing Info

Short-Term Storage

Once decorated and cooled, store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you need to stack them, pop parchment paper between layers to protect the eyes and legs.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze the raw cookie dough before baking, or the finished cookies after decorating. Just make sure they’re fully cool, then freeze on a tray before moving to a ziplock bag. Thaw at room temp and enjoy!

If you’re prepping treats early, pair these with pumpkin spice sugar cookies which also freeze beautifully.

Fun Ways to Serve or Customize Them

• Add orange or purple sanding sugar to the dough for extra Halloween sparkle.
• Swap mini Reese’s for Rolos or chocolate kisses if peanut butter’s not your thing.
• Draw tiny webs on the cookies using melted white chocolate and a toothpick swirl.
• Make mini versions for kid-friendly goodie bags.

For another adorable party option, these witch’s broomsticks are super easy and get giggles every time.

FAQ – Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

You could even serve these alongside Halloween chicken parmesan sliders for the ultimate spooky party combo!

Follow for More Halloween Sweetness!

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