These peanut butter cookies are decorated to look like playful spider treats with chocolate bodies, candy eyes, and chocolate legs. They are a fun and festive dessert for Halloween or any themed party.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one chocolate-covered peanut butter candy into the center of each cookie.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Once the cookies are mostly cool, attach two candy eyes to each candy body using a small dab of melted chocolate.
Use the melted chocolate to pipe four thin legs on each side of the candy body to create spider legs. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
For the best spider shape, press the candy bodies into the cookies while they are still warm so they adhere well. If the chocolate thickens while decorating, rewarm it briefly for easier piping.