Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that’s both delightfully nostalgic and irresistibly fun, these Peanut Butter Spider Cookies will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie rolled in sugar, topped with mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, adorned with candy eyeballs, and chocolate legs that give each cookie a playful spider look. Perfect for Halloween or any time you want to impress friends with a quirky yet delicious dessert, these cookies combine rich peanut butter flavor with a whimsical twist that kids and adults alike will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and freshness. Each component plays an important role, from the creamy peanut butter that adds richness to the brown sugar which keeps the cookies soft and chewy.

• Unsalted butter (½ cup, room temperature): Provides creaminess and moisture for a tender cookie texture.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a chewy bite with a hint of caramel flavor.
• Granulated sugar (⅓ cup, plus extra for rolling): Balances sweetness and forms a lightly crisp exterior when rolled in it.
• Creamy peanut butter (¾ cup): The star ingredient that gives these cookies their classic, nutty taste and moist texture.
• Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): Creates the structure necessary for chewy yet sturdy cookies.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and spread perfectly.
• Baking powder (½ tsp): Adds a little lift for softness.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances peanut butter flavor.
• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Adds extra peanut butter goodness and a delightful chocolate surprise on top.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup, for melting): Used to create the spider legs, bringing a fun design element.
• Candy eyeballs: Give each cookie its playful and spooky spider personality.

How to Make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for that tender, chewy texture that makes Peanut Butter Spider Cookies so addictive. The sugars dissolve into the butter, creating a creamy base to build your cookies on.

Step 2: Add Egg, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla

Mix in the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. These ingredients bring richness, moisture, and depth of flavor. Using creamy peanut butter ensures your cookies will have that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality with every bite.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix gives your cookies the right structure and balance so they don’t spread too thin while baking.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Slowly add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. You want to avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender and soft.

Step 5: Shape and Roll in Sugar

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop cookie dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll each in granulated sugar for an extra touch of crunch and sparkle on the outside.

Step 6: Bake and Add Mini Peanut Butter Cups

Place the sugar-coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes. While still warm, press a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie. This gives the cookies their signature look and adds a double dose of peanut butter flavor.

Step 7: Create Chocolate Spider Legs

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Using a fork or toothpick, dip and drag melted chocolate outward from each cookie’s center to form spider legs. Work quickly before the chocolate hardens.

Step 8: Add Candy Eyeballs and Let Set

Place two candy eyeballs on the mini Reese’s to complete your spider’s face. Allow the cookies to cool completely so the chocolate legs and eyes set firmly, making them ready for their debut!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are already playful and eye-catching, but you can add a sprinkle of edible glitter or a dash of colored sugar on top before baking to make them even more festive. For a spooky twist, serve them on a bed of dry ice fog for a Halloween party centerpiece.

Side Dishes

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla ice cream. Their rich peanut buttery flavor balances well with something cool and mild, creating a perfect dessert combo. Hot chocolate or a cup of coffee also complements their sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving these cookies on a themed platter surrounded by fake spider webs and plastic bugs amps up the creepy factor. You can even place them in individual cupcake liners shaped like spider webs for a fun party favor idea. These little touches turn simple cookies into an unforgettable treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days, making them an excellent treat to prepare in advance.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well if wrapped tightly for future snacks.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness and brings out the peanut buttery aroma, making them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less sweet, which might affect the texture and flavor of your cookies. For the best results with Peanut Butter Spider Cookies, stick to creamy peanut butter that is not natural.

What can I substitute for mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?

If mini Reese’s are hard to find, try small peanut butter-filled chocolates or even peanut butter M&Ms for a similar flavor and size. You could also skip this step and top your cookies with just candy eyeballs and chocolate legs for a simpler spider.

How do I prevent the chocolate legs from smudging?

Use a toothpick for precise chocolate lines and make sure the chocolate chips are fully melted but not too hot. Work quickly and let the cookies cool completely on a flat surface to allow the chocolate legs to harden without spreading.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be mindful of any additional binding agents your blend may require; otherwise, the overall process and flavor will remain very similar.

Are these cookies good for Halloween parties?

Absolutely! Their fun spider design, peanut buttery goodness, and eye-catching shapes make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies an excellent festive treat that’s sure to impress kids and adults alike at Halloween celebrations.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are more than just a fun twist on a classic peanut butter cookie — they’re a sweet and spooky treat that will spark joy and smiles wherever you serve them. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a family gathering, or just because, don’t miss out on the chance to whip up this playful, delicious recipe. I promise you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

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