Name: Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 24 chocolate truffles or round chocolate candies (for spider bodies); 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for spider legs); 48 candy eyes

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Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe

These peanut butter spider cookies are not only festive and eye-catching, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With a soft, chewy peanut butter base and a fun chocolate spider on top, they combine flavor and creativity in the best way. Perfect for baking with kids or making ahead for a party, this recipe is a seasonal favorite you’ll want to return to every fall. Plus, no fancy decorating skills are required—just melt, stick, and enjoy!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
24 chocolate truffles or round chocolate candies (for spider bodies)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (for spider legs)
48 candy eyes

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add the egg and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool slightly.
Gently press a chocolate truffle or candy into the center of each cookie while still warm.
Melt the chocolate chips and use a toothpick or piping bag to draw spider legs around each chocolate truffle.
Add candy eyes on top of each truffle to complete the spider look.
Let cool until chocolate sets.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per cookie

Variations

Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for an allergy-friendly version.
Chocolate Base: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate peanut butter twist.
Different Candies: Use mini peanut butter cups or chocolate kisses instead of truffles.
Flavored Truffles: Try flavored chocolate truffles like mint or caramel for an extra surprise.
Mini Cookies: Make smaller cookies with mini truffles for bite-sized treats.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before serving. To slightly soften or warm them, microwave for about 5-10 seconds per cookie.

FAQs

How do I keep the chocolate truffles from melting too much?

Let the cookies cool for 1–2 minutes before pressing the truffles in. This way, the chocolate softens slightly without melting completely.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookies a day in advance and decorate them the next day. Store them in an airtight container.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

You can, but the texture will be a bit chunkier. For smoother cookies, creamy peanut butter is best.

What kind of chocolate works best for spider bodies?

Round chocolate truffles, malt balls, or mini peanut butter cups work great. Choose ones that hold their shape.

Are these cookies safe for school events?

Check with your school’s allergy policy. If peanuts are restricted, opt for a nut-free butter alternative.

How do I melt the chocolate chips easily?

Microwave them in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. You can also use a double boiler.

Can I skip the candy eyes?

Yes, but they add a fun and spooky touch. If you don’t have them, use white chocolate chips with a dot of melted chocolate for a DIY version.

What can I use instead of a piping bag for the legs?

A toothpick, fork, or plastic sandwich bag with a small snip in the corner can work well.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Will the cookies harden as they cool?

They may firm up slightly but will remain chewy inside. Be sure not to overbake them for the best texture.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are the perfect mix of fun and flavor, making them a standout treat for Halloween or any spooky-themed occasion. With simple ingredients and a playful presentation, they’re easy enough for beginners and delightful enough to please any crowd. Whether you’re baking with kids or making a festive dessert platter, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

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Fun and spooky peanut butter spider cookies made with rich peanut butter flavor and topped with chocolate and candy eyes—perfect for Halloween treats or a themed party snack!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add the egg and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool slightly.
Gently press a chocolate truffle or candy into the center of each cookie while still warm.
Melt the chocolate chips and use a toothpick or piping bag to draw spider legs around each chocolate truffle.
Add candy eyes on top of each truffle to complete the spider look. Let cool until chocolate sets.

Notes

Let cookies cool slightly before adding chocolate truffles to avoid melting.
You can use melted chocolate or icing to stick the candy eyes.
Try different types of chocolate candies for variety.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg