Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are a sweet way to add some fun—and a little fright—to your Halloween table. I’m Helen, the home cook behind Easy Tasty Kitchen, where I share comforting, kid-friendly recipes inspired by the family meals I grew up with.
This recipe takes me back to baking with my kids—flour flying, chocolate melting, and laughter echoing through the kitchen. With mini Reese’s cups for spider bodies and a chewy peanut butter base, these cookies are spooky, simple, and perfect for making memories. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something festive, these chocolate and peanut butter cookies are a Halloween treat everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are a fun, festive Halloween treat made with mini Reese’s cups, a soft peanut butter cookie base, and chocolate spider legs. They’re creepy, cute, and perfect for parties or baking with kids.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 24 mini Reese’s cups
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
- Candy eyes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are golden and centers soft.
- While still warm, press a mini Reese’s cup into each cookie center and let cool.
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag filled with melted chocolate to draw 4 legs on each side of the Reese’s cup.
- While chocolate is still soft, press two candy eyes on each Reese’s cup.
- Let cookies sit until chocolate firms before serving or storing.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, place cooled and decorated cookies in a single layer with parchment between each, then thaw before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
What Are Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?
Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are a fun Halloween twist on classic peanut butter cookies. Made with mini Reese’s cups as spider bodies, chocolate drizzle for legs, and candy eyes, they’re the perfect mix of creepy and cute.
These cookies gained popularity as a kid-friendly, easy-to-make Halloween treat. Their soft, chewy texture and rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor make them a hit at parties, school events, or cozy nights in.
Looking for More Halloween Ideas?
Here are a few more of our spooky favorites to complete your festive table:
- Don’t miss our Mummy Jalapeño Poppers for a savory bite with a creepy twist.
- Discover great ideas like Bloody Red Velvet Popcorn a colorful snack to scare and satisfy.
- Check out the Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball, perfect for pairing with your spooky sweets.
Ingredients That Make the Perfect Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
The Role of Chocolate and Peanut Butter Combo
At the heart of every batch of Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies is the unbeatable pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. This classic duo brings a bold, comforting flavor that instantly makes these cookies a hit at any Halloween gathering. The chewy peanut butter base gives these cookies their soft texture, while a mini Reese’s cup pressed into the center transforms each one into a spooky spider masterpiece.
What makes this combo so magical is how the sweet and salty notes complement the spooky aesthetic—melty chocolate forming spider legs, candy eyes adding personality, and a soft, warm cookie beneath it all. It’s no wonder these cookies are becoming a Halloween tradition for families everywhere.
Whether you’re baking for a party or just for fun, Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies deliver the kind of sweet-and-spooky experience Halloween is all about.
Mini Reese’s Cups and Other Key Ingredients
Creating the perfect Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what brings the creepy cuteness and flavor together:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Creamy Peanut Butter | Essential for flavor and a soft, chewy texture |
| Unsalted Butter | Gives richness and structure |
| Brown + Granulated Sugar | Adds sweetness and moisture |
| Egg | Helps bind the dough |
| Vanilla Extract | Boosts overall flavor |
| All-Purpose Flour | Provides the base structure of the cookie |
| Baking Soda + Salt | Balances sweetness and improves texture |
| Mini Reese’s Cups | Forms the spider’s body—sweet, chocolatey, and iconic |
| Melted Chocolate Chips | Used for spider legs |
| Candy Eyes | Gives the cookies their spooky, kid-friendly expression |
These ingredients work together to create cookies that are not just festive, but truly delicious. If you want to switch it up, you can substitute mini Reese’s with other round chocolates like chocolate truffles or cookie dough bites—just make sure they stand up to the heat and still match that chocolate and peanut butter flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Baking the Base – The Perfect Chewy Texture
The key to amazing Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies is getting the base just right—soft, chewy, and rich with peanut butter flavor. Here’s how to nail the cookie foundation every time:
Step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Cream the Butters & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. - Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined. - Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a soft dough forms. - Shape the Cookies
Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. Don’t overbake—chewiness is key for the perfect spooky peanut butter spider cookie texture. - Press the Spider Bodies
While cookies are still warm, gently press a mini Reese’s cup into the center of each cookie. Let them cool completely before decorating.
Decorating to Spook – Making the Spider Legs and Eyes
Now for the fun part—bringing those spooky spiders to life!
What you’ll need:
- Melted semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips (about ½ cup)
- Piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped
- Candy eyes
How to decorate:
- Pipe the Legs
Once the Reese’s are firmly in place and the cookies have cooled, use a piping bag filled with melted chocolate to draw 4 legs on each side of the Reese’s cup. A little wiggly line adds a creepy effect! - Add the Eyes
While the chocolate is still soft, gently press two candy eyes onto the top of each Reese’s cup. - Let Set
Allow the chocolate to cool and firm up before serving or storing.
And just like that, you’ve got the ultimate Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies—equal parts adorable and eerie. Kids love decorating these, so get the whole family involved for some Halloween baking fun!
Baking Tips for Chewy and Kid-Friendly Spider Cookies
How to Avoid Dry or Crumbly Cookies
To get that perfect chewy texture in your Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies, don’t overbake. Pull them from the oven when the edges are just set and the centers look slightly soft. Using brown sugar and room-temperature ingredients also helps lock in moisture.
