Halloween Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Delicious Halloween Peanut Butter Spider Cookies with chocolate eyes.

Halloween Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Introduction

Get ready to delight your taste buds this Halloween with these fun and spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies! Perfect for kids and adult gatherings, these playful treats not only taste amazing, but they also put a creative spin on traditional cookies. With delicious peanut butter and a chocolate twist, these cookies will surely be the star of your Halloween celebrations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: You can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for last-minute parties.
  • Simple Ingredients: Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you can get started right away.
  • Perfect for Halloween: The spider theme adds a festive touch to your holiday baking.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves cookies, and adding Reese’s makes them even more irresistible.
  • Unbelievably Delicious: Combining peanut butter and chocolate creates a flavor explosion in every bite.

These cookies stand out with their unique design and delightful taste. No one can resist their charm and flavor, making them a must-have for Halloween gatherings!

Ingredients Needed

For the cookie base:

  • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the decoration:

  • 18 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 36 candy eyes

How to Make Halloween Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your cookies bake evenly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly.
  3. Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This introduces air into the mixture, making your cookies tender.
  4. Add Peanut Butter and Egg: Mix in the peanut butter until well combined, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until smooth.
  5. Incorporate Dry Mix: Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid over-mixing for the softest cookies.
  6. Shape the Cookies: Divide the dough into 18 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Roll these balls in extra granulated sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
  7. Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between them. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes.
  8. Make Indentations: Once baked, take them out and gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie. This is where your mini Reese’s will sit.
  9. Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat until smooth. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
  10. Assemble the Spiders: Place a mini Reese’s in the indentation on each cookie. Use a toothpick or small piping bag to drizzle melted chocolate over the Reese’s and add candy eyes to finish your spooky spider look!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve these spooky cookies on a large platter to showcase their fun design! For optimal freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze cookie dough balls and bake them fresh later for an easy treat.

Helpful Notes

  • Customize Your Spiders: Feel free to use other candies for spider legs, like licorice strings or pretzel sticks for extra creativity.
  • Peanut Butter Alternatives: If you’re allergic to peanuts, use almond butter or sun butter for delicious alternatives.

Conclusion

These Halloween Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are not just delicious but also incredibly fun to make and share! With their delightful flavors and spooky appearance, they’re sure to impress everyone at your Halloween party. If you try this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating below! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media—what unique spider designs did you come up with?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture to your cookies.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend is suitable for baking.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! You can freeze both the cookie dough balls and the baked cookies. Just ensure they are well-packaged to prevent freezer burn.

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