Easy Peanut Butter Spider Cookies for Halloween Fun

Halloween is the perfect time to whip up treats that are just as festive as they are delicious—and Easy Peanut Butter Spider Cookies check all the boxes. Soft and chewy with that irresistible peanut butter and chocolate combo, these cookies are topped with mini Reese’s, melted chocolate legs, and silly candy eyes. They’re spooky-cute, party-ready, and take less than 30 minutes to make from scratch. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash, making snacks for a school party, or just looking to delight your kids, these cookies are a go-to Halloween baking idea.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe for another seasonal favorite packed with fall flavor and gooey goodness.

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Why These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Are a Halloween Must-Have

These cookies aren’t just easy to make—they’re seriously fun. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your Halloween baking list:

Quick and beginner-friendly cookie recipe

You don’t need fancy tools or advanced baking skills to make these Halloween cookies. The dough comes together in minutes with everyday pantry staples like flour, butter, peanut butter, and sugar. Best of all, there’s no dough chilling required, which means you can go from mixing bowl to oven to spooky decoration in under 30 minutes. This makes them ideal for last-minute baking sessions before a party or school event.

Adorable Halloween presentation with candy eyes

What really takes these cookies to the next level is their Halloween-themed decoration. Once baked, each cookie gets a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup pressed into the center to form the spider body. Then, using melted chocolate, you draw legs extending from the center and place two candy eyes on top. The result? A spider that’s far more cute than creepy—perfect for both kids and adults.

These cookies are also a fantastic addition to a themed snack board. Check out our Halloween Charcuterie Board Ideas to see how they pair with other spooky desserts and savory bites.

Peanut butter and chocolate flavor combo loved by all ages

Classic peanut butter blossoms get a spooky twist here. By swapping Hershey’s Kisses with mini Reese’s cups, you get a cookie that’s rich, soft, and deeply satisfying. Chocolate and peanut butter is a timeless flavor pairing, and the addition of a slightly crisp sugar-rolled exterior adds another layer of texture that’s tough to beat.

If you’re all about the combo of creamy peanut butter and deep chocolate, don’t miss our Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies—another chewy, flavor-packed option to add to your baking rotation.

Great for parties, school treats, and spooky snack boards

Not only do these cookies look adorable, but they’re also perfectly portioned and easy to transport. Slide them into treat bags for classmates, stack them on trays for potlucks, or display them on your Halloween dessert table. They hold their shape well once cooled, and the decorations stay intact—even when packed.

Don’t miss our Apple Oreo Balls Recipe for another no-fuss, kid-approved Halloween dessert idea that looks great on a party platter.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Spider Cookies

These easy peanut butter spider cookies come together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—and just a few fun additions to make them Halloween-ready.

Pantry staples: Butter, sugar, flour, and more

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need for the cookie dough base:

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Unsalted butter	½ cup (room temperature)	Adds moisture & flavor
Brown sugar	½ cup	Provides softness and molasses notes
Granulated sugar	⅓ cup (plus extra for rolling)	Sweetens & adds slight crunch
Creamy peanut butter	¾ cup	Brings classic flavor & chewiness
Egg	1 large	Binds the dough
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	Adds warmth and depth
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups	Gives the cookies structure
Baking soda	1 tsp	Helps the cookies rise
Baking powder	½ tsp	Provides additional lift
Salt	½ tsp	Balances sweetness

Make sure you’re using regular creamy peanut butter—not the natural or oily kind. It holds the dough together better and keeps the cookies soft.

Special Halloween touches: Reese’s cups, candy eyeballs, chocolate

To transform these cookies into little spiders, you’ll need:

• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – These form the spider “body”
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melted and piped for the spider legs
• Candy eyeballs – A fun and spooky final touch

You can easily find candy eyes at most grocery stores around Halloween or grab them from a craft store.

Learn more about Halloween-ready ideas like our Notebook Paper Rice Krispies Treats—another festive way to turn basic ingredients into themed fun.

Ingredient substitutions and dietary adaptations

Want to switch things up or meet dietary needs? Here are a few easy swaps:

• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or a soy-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like King Arthur’s).
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and check your chocolate for dairy content.

