Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe

Let me tell you, the Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe is a quirky, fun twist on classic peanut butter cookies that you just have to try—especially if you have kids, or if you love festive treats that inspire a little creativity. These little spiders are not just adorable, but they pack that rich peanut butter punch combined with the gooey surprise of chocolate candies inside. Honestly, I’ve made these for Halloween parties and kids’ bake sales, and they’ve always been the highlight of the dessert table.

Besides their festive charm, these cookies hold up really well for making ahead, sharing, or even gifting. I love that their crunchy legs (made with frosting and candy eyeballs eye-poppingly cute) add a playful element while the cookie itself stays soft and tender. If you’re hunting for a peanut butter cookie with a delightful twist, this Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe will be your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here works together to create a perfectly balanced cookie—creamy, nutty, sweet, and just enough chocolatey goodness. Grab your pantry staples, but for best results, keep those chocolate candy spheres chilled; it really makes a difference in that melty center.

• Shortening: Gives the cookies a tender crumb and keeps them soft—don’t substitute with butter unless you want a different texture.
• Peanut butter: The star of the show, creamy or chunky works but I prefer creamy for that smooth binding.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel note that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
• White sugar: Provides the classic cookie crunch and sweetness.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• Milk: Boosts moisture to keep the cookie from drying out.
• Vanilla extract: A splash to balance flavors and elevate the aroma.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation—measuring accurately here makes a big difference.
• Baking soda: Leavens the cookies just enough for a nice rise without losing shape.
• Salt: Tightens flavor and balances sweetness.
• White sugar (for rolling): This coating adds a little sparkle and a pleasant texture contrast.
• Chocolate candy spheres with smooth filling: I use Lindt Lindor Truffles chilled straight from the fridge—they melt delightfully inside.
• Decorative candy eyeballs: These little guys bring the spiders to life, and I find them easiest to stick with frosting.
• Prepared chocolate frosting: Acts as “glue” for the legs and eyes—it’s also a yummy bonus treat!

Variations

I like to mix things up now and then depending on the occasion or my pantry situation. Once, I swapped out the peanut butter for almond butter and was surprised at how well the flavor still worked—it felt a little more grown-up. Feel free to put your own spin on this Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe.

• Variation: Use dark chocolate truffles instead of milk chocolate for a richer, slightly bittersweet surprise.
• Variation: For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend—texture changes a bit but still delicious.
• Variation: Add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips directly to the dough for extra crunch and texture.
• Variation: Experiment with peanut butter powder and less shortening to cut calories while keeping flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Together the Base

Start by beating the shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until smooth and fluffy—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes with a mixer. This step is crucial because it creates the soft texture that makes these cookies melt in your mouth. Once creamy, add the beaten egg, milk, and vanilla, and mix until everything is combined.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. It’s important to sift or at least mix well here so your cookies bake evenly without unexpected lumps. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet, folding them in gently until the dough forms but don’t overmix or your cookies could get tough.

Step 3: Shape and Fill Your Spider Cookies

Before shaping the dough, set your chocolate candy spheres in the fridge—cold spheres don’t melt too quickly when you pop them in the oven. Roll the dough into small balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Flatten each slightly, place a cold chocolate candy in the center, then fold the dough around it, rolling gently to seal. This little trick keeps the surprise chocolate center intact.

Step 4: Roll and Bake

Roll the sealed dough balls in the extra white sugar for a sparkly finish before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should be set, but you want them soft in the center. Overbaking means losing that tender, peanut buttery bite.

Step 5: Decorating Your Spooky Spiders

After baking, let the cookies cool completely. Use the chocolate frosting as “glue” to attach the candy eyeballs and create spider legs by piping thin lines or dabs extending out. It’s surprisingly fun to decorate, and I find my kids love helping with this step. Remember, these details make your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe irresistibly cute and festive.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I typically stick with the candy eyeballs and chocolate frosting since they’re simple yet effective. Sometimes I sprinkle just a pinch of edible glitter or crushed peanuts on the frosting for some extra texture and shimmer, which always gets compliments.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of spiced chai tea—both contrast the richness without overpowering the peanut butter flavor. For parties, I like serving them alongside small bowls of fresh fruit or even popcorn to balance the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween or themed events, try arranging your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe on a black platter with orange napkins underneath for a pop of color. You can even make a “spider web” using drizzled white chocolate around the platter—trust me, it’s a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment or wax paper, and they usually stay fresh for up to 4 days. The chocolate candy keeps its gooey center surprisingly well, so no worries on sogginess if you eat within that timeframe.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these cookies, I recommend freezing them undecorated. Once the dough balls are shaped but before baking, arrange them on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to your baking time. After baking and cooling, decorate with frosting and eyes.

Reheating

To warm frozen or leftover cookies, pop them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or a quick 3-minute broil at low temperature. This softens the cookie and revitalizes the chocolate center without drying them out. Just be careful not to overheat—they go from perfect to tough quickly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe reminds me of all the fun times baking with my kids, where the decorating part turns into little laughter-filled moments. It’s a recipe that’s just as much about the experience as the result, and you’ll love both. Give it a try—you might find these spider-shaped delights quickly become a sweet tradition in your kitchen, too!

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