Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe for Halloween

Picture this: the warm scent of peanut butter filling your kitchen, paired with the whimsical sight of spooky spider cookies that are almost too cute to eat. These Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are the perfect treat to bring a little Halloween magic to your table. The first time I made these, I was amazed at how easily they came together—and the look on my kids’ faces when they saw spiders crawling across the cookie tray? Priceless. They couldn’t wait to grab one, and honestly, neither could I.

These cookies are a festive twist on a classic peanut butter cookie recipe, with chocolatey spider bodies and legs that make them just the right amount of creepy for Halloween night. Whether you’re hosting a party, need something fun for school, or just want to add a playful touch to your dessert spread, these cookies are always a hit. They’re so good, you might even catch yourself sneaking a few before they hit the plate (don’t say I didn’t warn you).

I’ve tested this recipe multiple times (in the name of spooky research, of course), and it’s become a Halloween staple in my family. They’re not only easy to make but also so much fun to decorate—perfect for little hands to join in and add their creative flair. If you’re looking for a treat that’s equal parts adorable and delicious, bookmark this one. You’ll be glad you did!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: These cookies are the ultimate Halloween dessert. From the spider shapes to the peanut butter flavor, they’re sure to impress kids and adults alike.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, so no need for a big shopping trip.
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for last-minute Halloween parties or treats.
• Customizable: You can get creative with the decorations—add candy eyes, change the chocolate, or even make them extra spooky with colored icing.
• Deliciously Addictive: The combination of sweet peanut butter cookies and rich chocolate is a match made in heaven.

These cookies stand out because they’re not just cute—they’re downright scrumptious. The peanut butter base is soft and chewy, while the chocolate adds a decadent touch. Plus, the spider decorations are surprisingly simple to achieve, even if you’re not an expert baker. They’re spooky enough for Halloween but sweet enough to keep everyone smiling.

Whether you’re looking to wow your guests or just want to make your holiday a little more memorable, these cookies deliver on every level. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be whipping up a batch every October!

What Ingredients You Will Need

These Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies use simple ingredients to create a treat that’s both fun and delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crunch.
• Brown Sugar: For extra chewiness and depth of flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand for the best peanut butter flavor.
• Large Egg: Helps bind the dough together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies. (For gluten-free, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.)
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Chocolate Kisses: These will be the spider bodies. You can use mini peanut butter cups if you prefer.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: For the spider legs.
• Candy Eyes: Optional, but they add an extra creepy-cute touch!

These ingredients are easy to find, and there’s room for substitutions if needed. If you’re making this recipe dairy-free, you can use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate. For a nut-free option, swap out the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make these spooky treats:

• Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients and one for dry.
• Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer works perfectly for creaming the butter and sugar.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in baking.
• Baking Sheets: Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies once baked.
• Small Piping Bag or Toothpick: To make the spider legs.

If you don’t have a piping bag, no worries—a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off works just as well. And if you don’t have parchment paper, a light greasing of your baking sheets should do the trick!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add the peanut butter and mix until fully incorporated. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Roll the dough into small balls (about one tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look slightly soft—that’s perfect!
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Once the cookies are completely cool, melt the mini chocolate chips and use a piping bag or toothpick to draw spider legs around the chocolate kiss.
10. If desired, stick candy eyes onto the chocolate kiss using a dab of melted chocolate.

And just like that, your spooky spider cookies are ready to creep their way into your Halloween spread!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:

• Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so take them out when the edges are just turning golden.
• Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before rolling—it’ll be much easier to handle.
• Draw Legs Carefully: Use a steady hand when piping the spider legs to keep them neat. Practice on parchment paper first if you’re nervous!
• Decorate with Friends: Decorating is a lot more fun as a group activity—let everyone create their own spooky masterpiece!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to put your own spin on these spooky peanut butter spider cookies? Try these fun variations:

• Nut-Free: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a nut-free version.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. The texture will still be fantastic!
• Extra Spooky: Use red gel icing to add a “bloody” touch to the spider legs or sprinkle crushed Oreos on top for a dirt-like effect.
• Different Chocolate Options: Use white chocolate or dark chocolate for the spider bodies instead of milk chocolate kisses.

Feel free to experiment with different sizes and colors of candy eyes or even add sprinkles for a playful twist. The possibilities are endless!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Here’s how to serve and store your Halloween cookies:

• Serving: Serve the cookies at room temperature on a festive Halloween platter. Pair them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of apple cider for the ultimate treat.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Pop the cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to refresh them if needed.

The flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate actually deepen over time, making them even tastier the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional value of these Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies:

• Calories: Approximately 180 per cookie.
• Protein: Peanut butter adds a boost of protein and healthy fats.
• Carbs: These cookies are a sweet treat but can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• Allergen Information: Contains peanuts, dairy, and gluten (unless substitutions are made).

While these cookies are definitely a treat, the peanut butter provides some nutrition, making them a better choice than many other sugary Halloween goodies.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fun, spooky, and absolutely delicious Halloween treat, these Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are a must-try. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for bringing a touch of creepy charm to your celebrations. My family loves them so much that they’ve become a yearly tradition, and I just know yours will, too.

Try this recipe, share it with friends, and let your creativity shine through with your spider decorations. I’d love to see your creations—drop a comment below and let me know how they turn out! Happy Halloween and happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cookies can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or frozen for longer storage.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

It’s best to stick with regular creamy peanut butter for this recipe, as natural peanut butter can make the dough too oily and affect the texture.

How do I make the spider legs if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can use a plastic sandwich bag and cut a tiny hole in one corner to create a makeshift piping bag. Alternatively, a toothpick dipped in melted chocolate can work!

What’s the best way to melt chocolate chips for the legs?

Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring well after each interval until smooth. Be careful not to overheat.

Can I use a different cookie base?

Sure! While peanut butter cookies are traditional for this recipe, you could use sugar cookies, chocolate cookies, or even oatmeal cookies for a fun twist.

Print