Too much flour can make cookies dry—so always spoon and level it, never scoop!
Ensuring a Kid-Friendly Presentation
These cookies aren’t just tasty—they’re made for fun. Let kids help decorate with melted chocolate and candy eyes. Keep it simple and safe by prepping the chocolate ahead and using squeeze bottles or zip bags for easy piping.
They’re the kind of spooky Halloween treat kids love making as much as eating!
Troubleshooting Common Peanut Butter Cookie Problems
Why Cookies Spread Too Much or Too Little
If your Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies spread too much, your dough might be too warm or contain too much butter or sugar. Chill the dough before baking to control the spread. If they don’t spread enough, you may have added too much flour or not enough baking soda.
Fixing Texture and Consistency
Dry or crumbly? Try more brown sugar and a shorter bake time. Too puffy? Lightly flatten the dough before baking. Uneven sizes? Use a cookie scoop for consistency.
Getting the perfect chewy texture takes small tweaks, but it’s totally worth it for spooky cookie success!
Storage and Freezing Instructions
How to Store to Maintain Chewy Texture
Once cooled and decorated, your Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies should be stored properly to keep their soft, chewy texture. Here’s how:
- Room Temperature: Place cookies in an airtight container and store at room temp for up to 5 days. Keep parchment paper between layers to protect the decorations.
- Avoid Humidity: Humid environments can soften the cookies too much and cause the candy eyes to slide off.
- Don’t Refrigerate: Refrigeration dries them out and can change the texture of the peanut butter base.
Can You Freeze Spider Cookies? Yes – Here’s How
Absolutely! You can freeze Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead Halloween treat.
Freezing Tips:
- Undecorated cookies: Bake the cookies and freeze them flat in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag.
- Decorated cookies: Let chocolate set fully before freezing. Wrap individually in wax paper and store in a sealed container.
- To thaw: Let them sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. The texture will return, and they’ll taste freshly baked.
Fun Variations and Add-Ons for Extra Spookiness
Different Candies You Can Use Besides Mini Reese’s Cups
While mini Reese’s cups are the classic choice for the spider body, there are plenty of fun and festive alternatives to try if you want to switch things up or accommodate allergies:
- Chocolate truffles: Slightly bigger but super rich and perfect for dramatic spider bodies.
- Rolo candies: A great nut-free option with caramel centers.
- Whoppers or malt balls: Add crunch and hold shape well after baking.
- Marshmallow halves: A spooky twist for a fluffier, more playful spider body.
Just be sure whatever you use pairs well with the chocolate and peanut butter base—and holds up under warm cookie heat!
Making Spider Cookies Gluten-Free or Vegan
Want your Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies to fit dietary needs? You absolutely can—and still keep that chewy, delicious texture.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Check that your candy choices (like Reese’s) are gluten-free certified.
Vegan Version:
- Replace butter with vegan baking sticks or coconut oil.
- Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) in place of a regular egg.
- Choose vegan-friendly chocolate and skip any dairy-based candy eyes.
These variations make it easy to enjoy Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies no matter your dietary needs—and they’re just as festive and fun to decorate.
Making Spider Cookies a Halloween Party Hit
Serving Suggestions
Display your Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies on a Halloween-themed platter with fake webs or stack them in cupcake liners for easy party snacking. They stand out on any dessert table—especially with their creepy-cute candy eyes!
Gift and Favor Ideas
Wrap cookies in clear treat bags with spooky tags like “Bite me!” for party favors or classroom gifts. They’re easy to package, fun to share, and always a hit at Halloween events.
Why Everyone Loves These Cookies – A Halloween Treat That’s Spooky and Sweet
Made for Fun and Family
Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a memory-maker. Kids love decorating them, and parents love how simple and festive they are. It’s a fun way to bring everyone together in the kitchen.
A Halloween Tradition Worth Repeating
These cookies are soft, chewy, full of chocolate and peanut butter flavor, and always a party hit. Easy to bake, fun to share, and loved by all ages—they’re the kind of treat you’ll look forward to every Halloween.
Conclusion
From the first bite to the final decoration, Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are a Halloween favorite that brings joy to every kitchen. With their soft, chewy texture, rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor, and playful spider design, they’re the perfect mix of festive and delicious.
Whether you’re baking with your kids, prepping for a party, or just want a fun treat to enjoy this spooky season, these cookies are simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. They’re more than just a sweet snack—they’re a memory in the making.
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FAQs About Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
What are some common problems with peanut butter cookies?
The most common issues include cookies turning out too dry, too crumbly, or spreading too much. This often happens from overbaking, using too much flour, or not enough fat. To keep your Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies soft and chewy, use a mix of brown and white sugar, room-temperature ingredients, and chill the dough before baking if it feels too soft.
How to know if peanut butter cookies are ready?
You’ll know your cookies are ready when the edges look set and slightly golden, but the center still appears soft. For Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies, it’s better to underbake slightly—they’ll continue to firm up on the baking sheet as they cool. This helps preserve their signature chewy texture.
Can you freeze spider cookies?
Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze them undecorated or fully finished. Just make sure decorated cookies are cooled and chocolate is set before freezing. Store in a single layer with parchment between each to protect the spider design. Thaw at room temp before serving, and they’ll taste just as fresh and spooky!