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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Halloween ยป Easy Spider Cookies

    Easy Spider Cookies

    Modified: Nov 9, 2023 ยท Published: Sep 20, 2022 by Chandice ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 2 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Easy Spider Cookies pin

    These spooky spider cookies with chocolate chips are gluten-free and perfect for Halloween! They are buttery rich, chewy soft, and the melted chocolate really hits the spot.

    You don’t need to be an experienced baker or have fancy equipment to make this fun halloween treat. This easy recipe calls for basic ingredients with simple instructions for a smooth (and spooky) process.

    Up close of a spider cookie with chocolate chips


     

    I love making these easy halloween cookies. It’s a great activity to do with the kids and they’re so fun to keep around the house. Store in a clear cookie jar for halloween decor that doubles as dessert.

    I recommend serving these spooky halloween spider cookies with our no bake ghost cookies and edible witches finger cookies for the ultimate Halloween treat table. You can even wash them down with crock pot apple cider.

    If you’re not looking for something sweet, you can try these halloween sandwiches or even a halloween charcuterie board. Last year I made the halloween charcuterie board and it was a huge hit.

    Easy Spider Cookies on a marble cake stand

    Can I use gluten-free or all purpose flour?

    I made this recipe super easy for you guys using a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour. I’ve used Better Batter and Bob’s Red Mill brands but feel free to use any gluten-free or all purpose flour if you’d like.

    Spider chocolate chip cookies! These delicious and spooky Halloween cookies are sure to please any little ghost or goblin. They only take a few extra minutes from your classic gluten-free chocolate chip cookie too.

    What’s in spider cookies?

    You’ll need classic chocolate chip cookie ingredients for this recipe along with some extra chocolate chips. See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients.

    Gluten-free flour

    I like using Better Batter or Bob’s Red Mill brands flour but you can use whatever 1 to 1 gluten-free flour you’d like. If you’re not gluten free, you can use regular flour as well.

    Brown sugar

    The ratio of brown sugar to white sugar is what makes this cookie recipe so delicious. Make sure you pack your brown sugar when measuring.

    Granulated sugar

    I like using less granulated sugar than brown sugar in my cookie recipes because I think the taste and texture is a bit softer.

    Vanilla

    Make sure to use gluten-free vanilla in this recipe.

    Butter

    Room temperature butter works best for this recipe but if you do use melted butter, I recommend refrigerating your cookie dough before.

    Chocolate chips

    Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my favorite but dark chocolate and/or milk chocolate will also work.

    Spider cookies without peanut butter

    How to make spider cookies

    Step 1: With an electric mixer, beat the sugars, butter and vanilla until smooth in a medium bowl

    Step 2: Add the vanilla and almond extract

    Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time and mix on low

    Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, salt and baking soda

    Step 5: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until well combined

    Step 6: Mix in 1-2 cups chocolate chips

    Step 7: Use cookie scoop to place onto a greased cookie sheet or sheet lined with parchment paper

    Step 8: Push in 1-2 extra chocolate chips on the top of each cookie, these will be the spider body

    Step 9: Bake 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees f

    Step 10: Allow them to cool on a wire rack

    Step 11: Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips in a bowl in the microwave for 1 minute

    Step 12: Once melted, place chocolate chips into a piping bag or pastry bag and cut the tip very small

    Step 13: Once the cookies are cooled, “draw” spider legs off of the chocolate chips on the top of the cookie using the melted chocolate

    Pro tip: The easiest way to avoid burning is to microwave chocolate chips in intervals, stirring in between.

    spider cookies for halloween

    Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Baking Tips

    I personally like to undercook mine just slightly because I like a bit of a gooey center.  Similar to how I like to cook my gluten-free snickerdoodle cookies or gluten-free ginger molasses cookies.

    For the best gluten-free chocolate chip cookies like these spider cookies or our BEST gluten-free chocolate chip cookies (with a jar gift option) there are a few simple things you can do. Here’s what we recommend…

    • Use a good quality gluten-free cup for cup or 1-to-1 flour
    • High quality chocolate chips are best for these cookies
    • Take this recipe to the next level by browning the butter before putting it into the mixer
    • Add candy eyes for extra decoration
    • Allow cookies to cool on cooling rack before adding more chocolate

    If you are needing a really good chocolate chip cookie but you have to be dairy-free, I recommend five these gluten-free vegan ice cream sandwich chocolate chip cookies a try. 

