Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

If you’re looking for a fun and delightful treat to celebrate Halloween, you’ve come to the right place! These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are not just any cookies; they combine the classic peanut butter blossom cookie with a spooky twist that kids and adults alike will love. Picture this: soft, chewy cookies topped with chocolatey Whoppers that resemble little spiders, complete with chocolate ganache legs and eyes. They are perfect for family gatherings, school parties, or simply a cozy night at home when you want to add some festive cheer.

What makes these cookies truly special is how simple they are to make. With just a few wholesome ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re baking with kids or surprising friends with sweet treats, these Peanut Butter Spider Cookies will surely be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just 20 minutes of prep time, these cookies come together quickly, making them great for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love decorating the cookies and creating their own spooky designs—it’s a fun activity for everyone!
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich taste of peanut butter paired with chocolate makes every bite irresistible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Halloween or just a fun baking day, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake whenever you’re ready!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking should be enjoyable, and that starts with using simple and wholesome ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Peanut Butter Spider Cookies:

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 Topping

• 44 whoppers
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 ounces)
• 1 small tube white cake decorating gel
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with your own twists on these Peanut Butter Spider Cookies.

• Swap out the candy: Instead of Whoppers, try using M&Ms or gummy candies to create different spooky shapes.
• Add nuts: If you like some crunch, mix in chopped peanuts or pecans into the dough for added texture.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version everyone can enjoy.
• Switch up the chocolate: Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips if that’s your preference—there’s no wrong way to enjoy these!

How to Make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and helps them bake evenly. It’s an essential step for achieving that perfect chewy texture!

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisking these together ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This is crucial for getting those perfectly puffed cookies!

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process adds air into the mixture which gives your cookies their nice rise. Don’t rush this step—it really makes a difference!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat well until everything is nicely blended. The peanut butter is what brings that delicious flavor to our spider cookies!

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; over-mixing can lead to tough cookies! We want them soft and chewy.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls before rolling them in granulated sugar. Place them on your prepared baking sheets about two inches apart—they will spread while baking!

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until they are slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Remember that they will continue cooking slightly after removing them from the oven.

Step 8: Decorate!

Once cooled slightly, press one Whopper onto each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven while they’re still warm. Then melt your chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. Use this melted chocolate as glue for adding legs made from more melted chocolate on wax paper.

And there you have it! Your very own batch of Peanut Butter Spider Cookies—just in time for Halloween treats! Enjoy sharing these spooky delights with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Creating the perfect Peanut Butter Spider Cookies is a fun adventure, and with these tips, you’re sure to impress everyone at your Halloween gathering!

• Use softened butter: Starting with softened butter creates a smooth dough that helps cookies spread evenly while baking, ensuring they maintain that delightful chewy texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing and gives you the right amount of flour, which is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie consistency.
• Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances the flavors.
• Don’t skip the rolling in sugar: Rolling your cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a delightful sweetness and creates a lovely crunchy exterior, enhancing both taste and texture.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative! You can swap out Whoppers for other candies or add sprinkles to personalize your spooky treats even more.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Presenting your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to make your Halloween spread extra special.

Garnishes

• Edible glitter: A sprinkle of edible glitter on top of each cookie adds a magical touch that catches the light and makes them look festive.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the chocolate flavor, making each bite even more indulgent.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: This creamy beverage pairs perfectly with peanut butter cookies. The warm spices complement the rich flavors of peanut butter beautifully.
• Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: Fresh apple slices add a refreshing crunch alongside your cookies, and caramel dip provides a sweet contrast that’s hard to resist.
• Ghostly Fruit Salad: Create a fun fruit salad with bananas, grapes, and whipped cream ghost faces. It’s a light and healthy side that balances out the sweetness of your cookies.
• Cheese Platter: Offering a selection of cheeses alongside crackers can provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies, creating an appealing snack table for guests.

Now you’re all set to bake and enjoy these delightful treats! Let the spooky festivities begin!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are not only a delightful treat to enjoy on Halloween, but they’re also perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and store them, so you have plenty to share with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookies cool entirely.
• Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• If you’d like to enjoy your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about these fun and festive cookies!

Can I use crunchy peanut butter for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?

You can certainly use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture! Just keep in mind that it may alter the traditional smoothness of the cookie.

How can I make my Peanut Butter Spider Cookies more chocolatey?

To amp up the chocolate flavor, consider adding extra semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cookies.

What are some variations for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?

Feel free to get creative! You can use different candies for the spiders or even swap out some ingredients like using almond flour or nut butter alternatives if you’re looking for dietary adjustments.

Are Peanut Butter Spider Cookies suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for kids, especially during Halloween. They will love helping decorate with the whoppers and chocolate legs!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Peanut Butter Spider Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just delicious; they also bring a bit of festivity into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying them with loved ones at home, these spooky treats will surely delight everyone. Happy baking, and may your Halloween be filled with fun and sweetness!