Peanut Butter Cup Spider Cookies Recipe
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 24 miniature chocolate peanut butter cups, unwrapped and frozen
- 48 edible candy eyes
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking. - Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer. - Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined and the texture is smooth. - Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. - Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about a tablespoon of dough each). Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly soft. - Step 6: Add the Spider Body
As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, immediately press a frozen miniature peanut butter cup upside down into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will slightly melt the bottom of the cup, helping it stick. Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. - Step 7: Decorate the Spider
Once the cookies are cool, use a toothpick or a small piping bag to draw eight legs on each cookie using the melted chocolate chips, starting from the peanut butter cup and extending outward. Use a tiny dot of melted chocolate to “glue” two candy eyes onto the front of each peanut butter cup.