Easy Spider Cookies

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Expert tips and FAQs

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.