Name: Scary Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 24 chocolate truffle candies (like Rolos, Lindt, or Reese’s); 48 candy eyes; 1/4 cup melted chocolate or chocolate chips (for legs)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Scary Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are spooky, sweet, and surprisingly adorable. I love how these soft peanut butter cookies turn into playful Halloween treats with the simple addition of chocolate truffles and candy eyes. They’re the perfect mix of delicious and creepy-cute—ideal for Halloween parties, school events, or just a fun baking afternoon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy to make and always gets a fun reaction. The cookies are soft and chewy with that classic peanut butter flavor, and the spider decorations are super simple to assemble. I don’t need any fancy decorating skills—just a few candies and a steady hand. Whether I’m baking with kids or making treats to share, these cookies always steal the show. Scary Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Peanut butter
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Chocolate truffle candies (like Rolos, Lindt, or Reese’s)
Candy eyes
Melted chocolate or chocolate chips (for spider legs)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, I cream the peanut butter, butter, and both sugars until smooth and fluffy.
I add the egg and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
I stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
I scoop the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
I bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden.
Immediately after baking, I gently press a chocolate truffle into the center of each cookie.
Once slightly cooled, I attach candy eyes using a dab of melted chocolate.
Using a piping bag or a toothpick dipped in melted chocolate, I draw 4 spider legs on each side of the truffle.
I let the cookies cool completely so the decorations set before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake, plus extra time for decorating and cooling.

Variations

Sometimes I use mini peanut butter cups instead of truffles for a richer peanut butter twist. If I want to skip the chocolate entirely, I just add edible eyes to the cookies and call them spooky without the spiders. For a nut-free version, I use sunflower seed butter and allergy-safe chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy. If I need to refresh them, I microwave a cookie for about 5–7 seconds to make the center slightly gooey again. I don’t recommend reheating once decorated—just enjoy them as they are. Scary Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day ahead and chill it in the fridge. I let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking.

What if I don’t have candy eyes?

I’ve made eyes using mini white chocolate chips with a dot of melted chocolate in the center. Small candy balls or icing dots work too.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, if I’m short on time, I use ready-made peanut butter cookie dough and just add the spider decorations after baking.

How do I make the spider legs look neat?

I use a small piping bag or a sandwich bag with the tip snipped off. If I don’t have that, a toothpick dipped in melted chocolate does the job.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Absolutely! Kids love placing the eyes and helping draw the legs. I let them decorate once the cookies are cool enough to handle.

Conclusion

Scary Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are one of my favorite Halloween treats to bake. They’re festive, fun, and full of classic peanut butter flavor. Whether I’m making them for a party or just to enjoy at home, they’re always a spooky hit and a great way to get into the Halloween spirit.