Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are the perfect blend of classic flavors and festive fun, making them an ideal treat for Halloween or any gathering. These delightful cookies feature creamy peanut butter and a unique spider design that will impress both kids and adults alike. With their charming appearance and delicious taste, these cookies stand out as a must-bake for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun Presentation: The spider design adds a playful touch, making these cookies a hit at Halloween parties.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even beginner bakers can whip up a batch with ease.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate delivers a rich taste that everyone loves.
- Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions beyond Halloween, such as school events or family gatherings.
- Makes Plenty: With 22 cookies per batch, you’ll have enough to share (or keep all to yourself!).
Tools and Preparation
To make your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your cookies evenly.
- Electric mixer: Makes mixing the dough quick and easy, ensuring ingredients are well combined.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: Helps portion the dough uniformly for consistent cookie sizes.

Ingredients
Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are the classic peanut butter blossom cookie with a festive twist. Add whoppers, chocolate ganache legs and eyes for the perfect Halloween treat!
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup salted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
- 1 tsp vanilla
For the Decoration
- 44 whoppers
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 ounces)
- 1 small tube white cake decorating gel
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
How to Make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from start to finish.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheets
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking soda
3. Baking powder
Mix well and set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1. Softened butter
2. Granulated sugar
3. Brown sugar
Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in:
1. Egg
2. Creamy peanut butter
3. Vanilla
Mix until smooth.
Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 7: Form Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Create Spiders
Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press one whopper into the center of each cookie. Allow them to cool slightly before adding chocolate legs.
Step 10: Decorate with Chocolate Ganache Legs
Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl at short intervals until smooth. Use this melted chocolate to draw legs on each cookie around the whopper using a piping bag or toothpick.
Step 11: Finish with Cake Gel Eyes
Finally, use white cake decorating gel to add eyes on top of each whopper spider body.
Let your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies cool completely before serving!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Peanut Butter Spider Cookies make an adorable addition to any Halloween gathering. Their fun design and delightful flavor are sure to impress guests of all ages. Here are some creative ways to serve them.
Cookie Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, mixing in other Halloween-themed treats like pumpkin-shaped candies or ghost cupcakes for a festive display.
Treat Bags
- Package individual cookies in clear treat bags tied with orange and black ribbons. These make great party favors for guests to take home.
Dessert Table Centerpiece
- Create a dessert table featuring the cookies as the main attraction. Complement them with themed decorations like spider webs and mini pumpkins for added effect.
Halloween Party Snack
- Serve these cookies alongside spooky drinks, such as fruit punch with floating eyeball ice cubes, for a fun party snack.
Lunchbox Surprise
- Include these cookies in kids’ lunchboxes as a fun surprise. Pair them with their favorite fruits for a balanced meal.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
To ensure your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
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Use room temperature butter: Softened butter mixes better with sugars, creating a smoother dough that bakes evenly.
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Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon and level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can make cookies dense.
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Chill the dough: If possible, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain the shape during baking.
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Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you remove them.
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Decorate creatively: Add unique edible eyes or colored sprinkles to enhance the Halloween theme and make your cookies stand out.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Pairing Peanut Butter Spider Cookies with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great suggestions:
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Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices provide a crisp contrast to the soft cookies. Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
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Pumpkin Muffins: Fluffy pumpkin muffins bring seasonal flavors that match perfectly with peanut butter cookies.
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Carrot Sticks: Crunchy carrot sticks offer a healthy option alongside sweet treats, balancing out flavors at your gathering.
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Cheese Cubes: A platter of assorted cheese cubes adds savory notes that pair well with sweet cookies, making it an interesting combination.
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Trail Mix: A bowl of trail mix featuring nuts and dried fruits provides an energy-packed snack that complements your dessert spread.
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Yogurt Parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of peanut butter cookies.
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Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet balance of chocolate-covered pretzels pairs delightfully well with peanut butter flavors.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds brightness and freshness to your cookie presentation, enhancing both flavor and aesthetics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid Using Natural Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter can change the texture of your cookies. Stick with creamy, processed peanut butter for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling Time: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes for perfect shapes.
- Never Overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are just set.
- Forgetting to Roll in Sugar: Rolling your cookie dough in sugar before baking adds extra sweetness and a nice crunch. Don’t skip this step!
- Use Low-Quality Chocolate Chips: The flavor of your cookies relies heavily on quality chocolate. Choose semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an Airtight Container: Place cookies in a container to keep them fresh.
- Lasts up to 1 week: Enjoy your cookies within a week for the best taste.
Freezing Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
- Freeze in a Single Layer: Arrange cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a container.
- Keep frozen for up to 3 months: These cookies will maintain their flavor and texture when frozen properly.
Reheating Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my Peanut Butter Spider Cookies more festive?
You can add colored sprinkles or use different candies as toppings to enhance their Halloween theme.
Are there alternatives to peanut butter I can use?
Yes, you can substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter if needed.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Absolutely! You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute for a vegan option.
What’s the best way to decorate my Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?
Use melted chocolate or cake decorating gel to create spider legs and eyes, enhancing their spooky appearance.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional peanut butter blossoms, perfect for Halloween celebrations. Their fun design appeals to both kids and adults alike. Feel free to customize the toppings or add different candies to make them your own!
Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Indulge in the spooky fun of Peanut Butter Spider Cookies, a delightful treat that combines classic flavors with a festive twist. These charming cookies are perfect for Halloween gatherings or any occasion where a bit of whimsy is welcome. With creamy peanut butter and a playful spider design, these cookies not only taste amazing but also impress both kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 22 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup salted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 44 whoppers (for decoration)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for legs)
- 1 small tube white cake decorating gel (for eyes)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet mixture.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto prepared sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for approximately 8 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Press one whopper into the center of each cookie right after removing from the oven.
- Melt chocolate chips and use to create legs around each whopper with a piping bag or toothpick.
- Finish by adding white cake gel eyes on each spider body.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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