Easy Spider Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Halloween desserts are all about being festive, fun, and a little spooky, and these easy spider peanut butter cookies are the perfect treat to impress your guests. With soft and chewy peanut butter cookies as the base and playful chocolate spider decorations on top, they strike the perfect balance between delicious flavour and creative presentation. These cookies are a delightful addition to any Halloween party table and are sure to grab everyone’s attention.
Baking these cookies is not only simple but also a fun activity to do with kids, making it an engaging way to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you are hosting a party, preparing classroom treats, or simply looking for a festive dessert, these spider cookies are a fantastic choice. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate always satisfies, while the spooky design makes them memorable and picture-perfect for the season.
Why You Need This Recipe
This recipe is a must have for Halloween because it blends classic peanut butter flavour with a fun decorative twist. It is beginner-friendly, requires minimal ingredients, and can be prepared in under an hour. The cookies are soft, chewy, and full of flavour, while the spider decorations add a unique touch that transforms an ordinary cookie into a holiday showstopper. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or as a creative treat for kids, these cookies deliver both taste and festive charm.
Ingredients
Before diving into the steps, here is a neatly organized list of ingredients with approximate calorie counts per serving for your convenience
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy peanut butter | 1 cup | 1500 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 774 |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup | 415 |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup | 800 |
| Egg | 1 large | 70 |
| All purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups | 684 |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | 0 |
| Chocolate truffles or cups | 12 pieces | 900 |
| Melted chocolate | 1/2 cup | 400 |
| Candy eyes | 24 pieces | 50 |
Approximate total calories: 5593 (around 465 calories per serving for 12 cookies)
How to Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with the palm of your hand and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and immediately press a chocolate truffle or cup into the center of each cookie. Let them cool slightly, then use melted chocolate to pipe spider legs around the truffle. Finish by attaching candy eyes with a small dab of melted chocolate to complete the spider look. Allow the cookies to set before serving.
Pro Tips
Use room temperature butter and peanut butter to ensure smooth mixing
Do not overbake the cookies as they continue to firm up while cooling
Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking if you prefer thicker cookies
Use a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the corner cut off to make clean spider legs
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra warmth and depth of flavor
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, making them an ideal after-school or party treat. For a festive Halloween spread, serve them alongside hot cocoa or a pumpkin spice latte to enhance the seasonal flavors. You can also decorate the serving platter with candy corn or crushed Oreos to add a creepy edible background. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies can create a spooky cobweb effect for extra flair.
Conclusion
Easy spider peanut butter cookies are a fun and tasty way to celebrate Halloween. They combine the beloved flavours of peanut butter and chocolate with an eye catching spider design that is perfect for parties and family gatherings. Simple to prepare yet festive enough to impress, these cookies are a treat that will delight kids and adults alike.
