Spooky Spider Cookies

Spooky spider cookies take me right back to the first Halloween party I ever hosted for my little cousins. I wanted something sweet that would make them laugh—and maybe squirm just a little! I had a basic cookie dough ready, and when I spotted a bag of round chocolate candies in the cupboard, I instantly saw spider bodies. A few chocolate legs later, and my spider cookies were crawling their way into everyone’s hearts.

They’ve been a staple at every Halloween gathering since. These cookies are soft, chocolatey, and surprisingly easy to decorate, even if you’re not super crafty. Kids love adding the eyes, and the chocolate drizzle makes them look extra spooky. Whether you’re baking for a classroom treat or just making memories in the kitchen, these creepy crawlers always steal the show.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• All-purpose flour – Gives the cookies structure and chew
• Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and stay light
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
• Butter – Adds richness and keeps the cookies soft
• Brown sugar – Creates a chewy, caramel-like texture
• Granulated sugar – Adds crisp edges and sweetness
• Egg – Binds the dough and adds moisture
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors
• Chocolate chips – For melty goodness and extra flavor
• Round chocolate truffles or candies – These become the spider “bodies”
• Melted dark chocolate – Perfect for drawing legs and attaching the eyes
• Candy eyes – The final spooky touch!

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients separately
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugar easy
• Baking sheet – Essential for even baking
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly
• Piping bag or zip-top bag – For piping the chocolate spider legs
• Small spoon or toothpick – To adjust chocolate details or place the candy eyes
• Oven – To bake the cookies to golden perfection

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line my baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In one bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3:

In a larger bowl, I cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then I beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

Step 4:

I gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Then I fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 5:

I scoop the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. I slightly flatten them with my palm.

Step 6:

I bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

Step 7:

While the cookies are still warm, I gently press one round chocolate candy into the center of each one to form the spider’s body.

Step 8:

Once the cookies are cooled, I melt dark chocolate and pipe eight legs on each cookie using a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.

Step 9:

I carefully place two candy eyes on each chocolate body, using a little melted chocolate as glue if needed.

Tips

If you don’t have candy eyes, you can make your own using white chocolate chips and a tiny dot of melted dark chocolate. For extra flavor, I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough. And if you’re short on time, store-bought cookie dough works great too—no judgment!

Ways to Serve

I love arranging these on a Halloween-themed platter with orange and black napkins. They’re perfect for parties, bake sales, or gifting in little spooky treat bags. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa or warm apple cider for the ultimate cozy treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make spooky spider cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake and decorate them a day in advance and store in an airtight container.

Can I freeze spooky spider cookies?

Absolutely. Freeze before decorating, then thaw and add the spider details just before serving.

What kind of candy works best for the spider body in spooky spider cookies?

I like to use chocolate truffles or malted milk balls—they’re round, sturdy, and taste amazing.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you have as much fun making these spooky spider cookies as I do! They’re playful, sweet, and just the right amount of creepy for Halloween. I’d love to see your versions—feel free to share your deliciously scary creations!

Happy Cooking!

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