How to Make the Cutest Sugar Cookie Spiders (That Won’t Scare the Kids)

The Cutest Sugar Cookie Spiders: A Treat That Crawls into Your Heart

If you’re looking for a Halloween dessert that’s more giggle than gore, you’ve landed in the right web. These Sugar Cookie Spider Cookies are the kind of spooky-cute snack that makes kids squeal with delight—not fright. With soft sugar cookie bases, peanut butter cup bodies, and candy eyes that follow you across the room (in the most adorable way), they’re the perfect mix of creepy and sweet. Whether you’re baking for a classroom party or just want to add a little whimsy to your Halloween spread, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your frosting bag and let’s get tangled up in a sugary web of fun.

Why Sugar Cookie Spider Cookies Are the Ultimate Halloween Treat

• No advanced baking skills required—just mix, bake, and decorate.
• Kid-friendly and perfect for little hands to help with decorating.
• Ideal for Halloween parties, bake sales, or spooky movie nights.
• Customizable with different frostings, candies, and cookie bases.
• Make-ahead friendly for stress-free party prep.

These cookies are more than just a recipe—they’re a memory in the making. Think sticky fingers, sugar highs, and lots of laughter.

Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Spider Cookies

To make these charming little critters, you’ll need:

• 1 pouch (17.5 oz) sugar cookie mix
• Butter and egg (as directed on the cookie mix pouch)
• ½ cup vanilla frosting
• ¼ cup chocolate frosting
• 24 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped
• 48 candy eyes

Optional add-ons for creative flair:

• Black decorating gel
• Colored frosting (orange, purple, green)
• Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Sugar Cookie Spiders

Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix cookie mix, butter, and egg until soft dough forms.
3. Shape into 24 balls (about 1¼ inches each) and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
4. Flatten slightly and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden.
5. Cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Let cool completely (about 30 minutes).

Decorate the Cookies

1. Spoon vanilla frosting into a resealable plastic bag and snip a small corner.
2. Pipe a spiral from the center outward, then add lines to create a web.
3. Spoon chocolate frosting into another bag and snip the tip.
4. Pipe a small circle in the center and press a peanut butter cup upside down to form the spider’s body.
5. Pipe eight legs around the body and attach two candy eyes with frosting.

Store cookies in a covered container with wax paper between layers. Makes 24 cookies.

Expert Tips for Decorating Spider Cookies

• Always cool cookies completely before decorating to prevent frosting meltdown.
• Use a toothpick for precise web lines and spider legs.
• Chill peanut butter cups before decorating to help them hold their shape.
• Try black decorating gel for a more dramatic web effect.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Spider Cookies

• Use orange or purple frosting for a festive twist.
• Swap peanut butter cups for mini peppermint patties for a minty surprise.
• Try chocolate cookie dough for a darker, spookier base.
• Sprinkle crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for a “dirt” effect, like our Dirt Cups recipe
• Make mini versions for bite-sized spiderlings.

Serving Suggestions for Halloween Parties

These cookies are perfect for:

• Halloween dessert boards
• Classroom party favors
• Bake sale treats
• Spooky movie night snacks

Pair them with other festive recipes like:

• Monster Cookie Pops– for a double dose of spooky-cute fun.
• Halloween Eyeball Cake – a show-stopping centerpiece.
• Ooey-Gooey Brownie S’mores– because chocolate is always a good idea.

Love these spooky-cute treats? Try our Peanut Butter Cookie Spiders for a nutty twist, or our Homemade Cookie Spiders for a web of fun.

Wrap cookies in cellophane bags with ribbon for easy gifting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spider Cookies

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough? Yes! Any drop-style sugar cookie dough will work beautifully.

How do I store the cookies? Keep them covered at room temperature with wax paper between layers for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze them? Freeze undecorated cookies. Thaw and decorate when ready to serve.

My frosting is too runny—what should I do? Chill it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up before piping.

Final Thoughts: Spin a Web of Sweetness This Halloween

Sugar Cookie Spider Cookies are proof that Halloween treats don’t have to be terrifying to be memorable. With their playful design and easy prep, they’re perfect for kids, parties, and anyone who prefers charm over chills. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to add a little whimsy to your October, these cookies are guaranteed to crawl their way into everyone’s hearts.

Ready to whip up a batch? Grab your frosting bag and let the sweet spinning begin.