Name: Peanut Butter Spider Cookies That Will Wow Your Halloween Party
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 46 min
Ingredients: ½ cup Unsalted Butter (Creates a rich flavor; let it soften for easy mixing.); ½ cup Brown Sugar (Adds sweetness and a chewy texture; can swap with coconut sugar.); ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the dough and gives a sparkly finish during baking.); ¾ cup Creamy Peanut Butter (The star of the show; stick to creamy varieties.); 1 Large Egg (Binds everything together for the perfect cookie structure.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Enhances the sweet, nostalgic flavor of the cookies.); 1½ cups All-Purpose Flour (The backbone of your cookies; don’t substitute for best results.); 1 tsp Baking Soda (A leavening agent that gives cookies their soft texture.); ½ tsp Baking Powder (Works alongside baking soda for that perfect rise.); ½ tsp Salt (Balances the sweetness to really elevate the flavors.); for rolling Granulated Sugar (Adds extra sweetness and keeps cookies from sticking.); 24 Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (The gooey center that makes these cookies irresistibly fun!); ½ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Used to create spider legs and enhance the chocolate flavor.); Candy Eyeballs (A whimsical decoration that adds to the Halloween spirit.)

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As I stood in the kitchen, the sweet scent of peanut butter swirling in the air, I couldn’t help but feel the excitement of Halloween creeping just around the corner. Enter Peanut Butter Spider Cookies, an adorable twist on a classic treat that will charm both kids and adults alike. Using dreamy Reese’s cups as the star ingredient, these cookies are not only irresistibly fun but also incredibly easy to whip up in under 30 minutes—no chilling required! Perfect for parties or simply to enjoy while cozying up on a cool autumn night, they deliver the comforting flavors of home-baked goodness with a whimsical touch. Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a spooky bakery? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why Are Peanut Butter Spider Cookies So Special?

Whimsical Touch: These cookies are a festive delight, perfect for Halloween gatherings with their playful design featuring Reese’s cups.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, you don’t have to wait to enjoy these treats—ideal for spontaneous cravings or last-minute party planning.
Gooey Goodness: The melted Reese’s in the center adds a gooey, rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the soft, chewy cookie base.
Customizable Fun: Enjoy mixing it up! Experiment with sprinkles or different nut butters, making them versatile for any palate.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. They’re a fun dessert option for any event, much like our Cajun Honey Butter that also wow guests with ease!

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to gather your ingredients for the most adorable Halloween treat!

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Butter (½ cup/113g) – Creates a rich flavor; let it soften for easy mixing.
Brown Sugar (½ cup/107g) – Adds sweetness and a chewy texture; can swap with coconut sugar for a healthier choice.
Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup/66g) – Sweetens the dough and gives a sparkly finish during baking.
Creamy Peanut Butter (¾ cup/201g) – The star of the show; stick to creamy varieties for the best consistency.
Large Egg (1) – Binds everything together for the perfect cookie structure.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the sweet, nostalgic flavor of the cookies.
All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups/180g) – The backbone of your cookies; don’t substitute for best results.
Baking Soda (1 tsp) – A leavening agent that gives cookies their soft texture.
Baking Powder (½ tsp) – Works alongside baking soda for that perfect rise.
Salt (½ tsp) – Balances the sweetness to really elevate the flavors.
Granulated Sugar (for rolling) – Adds extra sweetness and keeps cookies from sticking.

For Decorating

Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (24) – The gooey center that makes these cookies irresistibly fun!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (½ cup/85g) – Used to create spider legs and enhance the chocolate flavor.
Candy Eyeballs – A whimsical decoration that adds to the Halloween spirit.

Now that you’re all set with your ingredients, it’s time to let your creativity flow and have fun in the kitchen making these Peanut Butter Spider Cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Step 1: Chill Reese’s Cups
Begin your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies by placing the mini Reese’s peanut butter cups in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This chilling time helps them maintain their shape while baking, ensuring a perfectly gooey center. Using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper will make cleanup easier later on.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Using an electric mixer will help achieve that light texture. The sugars should be well-combined, creating a smooth, creamy base for your cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Further Ingredients
Next, add the creamy peanut butter, large egg, and vanilla extract to your buttery sugar mixture. Mix everything on medium speed until it is completely smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. This step adds richness and depth of flavor to your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your cookies remain soft and chewy.

