Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Introduction:

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are a spooky and fun treat perfect for Halloween parties. These cookies feature a creamy peanut butter base topped with a mini Reese’s cup, chocolate spider legs, and candy eyeballs for a delightful and festive presentation.

Ingredients

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Extra granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 24 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped and chilled
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for spider legs)
• Candy eyeballs

Directions

1. Prep the Reese’s & Oven: Unwrap the Reese’s cups and place them in the freezer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until the dough is just combined.
4. Form the Cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough in your hands, then roll them in granulated sugar. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to crack.
6. Add Reese’s: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a chilled mini Reese’s into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 15-20 minutes.
7. Make Spider Legs: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Transfer the melted chocolate to a squeeze bottle or use a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off to pipe 4 legs on each side of the Reese’s cup.
8. Attach the Eyes: Use a small dab of the melted chocolate to attach candy eyeballs to the Reese’s cups.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-11 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

• Nut Butter: Substitute creamy peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor.
• Chocolate: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate for the spider legs if you prefer a sweeter touch.
• Decorations: Add additional decorations like edible glitter or colored candy to make the spiders more festive.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the dough balls before baking or the finished cookies after they have cooled completely. They will last up to 3 months. Thaw before serving or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter? It’s best to use creamy peanut butter that is not natural, as natural peanut butter can affect the dough’s consistency.
2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Make sure to chill the dough and the Reese’s cups before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.
3. Can I use other types of candy for the spider bodies? Yes, you can use other types of candy like mini chocolate bars or caramels, but adjust the size accordingly.
4. How do I make the chocolate legs? Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, and use a squeeze bottle or a zip-top bag with a small cut corner to pipe the legs.
5. What if I don’t have candy eyeballs? You can use small dots of melted chocolate or white icing as a substitute for candy eyeballs.
6. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze the dough balls before baking. They can be baked straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
7. How do I prevent the cookies from burning? Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden.
8. What if my cookies are too soft? Ensure that you have baked them long enough. The cookies should firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
9. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cookies and freeze them ahead of time. Bake them fresh before serving.
10. How can I make the cookies look more festive? Add edible glitter, colored sprinkles, or additional Halloween-themed candies for extra decoration.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are a playful and delicious treat that will add a touch of spooky fun to your Halloween celebrations. With their creamy peanut butter base and festive spider decoration, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your party. Enjoy baking and sharing these adorable and tasty treats with friends and family!

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