Soft peanut butter cookies topped with chocolate and candy eyes are perfect for Halloween or any fun gathering. These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies not only bring joy to kids but also delight adults. Their cute spider design makes them a standout treat, combining rich peanut butter flavor with the sweetness of chocolate. Whether for a party, a bake sale, or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to impress everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun Presentation: The playful spider design makes these cookies perfect for Halloween or themed parties.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Treat: While great for holidays, they also make for a delightful everyday snack or dessert.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite candies or adjust the toppings to fit your preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Silicone mats or parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Squeeze bottle or sandwich bag
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Speeds up the creaming process, ensuring a fluffy cookie base.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Baking sheets: Provide a stable surface for even baking of cookies.
Ingredients
Soft peanut butter cookies topped with chocolate and candy eyes, crafted into playful spider treats.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Granulated sugar, for rolling
– 24 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Candy eyeballs
How to Make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cups
Unwrap approximately 24 mini peanut butter cups, place them in a bowl, and freeze until needed. Freezing helps maintain their shape when added to warm cookies.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter Mixture
Add creamy peanut butter, large egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat briefly until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
Add all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed or fold by hand just until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough. Roll each portion into uniform balls and coat each ball in granulated sugar.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Arrange dough balls 2 to 3 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake for about 8 to 11 minutes until edges crack and cookies begin turning golden.
Step 8: Add Peanut Butter Cups
Remove cookies from the oven and immediately press a frozen mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie. Allow them to cool on the baking tray for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 9: Melt Chocolate
Place semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for up to 3 minutes, stirring every minute until fully melted.
Step 10: Pipe Spider Legs
Transfer melted chocolate into a squeeze bottle or sandwich bag with the corner trimmed. Pipe four spider legs on each side of each cookie.
Step 11: Add Candy Eyeballs
Dab a small amount of melted chocolate on the back of each candy eyeball and press onto the peanut butter cups. Let the chocolate set before moving cookies.
Enjoy your delightful Peanut Butter Spider Cookies! Perfectly soft with an adorable twist that everyone will love!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
These fun and spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are perfect for Halloween or any festive gathering. With their playful design and delicious flavor, they can be served in various ways to delight your guests.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Halloween Dessert Table: Arrange the cookies on a decorated table among other spooky treats like ghost cupcakes and pumpkin pie.
- Cookie Bags: Place individual cookies in clear treat bags tied with orange ribbons for party favors.
- Themed Plates: Serve them on Halloween-themed plates to enhance the festive vibe at your gathering.
- With Milk: Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic and satisfying combination.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delicious twist.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
To make sure your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough before baking to help avoid spreading and achieve thicker cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined after adding flour to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; remove them when the edges start to crack for optimal softness.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool fully on the baking tray before adding chocolate and candy eyes so that they hold their shape.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Peanut Butter Spider Cookies make an excellent dessert, but pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your treat experience. Here are some delightful suggestions.
- Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices provide a crisp contrast to the soft cookies, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: This warm beverage complements the nutty flavors of peanut butter beautifully, making it perfect for fall gatherings.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer a savory balance to the sweetness of the cookies, creating an enjoyable tasting experience.
- Caramel Dip: Serve with caramel dip for an additional sweet treat; it pairs surprisingly well with peanut butter flavors.
- Chocolate Milkshake: A rich chocolate milkshake offers indulgent creaminess that matches well with the cookies’ texture.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the richness of these decedent spider cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Peanut Butter Spider Cookies can be a fun experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome.
- Skipping the freezer step: If you skip freezing the mini peanut butter cups, they may melt too quickly when pressed into the warm cookies. Always freeze them to keep their shape.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing the cookie dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to ensure a soft texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Always use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Ignoring baking times: Baking for too long can lead to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as the edges turn golden.
- Using unchilled butter: Starting with melted or overly soft butter can change the cookie’s texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
- Cookies can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as they may become tough.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top for about 1-2 minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?
Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are delightful soft peanut butter cookies topped with chocolate and candy eyes, designed to look like playful spiders—perfect for Halloween or any fun occasion.
How do I make my Peanut Butter Spider Cookies more festive?
You can customize your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies by adding different colored candy eyes or using various types of chocolate. Sprinkles can also add a fun touch!
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! While creamy peanut butter is recommended for smooth texture, using crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies extra texture and flavor—so feel free to experiment!
How long do Peanut Butter Spider Cookies last?
When stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are not only adorable but also incredibly delicious! Their soft texture combined with rich chocolate makes them irresistible. Plus, they offer plenty of customization options—whether you’re adding festive colors or experimenting with toppings. Give this fun recipe a try; it’s perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home!
Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful whimsy of Peanut Butter Spider Cookies, a perfect treat for Halloween or any festive gathering. These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are topped with creamy chocolate and adorned with playful candy eyes, making them not just a treat but a centerpiece for your dessert table. Kids and adults alike will be enchanted by their charming spider design and irresistible flavor. With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is suitable for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re hosting a spooky party or simply looking for a delightful snack at home, these cookies are sure to impress everyone!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Granulated sugar, for rolling
- 24 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Candy eyeballs
Instructions
- Unwrap 24 mini peanut butter cups and freeze them until needed.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla; mix until just combined.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until no flour streaks remain.
- Roll dough into balls, coat in granulated sugar, and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 11 minutes or until edges are golden. Immediately press a frozen peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave; pipe spider legs onto each cookie.
- Attach candy eyeballs with melted chocolate and allow to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Chill the dough before baking for thicker cookies. Customize toppings by using different candies or sprinkles.