Spooky Spider Chocolate Cookies (Printer-Friendly)
Rich chocolate cookies with peanut butter cups, pretzel legs, and candy eyes for a festive treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 -
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Decoration
10 -
10 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped
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Pretzel sticks, broken in halves for spider legs
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20 candy eyes
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1/4 cup melted chocolate or icing (optional, to adhere eyes)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
02 -
In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy to ensure a soft, chewy texture.
03 -
Incorporate eggs one at a time, fully mixing each. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
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Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
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Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
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Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges set but centers remain soft.
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Immediately after baking, press one mini peanut butter cup into the center of each warm cookie to form the spider body.
08 -
Carefully place eight pretzel half-sticks (four on each side) into each cookie around the peanut butter cup to create legs without cracking the cookie.
09 -
Use melted chocolate or icing as adhesive to fix two candy eyes on each peanut butter cup. Position eyes creatively for a playful effect.
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Allow cookies to cool fully so the decorations set firmly. Arrange on a festive platter for serving.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For a nut-free alternative, substitute peanut butter cups with mini chocolate truffles or caramel candies.
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To deepen flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough.
03 -
Prepare cookies a day in advance and decorate just before serving to maintain freshness.