Name: Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Halloween Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (118 ml) creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (110 grams) brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 24 mini chocolate peanut butter cups; 48 candy eyes; 1/4 cup (45 grams) chocolate chips, melted (for piping legs)

Creepy crawly peanut butter spider cookies weave a delightful web of sweet Halloween magic that captures childhood imagination.

Spooky desserts often seem complicated, but these playful treats come together with surprising ease.

Kids absolutely adore creating these eight-legged edible creatures during seasonal baking adventures.

Chocolate legs and candy eyes transform simple cookies into whimsical monsters that spark giggles and excitement.

Decorating becomes a fun family activity where everyone can unleash their creative spirit.

Simple ingredients from your pantry make these spooky treats accessible and entertaining.

Bake these delightful cookies and watch faces light up with Halloween wonder.

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies: Spooky & Sweet

Simplify Spooky Treats: Perfect for Halloween parties or festive gatherings, these spider cookies transform a classic peanut butter cookie into a playful, creepy-cute dessert that kids and adults will adore.
Quick Kid-Friendly Crafting: Decorating these cookies becomes a fun family activity where children can help pipe chocolate legs and attach candy eyes, making baking an interactive and memorable experience.
Minimal Ingredient Magic: With basic pantry staples like peanut butter, flour, and chocolate, this recipe requires no fancy ingredients, ensuring anyone can create these charming spider-themed treats without stress.
No-Fuss Baking Adventure: Straightforward steps and simple techniques make these cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks wanting a whimsical dessert option.

What You Need for PB Spider Cookies

Base Ingredients:

Peanut Butter: The star ingredient that provides rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender cookie.
Sugars: Provide sweetness and contribute to the cookie's golden color and crisp edges.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create a smooth cookie dough.

Dry Ingredients:

Flour: Creates the structure and provides a tender base for the cookie.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly during baking.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Decorative Ingredients:

Peanut Butter Cups, Chocolate Candy Melts, Candy Eyes: Create the playful spider design and add extra flavor and visual appeal to the cookies.

Bake Up Spooky Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Turn the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) so it’s ready for cookie magic.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:

Peanut butter
Softened butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg

Crack an egg into the creamy mixture and stir until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re evenly blended.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until a smooth dough forms.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into small, round balls about 1 inch in diameter.

Place them carefully on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Look for a light golden color around the edges.

Step 8: Add Chocolate Centers

While the cookies are still warm, gently press a peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.

Step 9: Create Spooky Spider Design

Melt some chocolate and use it to pipe thin legs extending from each cookie.

Attach tiny candy eyes to complete the creepy-cute spider look.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Watch as your spooky spider treats become the star of the Halloween party!

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform 1-inch balls for consistent baking.
Let butter and peanut butter sit at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
Allow cookies to cool slightly before adding chocolate cup and spider details to prevent melting.
Use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with a small corner snipped for precise spider leg decoration.

Fun Ways to Remix Spider Cookies

Gluten-Free Spider Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for celiac-friendly option.
Vegan Spider Treats: Swap butter and egg with coconut oil and flax egg, use dark chocolate for decoration and plant-based peanut butter.
Low-Sugar Spider Cookies: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free chocolate chips for decorative elements.
Nut-Free Alternative: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, use chocolate-covered sunflower seeds for spider eyes and decorations.

Serve Spider Cookies for Halloween

Spider-Themed Party Platter: Create a spooky Halloween dessert table with these adorable peanut butter spider cookies as the centerpiece. Arrange them on a black tablecloth with cobweb decorations.
Creepy Classroom Treat: Pack these cookies in clear Halloween-themed bags for kids' school parties. They'll love the cute and scary spider design that's both delicious and fun.
Movie Night Dessert: Serve these cookies during a Halloween movie marathon. Pair them with hot chocolate or milk for a sweet and playful snack that matches the spooky atmosphere.
Kid-Friendly Baking Activity: Get children involved by letting them help pipe the chocolate legs and attach candy eyes. It's a great way to make baking an interactive and memorable experience.

Storage for Spooky PB Cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Check to ensure chocolate doesn't melt completely.
Preheat oven to 300F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 3-5 minutes to restore slight crispness and bring back fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Why use peanut butter cups in this recipe?

Peanut butter cups add a rich, creamy center and create the spider’s body, making the cookies more decadent and visually interesting.

Can I use different chocolates for the spider legs?

Yes, you can use melted dark, milk, or white chocolate to pipe the spider legs, depending on your preference and what you have available.

How do I make sure the spider legs look neat?

Use a piping bag or a small ziplock bag with a corner snipped off to create thin, precise chocolate lines for the spider legs.

Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids will love helping decorate the cookies with candy eyes and chocolate legs, making it a fun baking activity.

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.

Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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