Spooky & Delicious Peanut Butter Spider Cookies : The Ultimate Halloween Treat

Halloween is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen, and these Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies are topped with chocolate truffle “spider bodies,” then decorated with candy eyes and chocolate legs. The result? A batch of cookies that look spooky but taste absolutely irresistible.

Whether you’re hosting a party, making kid-friendly Halloween treats, or just looking for a fun baking project, these spider cookies are a festive and delicious way to celebrate. If you love seasonal desserts, don’t miss our Pumpkin Truffles or adorable Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies.

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What Makes These Halloween Peanut Butter Spider Cookies So Fun?

Unlike typical holiday cookies, these treats are interactive. Kids love helping decorate the spiders, and adults will appreciate the mix of salty peanut butter and rich chocolate. They strike the perfect balance of cute and spooky, making them an instant Halloween favorite.

The best part? You don’t need advanced decorating skills. With simple piping and candy eyes, your cookies will look party-ready in minutes.

Who Will Love These Kid-Friendly Halloween Treats?

These cookies are great for:

• Parents looking for Halloween school treats that kids can help make
• Families who love fun Halloween desserts for parties
• Peanut butter and chocolate fans
• Anyone who enjoys spooky spider-themed treats without too much effort

If your crew loved our Cockroach Cupcakes, they’ll be just as delighted by these creepy-cute cookies.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 36 chocolate truffles (like Lindor or Reese’s)
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (for legs)
• Candy eyeballs

Optional: A sprinkle of Halloween-colored sugar before baking for extra festivity.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the dough
In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Shape and bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.

Step 4: Add spider bodies
Immediately after removing cookies from the oven, gently press a chocolate truffle into the center of each cookie. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 5: Decorate
Melt the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Pipe 4 legs on each side of the truffle to create spider legs. Attach candy eyeballs with a dab of melted chocolate.

Step 6: Set and serve
Allow chocolate to set completely before serving. Store in a cool spot so the spiders don’t “melt.”

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Spider-Themed Treats

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets and parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Small piping bag or zip-top bag
• Spatula

These are the same basic tools you’d use for other fun Halloween desserts, like Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Before Decorating

• Don’t overbake. The cookies should be soft and chewy, not crispy.
• Chill the dough. If it feels too soft, refrigerate for 30 minutes before baking.
• Use quality chocolate. Smooth truffles give a polished look and taste amazing.
• Press truffles in gently. Too much pressure can crack the cookie surface.

How to Decorate Spider Cookies Like a Pro

• Candy eyes are key to making the spiders look playful, not scary.
• Chocolate piping should be thin and steady for realistic legs.
• Add a touch of Halloween-colored sprinkles to the cookie base for extra flair.
• For extra spooky fun, serve these alongside Puff Pastry Bats or Snake Charmers Pretzels.

Fun Halloween Desserts to Pair With Spider Cookies

Want to build a whole dessert table? Add:

• Pumpkin Fluff Dip for something light and creamy
• Mini Pumpkin Pies for bite-sized goodness
• Chocolate Pumpkin Butter Cups for more chocolate-peanut butter fun

Storage Tips: Keeping Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Fresh

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Store for up to 7 days if your kitchen is warm.
• Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Add spider decorations after thawing for best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Halloween Spider Cookie Recipes

• Using hot cookies for decorating. The chocolate will slide right off.
• Skipping parchment paper. Prevents sticking and uneven baking.
• Overloading with chocolate. Keep the design neat for a cleaner look.
• Storing in heat. Warm environments melt truffles and candy eyes.

Spider Cookie Variations and Substitutions

• Nut-free version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
• Different bodies: Try chocolate-covered cherries or peanut butter cups.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Double chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a darker, spooky cookie.

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Peanut Butter Spider Cookies FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cookies 1 day ahead, then decorate just before serving.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Definitely, but homemade peanut butter dough holds the truffles better.

How do I stop the truffles from melting?
Add them once the cookies have cooled slightly, not while still piping hot.

Can I make mini versions?
Yes! Use smaller lollipops or mini chocolates for bite-sized spiders.

Why These Chocolate Peanut Butter Halloween Treats Belong on Your Party Table

Few recipes combine Halloween fun and indulgent flavor like these cookies. They’re spooky, silly, and irresistible, making them the perfect dessert for school parties, bake sales, or family gatherings. With just a little creativity, you’ll have a platter full of Halloween spider cookies that everyone will remember.

For another unforgettable fall dessert, try our Apple Crisp with Oatmeal or Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl.

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