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    Home » Recipes » Halloween

    Spider Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Published: Sep 22, '19 · Modified: Oct 26, '23 · By: Beth Klosterboer · Commission earned on paid or sponsored links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This Halloween, bake up a batch of these gruesome Spider Chocolate Chip Cookies for your party guests. Each large cookie is loaded with chocolate chips. Some even look like spiders with chocolate legs.

    This recipe was originally published on September 26, 2013.

    Spider chocolate chip cookies infested with chocolate spiders.

    Spiders have infested my chocolate chip cookies. Gross, right?

    Why would I do this to a perfectly innocent, thick, and chewy cookie?

    Well, the other day I came across a picture of a cookie that had images of spiders superimposed on it. It really looked like the spiders were in the cookie. It was just a bit of Photoshop magic, but I knew baking up a batch of chocolate chip arachnids would be as easy as waving a wizard's wand.

    spider chocolate chip cookies.

    I figured if I was going to infest any cookies with spiders, I would use my absolute favorite recipe from Cook's Illustrated. It makes the biggest, thickest, chewiest cookies bursting with caramel and chocolate flavors.

    I'm sure you will love the flavor of these cookies and you'll have fun seeing how your friends and family react to them too!

    So, let's make Spider Chocolate Chip Cookies.

    Chocolate Chip Spider Cookies

    Ingredients

    • unsalted butter
    • brown sugar - You can use light or dark brown sugar. If you like a more pronounced molasses flavor, use the dark brown sugar.
    • granulated sugar
    • egg
    • egg yolk - The extra egg yolk will allow the cookies to be nice and chewy on the inside.
    • pure vanilla extract
    • all-purpose flour - unbleached is best
    • table salt
    • baking soda
    • semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (2 ounces for spiders, 10 ounces for in and on top of the cookies)

    Supplies

    electric mixer
    baking sheets lined with parchment paper
    optional: #16 ice cream scoop
    squeeze-it mold painter bottles, or a disposable pastry bag or zip-top bag

    Instructions

    Make chocolate chip cookie dough.

    • Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Melt butter in a mixing bowl.
    • Allow it to cool slightly.
    • Add brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat on medium speed for about a minute until well blended.
    • Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and beat until fully incorporated.
    • Mix flour, salt, and baking soda together then incorporate it into the wet ingredients.
    • If using a hand-held mixer, it probably won't be strong enough to mix this completely, so switch over to a spoon or spatula.
    • Fold about 9 ounces (1 ½ cups) of chips into the batter.

    Scoop cookie dough onto a pan.

    • Scoop out 18 cookies, about ¼ cup of dough for each.
      • I used a #16 ice cream scoop.
    • Place cookies on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with plenty of room to spread.
    • Place some of the reserved chocolate chips on top of each cookie just to be sure you have chips with which you can make your spiders.
      • Remember to keep about 2 ounces (⅓ cup) of the chips for the spiders.
    • Bake cookies one tray at a time, for 14-18 minutes.
    • The cookies should begin to set around the edges, be light golden brown, yet still be soft in the center.

    Add spider legs to chocolate chips.

    • Allow your cookies to cool completely.
    • Place the remaining 2 ounces of chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl.
    • Heat for 20 seconds, stir, then for 15 seconds, stir.
    • Allow the chocolate to sit for 1 minute, then stir again.
      • If you need to, heat it for 10 more seconds, then repeat until melted.
      • Pour into a squeeze-it mold painter bottle fitted with a #2 round pastry tip, or a disposable pastry bag or zip-top bag with the tip snipped off.
    • Pipe on spider heads and legs around some of the larger chocolate chips.
    • Allow the chocolate spiders to dry.
    Spider Chocolate Chip Cookies are gross Halloween treat that taste amazing!

    Serve with a glass of milk.

    Storage

    Store your chocolate chip spider cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

    If you wrap the cookies in wax paper and place them in a zip-top bag, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw the cookies in the bag for several hours before opening to avoid condensation forming on the chocolate chip spiders. 

    Variations

    If you prefer oatmeal raisin cookies over chocolate chip cookies, check out my tutorial to add raisin spiders to crispy and chewy oatmeal cookies.

    Oatmeal Raisin Spider Cookies

    Spider Infested Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

    Related Recipes

    If you enjoy making these spider chocolate chip cookies, you might also like making these other spider-themed recipes.

    OREO spiders with OREO Cookie ball bodies and chocolate legs.

