Create Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies for Halloween Fun

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, it’s time to embrace the magic of the Halloween season. And what better way to celebrate than by baking up a batch of irresistible Peanut Butter Spider Cookies? These whimsical treats combine the classic flavors of peanut butter with a fun spider-inspired design, creating a delightful dessert that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup (107g) brown sugar
• ⅓ cup (66g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (201g) creamy peanut butter (not natural)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• Granulated sugar (for rolling)
• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• ½ cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (for melting)
• Candy eyeballs

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Ready to bring these spooky-cute cookies to life? Let’s get started!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake to perfection.

Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.

Shape and Roll the Cookies

Scoop the dough into balls, roll them in granulated sugar, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. This extra step of rolling the dough in sugar will give your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies a delightful crunch.

Bake to Perfection

Pop the cookies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden in color. As soon as they come out of the oven, gently press a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Decorate with Chocolate Legs and Candy Eyes

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag or small plastic bag. Pipe spider legs coming out from the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and then attach the candy eyeballs with a dab of the melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set before serving your spooky, peanut-buttery treats.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

To ensure your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies turn out absolutely amazing, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use Creamy Peanut Butter: Avoid natural peanut butter, as it can result in a drier cookie texture. Opt for a smooth, creamy variety for the best results.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies during the baking process, as they can go from perfectly golden to overdone in a matter of minutes.
• Get Creative with Decorations: While the candy eyeballs and chocolate legs are a classic look, feel free to experiment with other spooky-themed toppings, such as sprinkles, edible glitter, or even crushed Oreos for a “dirt” effect.
• Make Ahead and Freeze: These cookies freeze beautifully, so you can bake them in advance and have a stash on hand for last-minute Halloween gatherings.

Variations on Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Love the idea of Peanut Butter Spider Cookies but want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to try:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Spiders: Swap the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for chocolate-coated candies, like Hershey’s Kisses or mini Snickers, for a delectable twist.
• Gluten-Free Spiders: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to create a gluten-free version of these cookies.
• Peanut Butter Cup Spiders: Instead of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, use miniature peanut butter cup candies as the body of the spider.
• Seasonal Spiders: Adapt the decorations to fit different holidays or seasons, such as using red and green sprinkles for Christmas or patriotic sprinkles for the 4th of July.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Halloween Brownies
• Spider Web Cupcakes
• Monster Cookies

FAQs about Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

What is a fun fact about peanut butter cookies?

Peanut butter cookies are often recognized by their signature criss-cross pattern on top, which is created by pressing a fork into the dough before baking. This not only adds a fun design but also helps the cookies bake more evenly.

Do I have to refrigerate peanut butter cookies?

No, you don’t need to refrigerate peanut butter cookies. These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Refrigeration is not necessary unless you live in a very hot or humid climate.

Why do peanut butter cookies have a criss-cross pattern?

The criss-cross pattern on peanut butter cookies serves a practical purpose. By pressing a fork into the dough before baking, it helps the cookies bake more evenly and prevents them from over-spreading. The fork marks also add a charming, homemade touch to the final product.

Can you freeze spider cookies?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze Peanut Butter Spider Cookies! Simply place the fully decorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature.

Conclusion

Baking up a batch of Peanut Butter Spider Cookies is the perfect way to inject some spooky fun into your Halloween festivities. With their irresistible peanut butter flavor, creepy-crawly design, and easy-to-make instructions, these cookies are sure to delight both young and old. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to create a batch of these delightfully delicious treats that will have everyone begging for more. Happy haunting!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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