For more allergy-friendly treats, check out our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles—a no-bake option that’s both creamy and indulgent.

How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Step-by-Step

With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of creepy-cute cookies that everyone will love.

Prepping the dough and freezing Reese’s

1. Unwrap about 24 mini Reese’s cups and place them in the freezer. This helps them hold their shape when added to warm cookies.
2. Preheat your oven to 350ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy (about 1 minute).
4. Add in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix again just until smooth.
5. Mix in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Baking and decorating the spider bodies

6. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each in granulated sugar, then place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the edges start to crack slightly and the tops look set.
8. Remove from the oven and immediately press a frozen Reese’s cup into the center of each warm cookie.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 15–20 minutes to prevent the Reese’s from melting or collapsing.

Drawing chocolate legs and placing the candy eyes

10. Melt ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
11. Transfer melted chocolate into a squeeze bottle or sandwich bag with the corner snipped off.
12. Draw 4 chocolate legs on each side of the Reese’s cup to form the spider’s legs.
13. While the chocolate is still warm, dab a little on the back of the candy eyeballs and stick them to the Reese’s.

Don’t miss our Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies if you’re a fan of soft, gooey fall treats that feel like a hug in every bite.

Cooling and storing without losing shape

Let the cookies sit at room temperature until the chocolate fully sets. Once dry, they’re ready to serve or store. To avoid smudging the chocolate legs or eyes, store them in a single layer or use parchment paper between stacked layers.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Spider Cookies Every Time

These cookies are simple to make, but a few extra tips can help you elevate your results and avoid common mistakes.

How to keep the Reese’s cups from melting too much

The biggest challenge with spider cookies? Keeping the Reese’s cups intact. Freeze them for at least 15–20 minutes before pressing into warm cookies. This gives them a fighting chance against the residual heat and prevents melting into a puddle.

Also, avoid moving cookies too soon—let them cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes so the centers stay stable.

Ensuring even baking with uniform dough balls

Use a cookie scoop or weigh your dough balls for consistent size, which ensures they all bake evenly. Irregular sizes may cause overbaking or undercooking on the same tray.

Using squeeze bottles or sandwich bags for chocolate legs

A squeeze bottle gives you the cleanest control when piping melted chocolate legs. No bottle? Just use a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off. Practice a few legs on parchment paper before decorating your cookies.

Safe storage and transport tips for parties

Once decorated, these cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To prevent chocolate smears, stack with parchment paper between layers or keep them in a single layer if transporting to a party.

Fun Presentation & Halloween Party Ideas

Want to make your peanut butter spider cookies the centerpiece of your Halloween table? Try these presentation tips:

Displaying cookies on spooky trays or boards

Use black or orange trays, spiderweb doilies, or Halloween-themed plates to amplify the spooky factor. You can even sprinkle plastic spiders around for extra flair.

Pairing with other Halloween treats (like ghost cupcakes)

These cookies look fantastic alongside other themed desserts like ghost cupcakes, mummy brownies, or monster cake pops.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Halloween Ghost Cupcakes, which make a hauntingly sweet addition to any dessert table.

Creating a Halloween-themed dessert platter for kids or adults

Make a charBOOterie board (Halloween charcuterie dessert tray) filled with your spider cookies, marshmallows, popcorn balls, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and candy corn. It’s an edible centerpiece your guests won’t forget.

Variations to Try for Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Keep things interesting with creative twists:

Using different nut butters or spreads

Try almond butter, sunflower butter (for nut-free homes), or cookie butter for a new spin.

Try M&M’s or chocolate kisses instead of Reese’s

Can’t find Reese’s? Sub with mini peanut butter cups from other brands, chocolate kisses, or even truffles.

Swap in dark chocolate or white chocolate legs for contrast

Use white chocolate for ghostly spiders or dark chocolate for an extra spooky vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spider Cookies

Conclusion: Make These Easy Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Your Go-To Halloween Treat

If you’re craving a Halloween treat that’s fun, festive, and seriously delicious, easy peanut butter spider cookies should be your top pick. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and maximum spooky charm, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re prepping a Halloween platter or surprising your little ones after school, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the show.

Check out our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for another creamy, fall-themed bake perfect for chilly nights.

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