Amazing Peanut Butter Spider Cookies in 30 Min

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Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 25 September 2025

Peanut butter spider cookies have been a staple in my house for years, especially when Halloween rolls around! I remember my mom making these for my school parties when I was little, and the excitement of seeing those little chocolate cup spiders on the table was just magical. The smell of warm peanut butter cookies filling the kitchen always signals the start of spooky season for me. Now, I love making these Halloween peanut butter spider cookies with my own kids, and they get just as thrilled. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re little edible creatures that bring smiles and giggles, making them perfect for kids peanut butter spider cookies. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

The taste is an irresistible blend of chewy peanut butter cookie and rich chocolate.
They come together incredibly fast, making them truly easy peanut butter spider cookies.

Prep time is minimal, so you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes!
A fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween without a lot of fuss.

These are wonderfully budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
Perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen – they’ll love decorating!
You’ll find they are some of the most easy peanut butter spider cookies to decorate, even for little hands.

They’re sure to be a hit at any Halloween party or spooky gathering.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Gather these simple ingredients to create these adorable peanut butter spider cookies. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to assemble these festive treats!

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature – this ensures it creams properly with the sugars for a tender cookie.

½ cup (107g) brown sugar and ⅓ cup (66g) granulated sugar – the combination gives the cookies a lovely chewiness and sweetness.
¾ cup (201g) creamy peanut butter, not natural – the creamy texture is key for smooth dough and a great peanut butter flavor. Natural peanut butter can make the dough too oily.
1 large egg – acts as a binder to hold everything together.

1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors.
1 ½ cups (180g) all purpose flour – the base of our cookie dough.
1 tsp baking soda and ½ tsp baking powder – these leaveners help create that perfect cookie texture.
½ tsp salt – balances the sweetness and brings out the peanut butter flavor.

Granulated sugar, for rolling – this gives the cookies a lovely sparkle and a slightly crisp exterior.
24 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – these are the star of our spider’s body!
½ cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips – for melting to create those essential spider legs.

Candy eye balls – to give our spiders their cute, spooky eyes!

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How to Make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Learning how to make peanut butter spider cookies is simpler than you think, and the results are absolutely delightful! These steps will guide you through creating these fun Halloween treats.

Step 1: Start by prepping your Reese’s cups. Unwrap all 24 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and place them on a small plate or tray. Freeze them for at least 15 minutes; this is crucial to help them keep their shape when they meet the warm cookies later. While those chill, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smells wonderfully sweet.
Step 3: Add the creamy peanut butter, the large egg, and the vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat again for another minute until everything is well combined into a smooth, cohesive dough.
Step 4: Now it’s time for the dry ingredients. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Then, roll each dough ball in the reserved granulated sugar until it’s evenly coated. This gives the finished cookies a nice sparkle and a slightly crisp shell. Place the sugared dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2-3 inches between each one to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Bake for 8-11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges just begin to turn golden brown and you see faint cracks forming on the surface of the cookies.
Step 7: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently but firmly press one frozen mini Reese’s cup into the center of each hot cookie. The heat from the cookie will soften the chocolate slightly, helping it adhere.

Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 15-20 minutes. This is important for allowing the Reese’s cups to set properly and preventing them from sliding off or sinking too much. Once they’ve cooled enough, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: While the cookies cool, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on 50% power, stirring every minute, until the chocolate is completely smooth and pourable.
Step 10: Transfer the melted chocolate into a small piping bag, a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off, or even just use a fork. Carefully draw four “legs” on each side of the Reese’s cup on each cookie to create that classic spider look. This is a fun part of how to make peanut butter spider cookies!

Step 11: Finally, use a tiny dab of melted chocolate to adhere the candy eye balls to the top of each Reese’s cup, giving your spiders their spooky gaze. Let all the chocolate set completely before serving or storing your adorable peanut butter spider cookies.

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Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Want to make your peanut butter spider cookies truly spectacular? Follow these simple tips for amazing results every time!

Make sure your peanut butter is creamy and not natural. Natural peanut butter’s oil separation can affect the dough’s texture, making it too greasy.

Freezing the mini Reese’s cups is a game-changer! It helps them hold their shape when pressed into the warm cookies, preventing a melty mess.
Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to tough cookies instead of chewy ones.
Let the cookies cool sufficiently on the baking sheet before attempting to move them. This allows them to firm up and prevents the chocolate cups from sliding off.

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

The real secret lies in the combination of a perfectly chewy peanut butter cookie base and the frozen Reese’s cups. This ensures a stable “body” for your spider and a delightful flavor contrast, making them some of the best spider web peanut butter cookies.

Can I make peanut butter spider cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough balls up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just roll them in sugar and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the bake time if they’re cold. You can also bake them completely and store them before decorating. For more make-ahead baking tips, check out these helpful suggestions.

