Peanut Butter Spider Cookies: 12 Spooky Treats

22 de July de 2025

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Peanut butter spider cookies have become my absolute favorite treat to whip up when the spooky season rolls around. I remember the first time I tried making them with my niece; the kitchen was dusted with flour, and the smell of warm peanut butter filled the air, making them instantly recognizable as Halloween peanut butter spider cookies. Watching her giggle as we attached the candy eyes and chocolate legs was pure joy. These cute peanut butter spider cookies are so simple to make, and the combination of soft, chewy peanut butter cookie and creamy Reese’s is just divine. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

You’re going to adore these spooky treats for so many reasons! They deliver an irresistible combination of sweet and salty flavors that peanut butter lovers crave. Plus, they’re incredibly quick to prepare, making them easy peanut butter spider cookies for any busy baker.

Amazing taste: A perfect blend of chewy peanut butter cookie and creamy Reese’s filling.
Fast prep: Get these delicious cookies ready in a flash.
Family-friendly fun: Kids adore helping make these simple peanut butter spider cookies.
Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making them an affordable indulgence.
Festive appeal: They’re the perfect addition to any Halloween spread.
Customizable: Easily swap decorations to fit your theme.
Soft and chewy texture: Guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step in the peanut butter cookie spider assembly. These cookies are made with pantry staples, plus a few fun additions for that spooky spider look. I always find that using room temperature butter and eggs helps everything combine smoothly for the best texture.

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened – for that classic cookie richness
½ cup (107g) packed brown sugar – adds moisture and a caramel note
⅓ cup (66g) granulated sugar – helps with crisp edges and sweetness
¾ cup (201g) creamy peanut butter – the star flavor, of course!
1 large egg – acts as a binder
1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
1 ½ cups (180g) all purpose flour – provides structure
1 tsp baking soda – helps cookies spread and lift
½ tsp baking powder – contributes to a softer texture
½ tsp salt – balances the sweetness
Granulated sugar for rolling – for a sparkly finish
Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – the body of our spiders
½ cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips – for drawing the spider legs
Candy eye balls – to give our spiders their creepy stare

How to Make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Ready to whip up some spooky fun? This peanut butter spider cookie recipe is straightforward, and the results are so charming! Follow these steps to make peanut butter spider cookies that will delight everyone at your Halloween party.

Step 1: First things first, unwrap your mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and pop them in the freezer. This is my secret to keeping their shape when they go into the warm cookies later! Next, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick.
Step 2: Grab a large mixing bowl. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and wonderfully smooth. It should smell sweet and buttery!
Step 3: Now, add the creamy peanut butter, the large egg, and that lovely vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat these ingredients in until everything is just combined.
Step 4: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might get tough.
Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll each ball gently in granulated sugar for a little sparkle. Place the sugared dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 to 3 inches between each one to give them room to spread.
Step 6: Bake for 8 to 11 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be a beautiful golden brown and the tops to look slightly cracked – that’s the sign they’re ready!
Step 7: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, take one of your frozen mini Reese’s Cups and gently press it into the center of each warm cookie.
Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 15 to 20 minutes. This is crucial! It allows the Reese’s to set slightly and prevents them from sinking too deeply into the cookie. Once they’ve cooled a bit, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: While the cookies are cooling, melt your semi-sweet chocolate chips. I usually do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until it’s smooth and pourable.
Step 10: Transfer the melted chocolate into a small squeeze bottle or a piping bag with a tiny corner snipped off. This is for drawing the spider legs! Pipe eight little legs extending from the Reese’s cup onto the cookie base.
Step 11: For the final touch, use a tiny dab of melted chocolate to “glue” the candy eyeballs onto the Reese’s cups, giving your spiders their signature look.
Step 12: Let the chocolate set completely before serving or storing these adorable peanut butter spider cookies. Enjoy your spooky creations!

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies - detail 2

Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Want to make sure your cookies are the spookiest and tastiest on the block? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really elevate these cookies. Follow these tips and you’ll have the best peanut butter spider cookies around!

