Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter blossom cookie, perfect for any Halloween gathering. With their fun spider decorations made from Whoppers and chocolate ganache, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re hosting a spooky party or just looking for a fun baking project with kids, these cookies will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun Halloween Theme: These cookies bring a festive spirit to any celebration with their playful spider design.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich peanut butter paired with chocolate creates a flavor that everyone loves.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch of 22 cookies, making them great for parties or sharing with friends and family.
• Customizable Design: Get creative with your toppings or change up the spider decorations to suit your style.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients. It provides enough space for easy mixing without mess.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together, ensuring a fluffy texture in your cookies.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Peanut Butter Spider Cookies, you’ll need the following:

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 Spider Decoration:

• 44 whoppers
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 ounces)
• 1 small tube white cake decorating gel
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

How to Make Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Egg and Peanut Butter

Add the egg and creamy peanut butter to the mixture. Beat until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Roll dough into balls about one inch in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow cooling slightly on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Decorate with Spiders

Once cooled, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip one end of each Whopper into melted chocolate and place it on top of each cookie as the spider body. Use additional melted chocolate to create legs by piping out onto parchment paper or directly onto cookies. Finish with eyes using white cake decorating gel.

Enjoy your festive Peanut Butter Spider Cookies! They’re sure to be a hit at any Halloween celebration!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. They make a fantastic addition to any Halloween celebration. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests.

Fun Halloween Platters

• A spooky platter: Arrange the cookies on a black or orange plate for a festive look.
• Mix with other treats: Combine with gummy spiders, candy corn, or mini pumpkins for a colorful display.

Cookie Gift Bags

• Party favors: Place individual cookies in clear bags tied with Halloween-themed ribbons.
• Homemade gifts: Share the joy by gifting cookie bags to friends and family during the season.

Halloween Dessert Table

• Centerpiece treat: Feature the cookies prominently on your dessert table alongside other Halloween goodies.
• Themed decorations: Use spiderwebs and Halloween decor around the cookies for added effect.

Movie Night Snack

• Cozy treat: Serve these cookies during a Halloween movie marathon for a sweet snack.
• Pair with milk: Offer cold milk or plant-based milk as a perfect complement to the rich peanut butter flavor.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Creating the ultimate Peanut Butter Spider Cookies is easier than you might think. Follow these tips for delicious results every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing butter and eggs to reach room temperature will help create a creamier dough.
• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies by ensuring accurate flour measurement.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before baking for thicker, chewier cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Remove the cookies when they are just set to keep them soft; they will continue cooking on the tray.
• Customize toppings: Feel free to mix in your favorite candies or nuts for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Peanut Butter Spider Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options that work well.

1. Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: A warm drink that complements the flavors of peanut butter and chocolate perfectly.
2. Caramel Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices drizzled with caramel add a sweet and crunchy contrast.
3. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: Salty pretzels coated in chocolate provide a satisfying crunch alongside the soft cookies.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cookies.
5. Cheese Board: Include some mild cheeses and crackers for an interesting savory element beside sweet treats.
6. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy, savory snack that pairs well with desserts like these cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can lead to cookies that are too dry or too gooey. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Skipping the chill time: No chilling can cause your cookies to spread too much. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help maintain their shape.
• Overbaking: Baking too long will result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they’re just set.
• Using natural peanut butter: Avoid natural varieties as they can alter the texture. Stick with creamy peanut butter that is not labeled as natural.
• Not letting cookies cool properly: Rushing to decorate before they cool can lead to melted decorations. Allow cookies to cool completely before adding toppings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Warm one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, covered, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?
Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are a fun twist on traditional peanut butter blossom cookies, decorated with chocolate ganache legs and Whoppers for a festive Halloween treat.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Yes, but using creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smoother texture that holds its shape better when baked.

How do I store leftover Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I customize my Peanut Butter Spider Cookies?
You can customize these cookies by adding different toppings like M&M’s or using white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any Halloween celebration. Their versatility allows you to customize decorations and flavors according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy creating delightful treats!