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

The biggest pitfall is using natural peanut butter, which can make the dough too oily. Also, don’t skip freezing the Reese’s cups; they’ll melt too much otherwise. Finally, ensure you let the cookies cool enough before decorating so the chocolate legs and eyes stick properly. For more baking advice, consider these baking tips.

Best Ways to Serve Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

These adorable Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are perfect for any Halloween celebration. They’re a guaranteed hit for a spider cookies for Halloween party spread, bringing smiles to kids and adults alike. Serve them alongside a big glass of cold milk – the classic pairing that makes any cookie taste even better! For a fun treat station, arrange them on a tiered platter with other spooky desserts like ghost cupcakes or monster brownies. You can find inspiration for creative dessert presentations here.

They also make a fantastic addition to a Halloween-themed movie night. Imagine watching a spooky film with a plate of these delightful peanut butter cookie spider treats. You could even create a “spider’s lair” by serving them on a dark platter surrounded by candy corn or chocolate rocks for an extra festive touch. For more Halloween party ideas, explore this guide.

Nutrition Facts for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for these fun peanut butter spider cookies. Remember, these are estimates per cookie, and your actual values might vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients and how large you make them. For general information on cookie nutrition, you can refer to this resource.

Calories: Approximately 250-300
Fat: 15-18g
Saturated Fat: 6-8g
Protein: 4-6g
Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Fiber: 1-2g
Sugar: 15-20g
Sodium: 100-150mg

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

How to Store and Reheat Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Once your delicious peanut butter cookie spider treats have cooled completely, it’s time to think about storing them. Proper storage will keep them tasting fresh and delicious for days! Make sure the chocolate legs and eyes are fully set before you even think about packaging them up.

For short-term storage, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. You can layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if the chocolate is still a bit soft. They should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you need to keep these spooky delights longer, the freezer is your best friend. Wrap the cooled cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. For more on food storage tips, check out this guide.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen peanut butter spider cookies, the best method is to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry, you can gently reheat them. Place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for just 5-10 seconds on low power. This will slightly soften the cookie and the chocolate, bringing back that fresh-baked taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

What exactly are peanut butter spider cookies?

What are peanut butter spider cookies? They’re a fun, festive cookie that combines a classic chewy peanut butter cookie base with a chocolate candy (like Reese’s cups) to form the spider’s body, and melted chocolate to draw on spider legs and candy eyes. They are a super popular treat, especially for kids, during the Halloween season.

Can I make peanut butter spider cookies without Reese’s cups?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you don’t have Reese’s cups or want a different look, you can use other round, flat candies for the body, like chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos work great!), large chocolate chips, or even just piped chocolate circles. You can also use pretzel pieces for legs if you don’t want to use melted chocolate. The key is having a base for the legs and eyes. For alternative cookie ideas, see this collection.

Are peanut butter spider cookies suitable for a kids’ Halloween party?

They are perfect for a kids’ Halloween party! These peanut butter cookie spider treats are not only adorable but also delicious. The peanut butter flavor is a hit with most kids, and the spider design is spooky without being too scary. They’re also relatively easy for little hands to help decorate, making it a fun activity.

How do I make the spider web design on peanut butter cookies?

While this recipe focuses on the spider shape, you can adapt it for a spider web design. After baking and cooling the peanut butter cookies, pipe concentric circles of melted chocolate onto the cookie, starting from the center. Then, drag a toothpick from the center outward to create the web effect. It’s a lovely variation on spiderweb cookie recipe peanut butter themes. For more decorating techniques, explore cookie decorating tips.

Variations of Peanut Butter Spider Cookies You Can Try

While this classic peanut butter spider cookies recipe is fantastic, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many fun ways to put your own spin on these spooky treats. You can easily adapt them to fit different tastes and needs, making them even more versatile for your Halloween festivities.

Dietary Adaptations: For gluten-free friends, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend. You can also explore vegan peanut butter cookies by using a vegan butter substitute, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes), and dairy-free chocolate chips for the legs.
Flavor Boosts: Want to amp up the flavor? Consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a subtle chocolate peanut butter cookie twist, or even a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. For an extra chocolatey experience, try making chocolate peanut butter spider cookies by adding cocoa powder to the dough.
No-Bake Spider Cookies: If you’re short on time or oven space, you can adapt this into peanut butter spider cookies no-bake treats! Combine the peanut butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla with the dry ingredients, but instead of baking, chill the dough until firm. Then, roll into balls, press in your Reese’s cup, and pipe on the legs and eyes.

Pretzel Legs: For a fun texture contrast, try using broken pretzel pieces instead of melted chocolate for the spider legs. This gives you pretzel peanut butter spider cookies that are salty and sweet!