Always use creamy peanut butter, not chunky, for a smoother dough and better spider assembly.
Freezing the Reese’s Cups is key! It prevents them from melting too much and sinking into the warm cookie.
Don’t overbake; slightly underdone cookies will continue to bake on the hot sheet, ensuring a chewy center.
For cleaner chocolate legs, let the melted chocolate cool slightly before piping.
Ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for the perfect cookie rise.

What’s the secret to perfect spider web peanut butter cookies?

The magic is in the details! For perfect spider web cookies peanut butter, use a toothpick or thin skewer to draw the web design immediately after piping the chocolate legs. A slightly cooled chocolate also helps create finer, more defined lines.

Can I make peanut butter cookies for Halloween spiders ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Assemble the spiders after baking and cooling.

How do I avoid common mistakes with peanut butter kiss spider cookies?

A common pitfall is pressing the Reese’s too hard, causing them to sink. Gently press them in. Another mistake is using melted chocolate that’s too hot, which can make the candy eyes slide off. Let it cool slightly for better adhesion.

Best Ways to Serve Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

These spooky delights are perfect for so many occasions! For Halloween parties, I love arranging them on a tiered stand with other festive treats. They also make a wonderfully cute addition to a cookie platter for any fall gathering. I often pair them with a cold glass of milk, but they’re also fantastic alongside a warm mug of apple cider.

Serve them as a fun dessert at Halloween parties or fall get-togethers.
Arrange them on a festive platter with complementary fall-themed cookies.
Enjoy them with a classic glass of cold milk or warm apple cider.
Try pairing them with other snacks like popcorn or peanut butter cookies with pretzel spiders for a fun mix.

Nutrition Facts for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for these delightful peanut butter spider cookies, per cookie. It’s always good to know what you’re enjoying!

Calories: 163kcal
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 142mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Once your adorable peanut butter spider cookies have cooled completely and the chocolate details are set, it’s time to think about storing them. Proper storage ensures these festive treats stay delicious for your Halloween celebrations. For the best results, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you need to keep them longer, especially for those last-minute party needs, they are fantastic candidates for freezing. Wrap them well and they’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months, making them perfect peanut butter cookies for Halloween spiders you might need later.

To reheat, if needed, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want that just-baked warmth, you can pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until they are slightly warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

What are peanut butter spider cookies?

Peanut butter spider cookies are a fun, festive treat made from a classic chewy peanut butter cookie base. They’re decorated to look like spiders, usually with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup as the body, chocolate piping for legs, and candy eyes. They’re especially popular for Halloween.

How do I make peanut butter spider cookies taste even better?

To enhance the flavor, try using a good quality creamy peanut butter, as it makes a big difference in the cookie’s taste and texture. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the cookie dough for a warm, extra flavor note. Ensuring your ingredients are fresh, like your baking soda and powder, is also key to a great-tasting cookie.

Can I use a different type of peanut butter for these cookies?

While creamy peanut butter is recommended for the smoothest dough and best spider assembly, you can experiment with natural peanut butter. Just be aware that natural peanut butter can sometimes separate, so you might need to stir it very well. Chunky peanut butter will work, but it might affect the smooth texture of the cookie base and make the spider legs harder to pipe.

What are some other decorations for peanut butter cookies with pretzel spiders?

If you’re looking for alternatives to chocolate for legs, you can try using thin pretzel sticks broken into pieces for legs, or even black licorice strings. For the spider body, mini M&Ms or chocolate chips can also work in a pinch if Reese’s Cups aren’t available. Just make sure whatever you use is securely attached!

Variations of Peanut Butter Spider Cookies You Can Try

Feeling creative? These peanut butter spider cookies are super adaptable! You can easily tweak them to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making them even more fun to share. Here are a few ideas to get your baking inspiration flowing.

Gluten-Free Spiders: Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious and spooky!
No-Bake Peanut Butter Spider Cookies: For a quick treat, try a no-bake peanut butter spider cookies version. Combine crushed graham crackers or cookies with peanut butter and binder, form into balls, and top with your spider decorations. They’re just as cute and require no oven time!
Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha twist, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
Decorating Fun: Instead of chocolate, use black string licorice for legs, or try using colorful frosting for a more vibrant look. You can also use different candies for the spider bodies, like mini Oreos or even gummy worms cut into pieces, creating unique spider candies peanut butter cookies.