Spooky & Sweet: The Ultimate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Spider Cookies for a Memorable Halloween!
Get ready to spin a web of deliciousness this Halloween with these adorable and easy-to-make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Spider Cookies! These treats take a classic peanut butter cup cookie and transform it into a festive, not-too-spooky spider, perfect for fright night gatherings. Kids and adults alike will be enchanted by these creative Halloween Spider Cookies, making them an instant hit at any celebration.
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning your festive treats. These homemade Spider Cookies are an absolute must-have for your spooky season menu. We’ve taken our beloved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup cookie recipe and given it a fun Halloween makeover by adding charming candy eyes and delicate chocolate drizzle legs, turning each cookie into a friendly little arachnid. It’s a delightful way to combine your love for baking with the playful spirit of Halloween.
Irresistible Halloween Spider Cookies: A Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dream
The magic of these Halloween Spider Cookies lies in the timeless combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Each bite delivers a decadent, chewy cookie experience that’s simply irresistible. Imagine a tender, buttery cookie base, reminiscent of your favorite chocolate chip cookies, baked to golden perfection. Then, while still warm, a miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup is pressed into the center, creating the “spider body.” The addition of whimsical candy eyes and meticulously piped chocolate legs completes the transformation into a captivating spider treat. Rest assured, there’s nothing genuinely scary about these cookies – only deliciousness!
If you’re as enthusiastic about crafting Halloween-themed treats as we are, you’ll love exploring some of our other spooky creations. Be sure to check out these fantastic recipes to complement your dessert table: Halloween Monster Burgers for a savory scare, a fun and easy Halloween Trash Snack Mix, or this impressive Sweet and Savory Halloween Snack Board featuring a delightful peanut butter dip.
Why These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Will Be the Star of Your Party
These delightful spider cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience! They are the absolute ideal treat to serve at your upcoming Halloween party, guaranteed to draw smiles and impressed gasps from all your guests. Imagine sending a batch of these adorable peanut butter spider cookies with your children to school or a class party – they will be the most popular kid in the room! These spooky-yet-sweet spider cookies will most definitely be the hit of any gathering, from family movie nights to grand Halloween galas. We’ve found that not only the little ones but even the “big kids” (adults!) wholeheartedly adore them, making them the perfect Halloween treats for all ages and every palate.
Customizing Your Spider Cookies: Peanut-Free & Beyond
One of the best things about this spider cookie concept is its versatility. Can you use a different cookie recipe to make spider cookies? Absolutely! While our Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup base provides an unmatched flavor profile, technically any kind of cookie will work to create these charming spider cookies. The key is that the body and legs of the spider are easily discernible and can adhere well. You could even take a shortcut and use store-bought cookie dough for the base, saving you time without compromising on the fun!
A common question we receive is: Can I decorate store-bought cookies to make spider cookies? You can certainly try to decorate pre-baked store-bought cookies. However, it might be a bit more challenging to get the peanut butter cup “body” and the candy eyes to stick firmly, as the cookie dough usually needs to be warm for the Reese’s cup to melt slightly into place and create a secure bond. For the best results and easiest assembly, baking the cookies fresh is recommended.
Essential Ingredients for Your Halloween Spider Cookies
Creating these delightful spider cookies requires a few pantry staples and some special additions that bring them to life. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour – This forms the structural backbone of our chewy cookies. Keeping a bag of all-purpose flour in your pantry ensures you’re always ready to whip up a batch of these or any other delicious baked goods whenever inspiration strikes.
- Baking soda – A crucial leavening agent, baking soda helps these cookies rise just enough, contributing to their soft and tender texture without making them cakey.
- Salt – Just a touch of salt is essential. It doesn’t make the cookies taste salty, but rather enhances and balances the overall sweetness and rich flavors of the chocolate and peanut butter.
- Butter – We recommend using unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, as this gives you control over the salt content. However, if salted butter is all you have, it will work perfectly fine; just be mindful of the added salt in the recipe. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating a light and airy base for your cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar – This classic white sugar contributes to the sweetness and helps the cookies spread and achieve that desirable crisp edge while maintaining a chewy center.
- Brown sugar – The addition of brown sugar is key for moisture and adds a wonderful, subtle caramel-like flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully. It also contributes to the cookies’ soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract – For the best flavor, grab a bottle of pure vanilla extract. You’ll truly taste the difference! That said, imitation vanilla extract will also work well in this recipe if that’s what you have on hand.
- Eggs – We typically use large eggs when baking, as they provide structure, moisture, and act as a binding agent. However, any size egg you have will integrate well into this versatile spider cookie recipe.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis – These delightful mini Reese’s cups are folded into the cookie dough itself, ensuring every bite is bursting with that iconic chocolate and peanut butter flavor.
- Reese’s Miniature Peanut Butter Cups – These are the stars of the show, used for the main “body” of our spiders. Their distinct shape and flavor make them perfect for this festive decoration.