    OREO Ball Spiders

    spider cake with chocolate legs.

    Spider Cake

    black caramel spider

    Candy Spiders

    Be sure to check out my Bug-Themed Recipes and other Halloween recipes here on Hungry Happenings.

    This Halloween leave these gruesome Spider Infested Chocolate Chip Cookies for your guests to find. No one can resist these homemade festive treats, but trust me they will freak out every time.

    Recipe

    5 from 2 votes
    Spider chocolate chip cookies infested with chocolate spiders.
    Print
    Spider Chocolate Chip Cookies
    Prep Time
    30 mins
    Cook Time
    20 mins
    Total Time
    50 mins
     
    Chocolate Chip Cookies infested with chocolate spiders
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: gross halloween food, halloween cookies, halloween desserts, spider cookies
    Servings: 18
    Calories: 242 kcal
    Author: Beth Klosterboer
    Ingredients
    • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1 cup packed brown sugar
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • 2 ⅛ cup all purpose flour (unbleached is best)
    • ½ teaspoon table salt
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 12 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (2 ounces for spiders, 10 ounces for in and on top of the cookies)
    Supplies:
    • electric mixer
    • baking sheets lined with parchment paper
    • optional: #16 ice cream scoop
    • squeezeit mold painter bottles or a disposable pastry bag or zip top bag
    Instructions
    1. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
    2. Melt butter in a mixing bowl. Allow it to cool slightly.
    3. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat on medium speed for about a minute until well blended.
    4. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and beat until fully incorporated.
    5. Mix flour, salt, and baking soda together then incorporate it into the wet ingredients.
    6. Fold about 9 ounces (1 ½ cups) of chips into the batter.
    7. Scoop out 18 cookies, about ¼ cup of dough for each.
    8. Place some of the reserved chocolate chips on top of each cookie.
    9. Remember to keep about 2 ounces (⅓ cup) of the chips for the spiders.
    10. Bake cookies one tray at a time, for 14-18 minutes.
    11. Allow cookies to cool completely.
    12. Place the remaining 2 ounces of chocolate chips in a small microwave safe bowl.
    13. Heat for 20 seconds, stir, then for 15 seconds, stir.
    14. Allow the chocolate to sit for 1 minute, then stir again.
    15. If you need to, heat it for 10 more seconds, then repeat until melted.
    16. Pour into a squeeze-it mold painter bottle fitted with a #2 round pastry tip, or a disposable pastry bag or zip top bag with the tip snipped off.
    17. Pipe on spider heads and legs around some of the larger chocolate chips.
    18. Allow to dry.
    19. Serve and enjoy watching your family and friend's reactions!

    Recipe Notes

    Store your chocolate chip spider cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you wrap the cookies in wax paper and place them in a zip-top bag, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw the cookies in the bag for several hours before opening to avoid condensation forming on the chocolate chip spiders. 

    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Beth Klosterboer
    Beth Klosterboer
    Hi, I'm Beth Klosterboer, a professional chocolatier & baker, cookbook author, and event planner. I love sharing recipes for happy occasions here on Hungry Happenings. I also create easy fudge recipes to share at HowToMakeEasyFudge.com, rice krispie treat recipes at HowToMakeCerealTreats.com, and easy cookie recipes at HowToMakeEasyCookies.com
    Beth Klosterboer
    Latest posts by Beth Klosterboer (see all)
    • Gingerbread Cookie Cups - December 2, 2023
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    About Beth Klosterboer

    Reader Interactions

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    1. the cape on the corner

      September 30, 2013 at 5:39 pm

      o.m.g! hilarious! and cute! and creepy!

      Reply
      • beth

        October 02, 2013 at 12:24 pm

        Thanks:)

        Reply
    2. gosia

      September 30, 2013 at 1:21 pm

      Simple, cute, funny... just great idea! Pinned!

      Reply
      • beth

        October 02, 2013 at 12:24 pm

        Thanks so much for pinning:)

        Reply
    3. Anonymous

      September 29, 2013 at 5:12 pm

      super super super cute!!!!!

      Reply
    4. Lora

      September 29, 2013 at 3:47 pm

      These are fabulous. Love 'em.

      Reply
      • beth

        October 02, 2013 at 12:27 pm

        Thank you, Lora.