Step 5: Form Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to give them a sweet, sparkly finish. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be golden while the centers remain slightly soft. The heavenly aroma of peanut butter will fill your kitchen as they bake, signaling that they’re almost ready.

Step 7: Add Reese’s Cups
Once your cookies are out of the oven, immediately press a chilled mini Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will gently melt the Reese’s, creating that delicious gooey center that makes these cookies so special.

Step 8: Cool Cookies
Allow your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes. This cooling period lets the cookies set and makes transferring them easier. You’ll find the centers remain gooey while the edges become just perfectly crisp.

Step 9: Decorate
Finally, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted. Use a squeeze bottle or a spoon to create whimsical spider legs on the sides of the cookies. Attach candy eyeballs using a bit of melted chocolate to complete the fun Halloween theme!

Make Ahead Options

These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their Halloween baking! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply form the dough balls and refrigerate them in an airtight container. For even longer storage, freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months—just make sure they are separated on a baking sheet beforehand. To maintain quality, place parchment paper between layers, so they don’t stick together. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll them in sugar, follow the baking instructions, and press the chilled Reese’s cups into the warm cookies for that gooey magic. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have delicious Peanut Butter Spider Cookies with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and delicious.

Fridge: For slightly longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week; just allow the cookies to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore gooeyness in your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?

Imagine a charming Halloween gathering, where treats and delights are shared among friends and family, perfectly pairing with your freshly baked cookies.

Milkshakes: A creamy milkshake adds a delightful indulgence, balancing the rich peanut butter flavor of the cookies.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: This cozy drink enhances the fall vibes, complementing the cookies’ sweetness with warm spices.
Apple Cider: The crispness and slight tartness of apple cider provide a refreshing contrast to the chewy cookies, making each bite exciting.
Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae: Top it off with hot fudge and nuts for a decadent dessert that mirrors the cookie’s playful spirit.
Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like apples and grapes add a refreshing crispness, balancing the sweet richness of the cookies beautifully.
Spooky Mocktails: Create a fun Halloween-themed drink with black currant juice and soda for a festive touch that both kids and adults will love!

Pair these ideas with your whimsical Peanut Butter Spider Cookies for a truly unforgettable Halloween experience!

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to unleash your creativity and explore delightful twists on these fun cookies!

Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option that still delivers delicious flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy these treats without worry.
Almond Joy Twist: Add shredded coconut and an almond on top instead of Reese’s for a tropical Halloween treat.
Spooky Sprinkles: Decorate with festive Halloween-themed sprinkles for added color and fun, making them visually appealing for your guests.
Double Chocolate: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a rich chocolatey base, then top with chocolate-covered candies instead of Reese’s.
Peanut Butter Cup Lover: Mix in mini Reese’s pieces directly into the cookie dough for an added burst of peanut butter flavor in every bite.
Caramel Surprise: Add a small piece of caramel inside before pressing down the Reese’s for a gooey, sweet surprise!

Exploring these variations will not only enhance your cookies but can inspire you to try other creative recipes, just like those delectable Chocolate Chip Cookies or a scrumptious Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon!

Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Chill Reese’s Cups: Ensure to chill the Reese’s for about 15 minutes; this helps maintain their shape, preventing excessive melting while baking.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Equal Spacing: Space your cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet; this allows for even spreading during baking.
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cookie removal and to prevent sticking, especially with melted chocolate.
Freeze Cookie Dough: Form dough balls and freeze them for up to 3 months, allowing quick access to fresh-baked Peanut Butter Spider Cookies whenever cravings strike!

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of peanut butter should I use for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?
For the best results, use creamy peanut butter as it provides the desired richness and texture. Avoid natural varieties, as they can be too oily and may affect the cookie’s structure.

How should I store leftover Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before indulging!

Can I freeze Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, first place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze for about an hour. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer, making it easy to revisit your Halloween treats whenever the craving strikes!

How do I achieve the perfect texture for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, ensure you do not overmix the dough after combining the wet and dry ingredients. It’s also crucial to chill the Reese’s cups for about 15 minutes before baking, as this prevents them from melting too much and ensures a perfectly gooey center.

Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Yes! If you or a loved one have allergies, you can substitute regular flour for a gluten-free variety using a 1:1 ratio. Just be sure to check labeling on all ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I use different candies for decoration?
The more the merrier! Feel free to get creative with the decorations. You can substitute mini Reese’s with other candies or add festive sprinkles on top of the melted chocolate to suit your Halloween theme.