Halloween Spider Cookies: Spooky and Delicious Treats

If you’re looking for a Halloween treat that’s both festive and irresistibly delicious, these Halloween Spider Cookies are perfect! With a chewy peanut butter base and a spooky design, these cookies are sure to be the highlight of your Halloween celebration. The best part? They’re just as fun to decorate as they are to eat. Whether you’re planning a Halloween party or simply want to enjoy a themed dessert at home, these spider cookies are a must-try.

Get quick, easy, and delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletter here for all the latest treats and meal ideas.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Halloween Spider Cookies

These cookies are not only adorable but also packed with flavor:

• Peanut Butter Perfection: Each bite delivers a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
• Festive Fun: These cookies look like little spiders, making them the perfect addition to any Halloween table.
• Interactive for All Ages: Kids will love helping out, especially when it comes to decorating the spiders with candy eyes and chocolate legs.
• Simple to Make: With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, these cookies come together in no time.

Whether you’re a peanut butter fan or just looking for a fun treat to make with the family, these cookies are a hit!

Ingredients for Halloween Spider Cookies

• 1/2 cup Shortening
• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 Egg
• 2 tbsp Milk
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1 3/4 cup Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 cup Sugar (for rolling)
• 48 miniature Reese’s cups, unwrapped and frozen
• 96 Candy Eyes
• 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips

Tools You’ll Need:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Cookie sheet
• Wire cooling rack
• Ziplock bag for piping

How to Make Halloween Spider Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat together the shortening, peanut butter, egg, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each one in sugar. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and puffy.

Step 5: Add Reese’s Cups

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a frozen Reese’s cup (upside down) into the center of each cookie. Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Step 6: Decorate the Spiders

While the cookies are still warm, place candy eyes on each Reese’s cup. Let the cookies cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Pipe the Spider Legs

Melt the chocolate chips by placing them in a ziplock bag and microwaving in 20-second intervals until smooth. Clip a tiny corner off the bag and pipe eight legs around the Reese’s cup to complete the spider look. Place the cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes to let the legs set.

Tips for the Best Spider Cookies

• Freezing Reese’s Cups: This prevents them from melting too much when placed on the warm cookies.
• Even Cookie Sizes: Use a cookie scoop to ensure that all cookies are the same size and bake evenly.
• Alternative Decorations: If you don’t have candy eyes, mini chocolate chips or M&Ms work great as well.

What to Serve with Halloween Spider Cookies

Planning a Halloween party? These cookies will pair wonderfully with other spooky-themed treats! Try serving them with:

• No-Bake Witch Hat Cookies for a fun and easy no-bake dessert.
• Peanut Butter Halloween Eyeballs to keep the peanut butter and chocolate theme going.
• Caramel Apple Slices for a fruity, caramel-coated treat that’s perfect for fall.

These recipes make a fantastic Halloween dessert spread that everyone will love!

Storage Instructions

To keep your spider cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to make them ahead, bake and freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and decorate them when you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Butter for Shortening?

Yes! You can substitute the same amount of butter for the shortening, but the cookies may spread a little more and have a slightly different texture.

Can I Use Different Candy for the Eyes?

Absolutely! If you can’t find candy eyes, you can use mini chocolate chips, M&Ms, or even small dots of icing.

How Far in Advance Can I Make These?

You can make the cookies up to three days in advance. Decorate them the day you plan to serve them to ensure the eyes and legs look fresh and intact.

Conclusion: Get Into the Halloween Spirit with Spider Cookies!

These Halloween Spider Cookies are an easy and delightful way to get into the Halloween spirit. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser, and the spider design is both cute and spooky. Whether you’re making them for a party or just for fun at home, they’re sure to impress!

I’d love to see your spooky cookie creations! Share your photos with me on Pinterest and don’t forget to leave a review below if you try the recipe.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugars: 12g

For more Halloween-themed treats, check out these fun and easy recipes: No-Bake Witch Hat Cookies, Peanut Butter Halloween Eyeballs, and Caramel Apple Slices.

Print