Scary Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Are you ready to add a spooky twist to your baking routine? Look no further than these Scary Peanut Butter Spider Cookies! These creepy treats are perfect for Halloween parties or just a fun activity to enjoy with your kids. Let’s dive into the world of spooky baking and discover how to make these deliciously eerie cookies.
Getting Started
Before we begin, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. You’ll need a batch of your favorite peanut butter cookie dough, some chocolate candies for the spider bodies, and black licorice or pretzel sticks for the spider legs. Additionally, make sure you have a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a rolling pin handy.
Making the Spider Bodies
First, preheat your oven to the desired temperature and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, take small portions of the cookie dough and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand to create a round shape resembling a spider’s body. Place these dough rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each one for spreading during baking.
Adding the Spider Legs
Now comes the fun part – adding the spider legs! Take your black licorice or pretzel sticks and carefully break them into smaller pieces. Insert four pieces into each cookie, pressing them gently into the dough on either side of the body. The legs should stick out, creating a spooky spider effect.
Baking and Decorating
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies according to your favorite peanut butter cookie recipe. While the cookies are baking, you can prepare the spider eyes. Use small chocolate candies or icing to create the eyes on each spider body. Get creative and experiment with different eye sizes and shapes to give your spiders unique personalities.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cookie dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! While peanut butter cookie dough works great for these spider cookies, feel free to use your favorite cookie dough recipe. The key is to ensure that the dough is firm enough to hold its shape during baking.
2. Are there any alternatives to black licorice for the spider legs?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of black licorice, you can use pretzel sticks instead. They add a crunchy texture and a delicious flavor to the cookies.
3. Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the spider eyes?
Of course! You can use any type of chocolate or even icing to create the eyes. White chocolate adds a contrasting look to the cookies, making them even more visually appealing.
4. How long can I store these cookies?
These spider cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. They make great treats for Halloween parties or as a surprise for trick-or-treaters.
5. Can I double the recipe to make more cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to double or even triple the recipe to make a larger batch of cookies. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets and space in your oven to accommodate the additional cookies.
6. Can I use other types of candies for the spider bodies?
Definitely! While chocolate candies work well, you can also use other small round candies like M&M’s or even gummy candies for a different twist. Get creative and let your imagination run wild!
7. Can I add other decorations to the cookies?
Absolutely! These spider cookies are a great canvas for your creativity. Feel free to add sprinkles, colored icing, or any other spooky decoration you like. Remember, the scarier, the better!
8. Can I involve my kids in making these cookies?
Definitely! These cookies are a perfect opportunity to get your little ones involved in the kitchen. Let them help with rolling the dough, adding the spider legs, and decorating the cookies. It’s a fun activity that will create lasting memories.
Conclusion
Scary Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are a fantastic way to add some spooky fun to your baking adventures. With their creepy spider bodies and delicious peanut butter flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any Halloween gathering. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your friends and family with these spooktacular treats!
Scary Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Ingredients
- Small round chocolates , about 5 ounces (e.g., malted milk balls)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch Pinch of fine salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter , softened
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 ounces semisweet chocolate
- 1 small tube white cake decorating gel
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and position the oven racks in the top and bottom thirds. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Separate the chocolate candy balls into larger and smaller balls. The larger balls will be used for the spider bodies and the smaller balls for the heads.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a medium bowl, cream the sugar and butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the vanilla and egg to the sugar and butter mixture and mix until thoroughly combined (about 1 minute).
- Add the peanut butter and mix until creamy (about 1 minute).
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and add half of the flour mixture. Beat on medium speed until incorporated, then reduce the speed to low again and add the remaining flour mixture. Beat on medium speed until incorporated.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls by hand and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies for about 16 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. The cookies should be light golden brown and spread to about 2 inches wide. They are done when they smell very peanut buttery and the tops feel dry and slightly firm when pressed with fingers.
- While the cookies are baking, melt the chocolate over a double boiler. Remove from heat and let
