Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to celebrate Halloween, look no further than these Peanut Butter Spider Cookies! They’re not just your average cookie; they’re a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter blossom. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie topped with a chocolatey Whopper and adorned with playful ganache legs and eyes. It’s a treat that brings smiles and giggles, making them perfect for family gatherings or school parties.

These cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for busy weeknights when you want to bake something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike—everyone loves peanut butter cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies ready for your next gathering.
• Family-friendly fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to decorating their spooky spider cookies!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Halloween or just a cozy family night, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and freeze them for an easy treat whenever you need it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients to make these delightful Peanut Butter Spider Cookies! You probably already have many of these staples in your pantry.

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 wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Switch the candy: Use different chocolates like Reese’s Pieces or M&M’s instead of Whoppers for a colorful twist.
• Add some crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
• Try different nut butters: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, almond or cashew butter works great too!

How to Make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft and chewy.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough, resulting in fluffy cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely tender texture.

Step 4: Add Egg and Peanut Butter

Next, mix in the egg, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The peanut butter adds richness and flavor—make sure everything is blended smoothly!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Roll tablespoon-sized amounts of dough into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on a lined baking sheet. This gives them a sweet sparkle while they bake!

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before adding toppings.

Step 8: Decorate Your Spiders

While they’re still warm, press a Whopper onto each cookie as the spider body. Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth (about 30 seconds at a time), then use it to pipe legs and eyes onto each cookie using the cake decorating gel. Let your creativity shine!

And there you have it—delicious Peanut Butter Spider Cookies that will delight everyone this Halloween! Enjoy sharing these treats with friends and family; they’ll surely become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Making Peanut Butter Spider Cookies can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few tips up your sleeve!

• Measure ingredients accurately: Precision in measuring your flour and sugars ensures a perfect texture, preventing the cookies from being too dry or too dense.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps maintain their shape and prevents spreading, resulting in beautifully formed cookies.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and egg to room temperature allows for better mixing, leading to a more uniform batter that produces soft, chewy cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Decorate with care: Allow your cookies to cool completely before adding chocolate ganache legs and eyes. This keeps the decorations neat and prevents them from melting into the cookie.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

These adorable cookies are perfect for Halloween gatherings or any festive occasion! Presenting them in an inviting way can make a fun treat even more enjoyable.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can enhance the sweetness of the peanut butter and chocolate, creating a delightful contrast.
• Edible glitter: For an extra festive touch, add some edible glitter on top of the cookies to give them a magical Halloween sparkle!

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: This warm beverage complements your cookies beautifully with its rich flavors, making it a cozy pairing for autumn gatherings.
• Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: Crisp apple slices provide a refreshing crunch alongside the rich cookies, while caramel dip adds an indulgent sweetness.
• Crispy Roasted Chickpeas: These savory snacks add a crunchy element that balances out the sweetness of your cookies—perfect for snacking between treats!
• Vanilla Soy Milk: A glass of creamy vanilla soy milk is a great non-dairy option that pairs well with these sweet delights, making it suitable for everyone.

Now that you’re equipped with these pro tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to get baking! Enjoy sharing these delightful Peanut Butter Spider Cookies with family and friends this Halloween season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are not only fun to make, but they are also perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place cookies in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, add a slice of bread to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm.
• Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Peanut Butter Spider Cookies!

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

Using creamy peanut butter that is not natural is recommended for this recipe. Natural peanut butter can affect the texture and consistency of the cookies.

How should I decorate my Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?

You can use whoppers for the spider body and chocolate ganache or cake decorating gel for the legs and eyes. Get creative with your designs!

How do I make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

Can I add other toppings to my Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different candies or sprinkles that fit your Halloween theme. Just ensure they are suitable for your dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Peanut Butter Spider Cookies as much as I do! They bring a fun twist to traditional holiday treats and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just looking for a festive snack, these cookies will surely impress. Happy baking!