- Candy eyeballs- Absolutely essential for giving these cookies their charmingly spidery, not-too-spooky appearance! They instantly bring these treats to life.
- Chocolate chips – Used for melting, these chocolate chips will serve two purposes: to adhere the candy eyeballs to the Reese’s cups and to pipe the intricate spider legs. Semi-sweet morsels work wonderfully, but milk chocolate chips will also yield delicious results.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft This Delightful Spider Cookie Recipe
Don’t worry if you’re new to making decorative cookies! We’ve made this recipe incredibly straightforward. There’s even a helpful how-to video located here in this post, filled with short video clips to guide you visually through each step if you need them.
**Step 1: Prepare Your Spiders First.** Begin by creating the spider “heads.” Place your chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt them in the microwave for about one minute. Stir the chocolate until it’s perfectly smooth and glossy. The consistency should be thick enough to act as an adhesive, but not so thin that it’s runny.
**Step 2: Add the Eyes.** Carefully dip the flat backside of a candy eyeball into the melted chocolate. Gently press two of these chocolate-dipped eyeballs onto the side of each miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, positioning them so they resemble inquisitive spider eyes. Place these completed spider “bodies” onto a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper to set. For a quicker set, you can pop them into the fridge for a little bit.
**Step 3: Preheat and Prepare.** Next, it’s time to prepare your cookies. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and ensures even baking, then set it aside.
**Step 4: Cream Wet Ingredients.** In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ soft texture. Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
**Step 5: Combine Dry & Wet.** In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures even distribution. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, gently fold in the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups baking minis.
**Step 6: Scoop and Bake.** Using a one-tablespoon-sized cookie scoop (or your preferred size for uniform cookies), drop rounded scoops of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading.
Bake for approximately 11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are beautifully golden brown and the centers are just set. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on them.
**Step 7: Add the Spider Bodies.** As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, and while they are still warm and soft, immediately press one of your prepared Reese’s cups with eyeballs into the very center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the bottom of the Reese’s cup, helping it to adhere perfectly.
**Step 8: Let Set.** Allow the cookies to set and cool completely by transferring them to a wire cooling rack in a cool place. For an even quicker set and to ensure the Reese’s cups are firm, you can place them in the fridge for a bit.
**Step 9: Pipe the Legs.** Finally, if your melted chocolate has hardened, gently reheat the chocolate chip mixture once again until it’s smooth and pliable. Add more chocolate chips if you find you need more for all your cookies. Carefully transfer the melted chocolate into a small piping bag fitted with a very fine tip, or simply use a plastic baggie with a tiny corner snipped off.
Pipe four small spider legs onto each side of the Reese’s cup “body” on your cookies, extending outwards onto the cookie base. Let the finished spider cookies set one more time on a wire rack until the chocolate legs are firm. Now they are ready to serve and impress!
Love this Spooky Sweet Recipe? Pin it for Later!
If you’re absolutely loving this recipe for easy spider cookies and want to ensure you don’t lose track of it, make sure to save it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now, so it’s always handy for your next Halloween baking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Spider Cookies
How to make spider cookies without peanut butter? If you’re baking for someone with a peanut allergy, or simply want a different flavor profile, it’s incredibly easy to adapt these delightful treats! You can effortlessly swap out the Reese’s Peanut Butter cups for other candies that can serve as the spider’s body. Excellent alternatives include Rolo candies, malted milk balls, or even a mini chocolate-covered caramel. For the cookie base, you can use a classic chocolate chip cookie dough or any other preferred cookie base to avoid peanut products entirely.
How do I store these spider cookies? To keep your spider cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature on your kitchen counter. They will maintain their quality and delightful chewiness for a few days. For longer storage, these cookies also freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Can I make these cookies in advance? Absolutely! If you’re planning a big Halloween celebration or just want to get a head start on your baking, these cookies are a fantastic option for making in advance. Once fully cooled and decorated, you can place them in an airtight freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, and freeze them for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? While we haven’t personally tested this recipe with gluten-free flours, many bakers have great success substituting traditional all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill offer excellent gluten-free all-purpose flour blends that are often designed for direct substitution in recipes like this. Be sure to check the specific recommendations for your chosen gluten-free flour, as some may require slight adjustments to liquid content.
Creative Substitutions for Your Spider Cookies
Feel free to get creative with your spider cookies! Here are some fantastic substitution ideas to customize your treats or accommodate dietary needs:
- Peanut-Free Spider Bodies: If you need to avoid peanuts, you can easily make a chocolate chip cookie base and top it with a Rolo candy or a malted milk ball instead of a peanut butter cup for the spider’s body. These provide a similar rounded shape and delicious sweetness.
- Alternate Spider Bodies: Consider using a chocolate-covered almond, a large chocolate-covered raisin, or even a mini brownie bite for the spider’s body. These offer different textures and flavors that are equally festive.
