Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe

If you’re hunting for a Halloween treat that’s equal parts spooky and super easy, you’ve gotta try this Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these little creepy crawlies turn out—cute enough to impress the kids but simple enough that you can whip them up on a whim. Whether you’re throwing a party or just want a fun snack to share, these cookies are a total crowd-pleaser and a blast to make!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work like magic together—there’s no complicated measuring fuss, just fun assembly. I usually grab the mini Reese’s peanut butter cups in bulk because they’re the star of the show, and the melted chocolate binds it all perfectly.

• Peanut butter cookies: You can buy store-bought ones to save time or make your favorite homemade peanut butter cookie recipe.
• Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups: The perfect size to become the spider’s body; make sure they’re wrapped in mini form for cuteness overload.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: Melted to “glue” the pieces together and pipe the spider legs—dark enough to contrast but not too bitter.
• Mini candy eyeballs (optional): These add personality and are so adorable, but you can skip if you don’t have them handy.

Variations

I’ve found that this Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe invites tons of opportunities to personalize it. Feel free to swap candy, experiment with cookie bases, or even mix in some festive sprinkles to crank up the Halloween vibe.

• Addictive Chocolate Drizzle: I once drizzled white chocolate over the spiders for a spooky web effect—it was a hit with the adults!
• Gluten-Free Cookies: Use your favorite gluten-free peanut butter cookies for a fun twist that everyone can enjoy.
• Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter cookies for sugar cookies and use chocolate chips instead of Reese’s cups if allergies are a concern.
• Mini Marshmallow Eyes: If you don’t have candy eyeballs, tiny marshmallows and a dot of chocolate make cute improvised eyes.

How to Make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt Your Chocolate Like a Pro

Start by melting the semi-sweet chocolate either over a double boiler or in the microwave. I like microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring each time—this helps keep your chocolate silky smooth without burning it. Once melted, spoon the chocolate into a piping bag or a Ziploc with just a teensy snip of the corner. This will make your jungle of spider legs look neat and realistic.

Step 2: Build Your Peanut Butter Spider Body

Place a small dollop of melted chocolate in the center of one peanut butter cookie. Quickly press a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup on top—the chocolate acts like glue here, keeping the cup in place. This is such a fun step because you realize how simple it is to turn these classic candies into spiders!

Step 3: Create Those Creepy Crawly Legs

Using the piping bag, draw eight thin “legs”—four on each side of the Reese’s cup. It helps to work on a piece of parchment paper first if you want to practice your spider legs before going straight onto the cookies. Just take your time and don’t rush; the chocolate dries pretty quickly so you want clean, even lines.

Step 4: Attach the Eyes for Extra Spooky Personality

Dip a tiny bit of melted chocolate onto the front of the Reese’s peanut butter cup and carefully press two mini candy eyeballs on top. This step turns a regular cookie into a spidery critter with character. If you skip the eyes, the cookies are still fabulous, but trust me—the googly eyes are what make people go “aww” and “yikes!” simultaneously.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the mini candy eyeballs because that’s enough to bring the spiders to life. For extra flair, you could dust them lightly with edible glitter or add a tiny dab of colored frosting to give the eyes a little sparkle. I once sprinkled crushed pretzels around the plate to create a creepy spider web effect—seriously elevated the display!

Side Dishes

Since these are sweet and rich, I like pairing them with something refreshing like apple slices or a glass of cold milk to balance the peanut buttery goodness. They’re also great alongside a pumpkin spice latte or hot cocoa for an indulgent treat on a chilly fall evening.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served these on dark-colored platters to make those chocolatey legs pop visually—adds a fun contrast. For kids’ parties, setting them on a big spider web made from string or icing on a tray makes it interactive and Instagram-worthy. Plus, you could let kids decorate their own spiders with different candies for a festive cookie-decorating activity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Peanut Butter Spider Cookies hold up really well stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 5-6 days. I keep mine in a single layer to protect those delicate chocolate legs from breaking. You’ll notice they stay flavorful and perfectly textured without getting too soft or dry.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time for a party, freezing is your friend. I freeze assembled spiders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep great for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving—the legs might be a tiny more fragile after thawing, so handle gently.

Reheating

Since these are cookies with chocolate decorations, I recommend skipping the microwave to warm them up—it can melt the chocolate legs. Instead, let them sit at room temp or pop them in a low-temp oven (like 250°F) for a few minutes if you want them slightly warm. This keeps their shape intact and makes them extra comforting.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe is one of those feel-good treats that brings smiles and just a little bit of silly spookiness to your snack time. I still remember the first time I made these for my niece’s Halloween party—she was so proud showing off “her” spiders, and honestly, I was proud of how easy and delicious they turned out. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough; it’s a simple way to delight both kids and adults without fuss or stress. So grab some peanut butter cookies and mini Reese’s cups, and let’s make some adorable spider magic!

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