    Spider cookie dough with black toy spiders

    Expert tips and FAQs

    Can I add peanut butter to this recipe?

    For chewy peanut butter cookies feel free to add some peanut butter spiders or use Reese’s cups instead of chocolate chips in the cookies. There’s nothing better than the chocolate and peanut butter combo.

    Should you refrigerate your cookie dough before baking?

    You don’t have to refrigerate your cookie dough before baking but it is recommended. It will keep your cookies from spreading out too far when baking and give them a softer, chewier texture.

    How do you keep cookies fresh for a few days?

    You can keep cookies fresh for a few days by storing them in an airtight container or ziplock bag after they have completely cooled. Store them at room temperature and reheat when ready to serve for warm cookies.

    Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
    Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!

    NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!

    Spider Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten-Free)

    Easy Spider Cookies on a marble platter
    5 from 2 votes
    These spooky spider cookies with chocolate chips are gluten-free and perfect for Halloween! They are buttery rich, chewy soft, and the melted chocolate really hits the spot.
    You don't need to be an experienced baker or have fancy equipment to make this fun halloween treat. This easy recipe calls for basic ingredients with simple instructions for a smooth (and spooky) process.
    PRINT RECIPE SaveSaved!
    Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 11 minutes mins
    Total Time: 16 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: chocolate chip cookies, gluten free halloween cookies, gluten-free chocolate chip cookies
    Servings: 18 cookies
    Calories: 292kcal
    Author: Chandice Probst

    Ingredients

    • 2 1/4 cup gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon Real Salt
    • 1 cup brown sugar packed
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup butter
    • 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
    • 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free almond extract
    • 2 eggs
    • 1-2 cup chocolate chips plus an additional 1/2 C

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
    • In a stand mixer, beat the sugars, butter and vanilla until smooth
    • Add the gluten-free vanilla and almond extracts
    • One at a time, add the eggs and continue mixing on low
    • In another bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, salt and baking soda
    • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until well combined
    • Add the chocolate chips and gently mix in
    • Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets
    • Push in 1-2 extra chocolate chips on the top of each cookie
    • Bake 9-11 minutes
    • Allow them to cool for a few minutes on the pan then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling
    • Meanwhile, melt 1/2 C chocolate chips in a bowl in the microwave for 1 minute
    • Once melted, place the chocolate into a piping bag and cut the tip very small
    • Once the cookies are cooled, “draw” spider legs off of the chocolate chips on the top of the cookie using the melted chocolate
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Can I add peanut butter to this recipe?For chewy peanut butter cookies feel free to add some peanut butter spiders or use reeseโ€™s cups
    instead of chocolate chips in the cookies. There’s nothing better than the chocolate and peanut butter combo.
    Should you refrigerate your cookie dough before baking?You don’t have to refrigerate your cookie dough before baking but it is recommended. It will keep your cookies from spreading out too far when baking and give them a softer, chewier texture.
    How do you keep cookies fresh for a few days?You can keep cookies fresh for a few days by storing them in an airtight container or ziplock bag after they have completely cooled. Store them at room temperature and reheat when ready to serve for warm cookies.
    Pro tip: The easiest way to avoid burning is to microwave chocolate chips in intervals, stirring in between.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 26mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 375IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 0.9mg
    Gluten-Free Spider Chocolate Chip Cookies are festive and fun for Halloween! | fun halloween recipes | halloween recipe ideas | halloween cookie recipes | gluten free halloween recipes | gluten free chocolate chip cookies || This Vivacious Life

    This post was updated September 2022 but here’s a look at the first photo we did when it posted originally on October 5, 2014.


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    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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    Comments

    1. Brennan says

      July 13, 2022 at 3:46 pm

      5 stars
      I was kind of nervous to make these because I thought I would screw it up, but it was actually pretty easy! The spiders turned out well and were definitely creepy. They are so delicious and a big hit at my Halloween party!

      Reply
    2. Jonikas says

      October 05, 2014 at 6:21 am

      Awesome! I have found a GREAT chocolate cookie mix (made with coconut flour and healthy ingredients!) that I’m going to try with my grandsweeties! ๐Ÿ˜€ They both know how terrified I am of spiders so it should be good for a laugh as they LOVE to tease me about it with pictures, spider stories, etc. Did I mention that they’re only 7 & 3!?! Lol … maybe this will be some kind of therapy for me! ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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