- Hershey’s Kisses Spiders: Hershey’s dark chocolate kisses would also make perfect, subtly menacing spider bodies. Simply unwrap them and press the point-side down into the warm cookie for an instant chocolatey spider.
- Cookie Base Variations: While our peanut butter cup cookie is fantastic, any kind of light-colored cookie dough will work to make spider cookies. Sugar cookies, vanilla cookies, or even a basic chocolate chip cookie (without the Reese’s minis in the dough) can serve as a great canvas.
Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Spider Cookies Every Time
Achieving baking perfection is all about the details. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Halloween spider cookies turn out beautifully:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before you start preparing the cookie dough. This ensures they cream together smoothly and incorporate evenly, leading to a more consistent and tender cookie texture.
- Properly Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. Softened butter will be pliable to the touch but still hold its shape. This makes mixing the dough much easier and allows for proper emulsification with the sugars, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cookie.
- Uniform Cookie Size: To ensure that all your cookies bake evenly and at the same pace, it’s crucial to make them all the same size. A cookie scoop is your best friend here, as it helps you portion out consistent amounts of dough every time.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies.
- Parchment Paper is Key: Using parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also helps the cookies bake more evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cooling Rack for Crispness: Allowing cookies to cool completely on a wire rack prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom and helps maintain their texture.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN TREATS WEEK!
Welcome to the most exciting event of the spooky season: 2022’s Halloween Treats Week! This incredible event, #HalloweenTreatsWeek, is a cherished yearly Halloween blogging tradition that is proudly hosted by the wonderful Angie from Big Bear’s Wife. It’s a fantastic opportunity for food bloggers to share their most creative and delicious Halloween-inspired recipes with you!
More Hauntingly Delicious HALLOWEEN RECIPES TO LOVE
Looking for more inspiration to make your Halloween spread unforgettable? Here are some other spooky and delightful recipes from our collection that you’re sure to adore:
- Bloody Dirty Shirley Cocktails (pictured above) – A frightfully fun drink for the adults!
- Sweet & Savory Halloween Snack Board with Peanut Butter Dip – A perfect centerpiece for any party.
- RedRum RedRum Punch – A chillingly delicious punch that’s a must-have.
- Ghostly Poptarts – A cute and easy breakfast or snack that’s perfect for kids.
Don’t wait until the last minute – add these easy and incredibly fun spider cookies to your Halloween to-do list right away. You absolutely won’t be disappointed by the fantastic-tasting combination of chocolate and peanut butter, perfectly paired with their charmingly spooky, spidery appearance. We guarantee your guests will be literally ‘crawling’ all over these cookies, reaching for second and third servings!
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Print Recipe
Spider Cookies for Halloween
Equipment
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Assorted Candy Eyeballs Box
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Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper
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Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
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REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups Minis (8-Ounce)
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis
- 48 Reese’s Miniature Peanut Butter Cups unwrapped
- 96 candy eyeballs
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips melted
Instructions
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Make the spiders: Melt the chocolate chips for about a minute in the microwave. Stir until smooth, but not thin and runny. Dip the backside of the eyeball into the melted chocolate and press two to the side of the miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Place on a sheet to set. (I put mine in the fridge for a little bit.)
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
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With an electric mixer, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
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Add in eggs and vanilla, and mix.
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Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt and slowly incorporate them into the wet mixture.
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Mix in the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups baking minis.
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Scoop with a cookie scoop (I use a 1 Tablespoon size) onto the cookie sheet.
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Bake for about 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and immediately press one of Reese’s cups with eyeballs into the top of each cookie.
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Let them set by leaving them on a wire rack in a cool place. I actually placed mine in the fridge for a bit.
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Reheat the chocolate and place it in a small piping bag or a baggie with the corner snipped off.
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Pipe the legs onto your spiders. Let them up one more time.
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Store in a cool place in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Check out all of these great #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipes for today!
- Skull Chicken Pot Pie from Big Bear’s Wife
- Mushroom Skull Spaghetti from Semihomemade Recipes
- Mummy Cinnamon Rolls from Fresh April Flours
- Pumpkin Patch Focaccia from Sweet ReciPEAs
- Spider Cookies from An Affair from the Heart
- Frankenstein Cookies with Peanut Butter Cups from Best Cookie Recipes
- Witch Hat Crescent Rollfrom Devour Dinner
- Chocolate Pretzel Owls from Savory Moments
- Candy Corn Hot Chocolatefrom Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Deathly Hallows Blondies from Simply Inspired Meals
- Oozing Mummy Baked Brie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Halloween Pimento Cheese Brain Dip from Pastry Chef Online
- Eyeball Zucchini Pizza Bites from Our Good Life
- Pumpkin Cheese Ball from Take Two Tapas
- Pretzel Ghosts from Sweet Beginnings
- Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Rice Krispy Treat Mummies from Jen Around the World
- Flying Purple People Eater Milkshakes from The Spiffy Cookie