Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are the ultimate Halloween treat—fun, festive, and packed with that classic peanut butter and chocolate combo everyone loves. These cookies start with a soft and chewy peanut butter base and are topped with a round chocolate candy to create the “body” of the spider. Add a few chocolate legs and candy eyes, and you’ve got a treat that’s both creepy and irresistibly delicious. They’re perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or a spooky movie night at home.

What Makes These Cookies Special?

These cookies combine rich, nutty peanut butter flavor with the visual flair of Halloween-themed decorating. The base is a classic peanut butter cookie that’s soft, chewy, and full of nostalgic flavor. Once baked, each cookie is topped with a chocolate truffle, peanut butter cup, or chocolate ball, which serves as the spider’s body. With melted chocolate piped into little legs and candy eyes added for personality, these cookies are both eye-catching and delicious.

They’re also surprisingly simple to make—especially fun for kids or group baking sessions.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Decorating Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Cookies:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Spider Decoration:

24 chocolate truffles or round chocolate candies (like Lindor truffles or peanut butter cups)
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (for piping legs)
Candy eyes (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

2. Bake the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until lightly golden and set.

Remove from the oven and immediately press a chocolate truffle into the center of each cookie while still warm. Allow the cookies to cool completely so the chocolate sets.

3. Decorate the Spiders

Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring until smooth.

Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag or small zip-top bag with a corner snipped off.

Pipe 4 legs on each side of the chocolate “body.” Attach candy eyes using a tiny dab of melted chocolate as glue.

Let the decorations set fully before serving or storing.

Variations

Chocolate Base: Swap the peanut butter dough with chocolate cookie dough for a double-chocolate version.
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for an allergy-friendly version.
Mini Spiders: Use mini peanut butter cups for bite-sized spider cookies.
Candy Swap: Use Rolos, chocolate-covered caramels, or malt balls for the spider body.

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Parchment-lined baking sheets
Measuring cups and spoons
Piping bag or plastic sandwich bag
Microwave-safe bowl
Spatula or spoon

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Cookie)

Calories: ~190
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 11g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 13g

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator: These cookies can be kept chilled for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Add decorations after thawing.

My Cooking Experience

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are a yearly Halloween tradition in my kitchen. They’re fun to make, great for kids to help decorate, and always get compliments for their spooky look and peanut buttery taste. I’ve tried them with different candies over the years, and they always turn out great. The decorating might look tricky, but once you get going, it’s a blast. These cookies always disappear faster than any other Halloween treat I make.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are festive, flavorful, and just creepy enough to charm your Halloween guests. With their soft, rich base and playful chocolate decorations, they’re the perfect treat to serve up some spooky sweetness. Whether for a classroom party or a Halloween dessert spread, these cookies bring fun and flavor in equal measure.

Admin