        Reply
    5. Sugartown Sweets

      September 29, 2013 at 3:05 am

      When I first saw these (unbelievably) cute cookies..i knew I would have to make them for my grandbabies. But when I read through your post, I realized how much more fun it would be to present them like you did..just pop the lid off and wait for the screeches! I love these!

      Reply
      • beth

        October 02, 2013 at 12:24 pm

        The element of surprise definitely made for some good Halloween fun. I'd love to hear how your grandkids react.

        Reply
    6. Sue

      September 28, 2013 at 5:20 pm

      They look amazingly realistic! Way to go, Beth! Cute and creepy at the same time:)

      Reply
    7. Diane {Created by Diane}

      September 28, 2013 at 5:37 am

      These cookies are just so FUN, I LOVE them!

      Reply
    8. the decorated cookie

      September 27, 2013 at 9:40 pm

      Genius. Genius. So genius.

      Reply
      • beth

        October 02, 2013 at 12:23 pm

        Wow, thanks, Meaghan:)

        Reply
    9. Anonymous

      September 27, 2013 at 4:06 pm

      I always love your recipes and I finally got my letters so I can make the grave stones this year. You are so clever and are always my first go to site. Trish Butler

      Reply
      • beth

        October 02, 2013 at 12:22 pm

        Oh, you will have so much fun with the impression letters. They are so much fun to use.

        Reply
    10. restaurants vouchers

      September 27, 2013 at 4:18 am

      Creative and unique 🙂

      Reply
      • beth

        October 02, 2013 at 12:22 pm

        Thank you! I do strive for that:)

        Reply
    11. Jennifer OConnor

      September 27, 2013 at 12:13 am

      These cookies are the best! I will be making these cookies. The kids are going to love them.

      Reply
      • beth

        October 02, 2013 at 12:21 pm

        Thank you, Jennifer. I'd love to see pictures if you do make the cookies.

        Reply
    12. Aimee / Wallflower Girl

      September 26, 2013 at 8:55 pm

      These are so cool! I have to make these for halloween 😀

      Reply
      • beth

        October 02, 2013 at 12:20 pm

        Thank you, Aimee. If you do make them, be sure to snap some pictures and send them to me so I can share in my Readers' Gallery!

        Reply
    13. eatlaughlovecraft

      September 26, 2013 at 8:33 pm

      LOVE THESE! I can see myself making these, up my alley in the way of baking 🙂 Your food is always amazing. Thanks for continuing to create & share.

      Reply
      • beth

        October 02, 2013 at 12:20 pm

        Thanks:) These cookies were really fun to make. I hope you try them for Halloween.

        Reply
    14. Janine Eshelbrenner

      September 26, 2013 at 4:49 pm

      These are so cool! I love how just a simple touch makes these festive!

      Reply
      • beth

        October 02, 2013 at 12:18 pm

        Thanks, Janine:)

        Reply
    15. Brenda @ SweetSimpleStuff

      September 26, 2013 at 4:30 pm

      GENIUS!!! A little creepy, but not too much 😉 They made me giggle!

      Reply
      • beth

        October 02, 2013 at 12:18 pm

        I love to make you giggle!

        Reply
    16. MissCandiquik

      September 26, 2013 at 4:19 pm

      You are sooo creative, Beth! Simple but oh-so cute. Definitely making these, this is the perfect excuse for a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • beth

        September 26, 2013 at 4:29 pm

        I totally agree. I just might have to bake some more soon. Ours are almost gone!

        Reply
    17. Lisa@hooplapalooza

      September 26, 2013 at 3:14 pm

      these are FLIPPIN' AWESOME! i'd like a world wide web of them please, and i won't even scream 🙂

      Reply
      • beth

        September 26, 2013 at 4:27 pm

        I'd gladly fill your web with them! Your too funny:)

        Reply
    18. The Partiologist

      September 26, 2013 at 3:11 pm

      Seriously, you are the genius of easy creative food - I love these and it's exactly how I want my chocolate
      chip cookies this Halloween!

      Reply
      • beth

        September 26, 2013 at 4:25 pm

        Thanks:) It's the only way to eat a chocolate chip cookie, at Halloween!

        Reply
    19. ~julee~

      September 26, 2013 at 3:01 pm

      Your Halloween ideas are always my favorite!! I love that these creepy cookies take little effort, but still have a big gross factor. Thanks!!!

      Reply
      • beth

        September 26, 2013 at 4:25 pm

        That's so nice to hear. Halloween is definitely my favorite time of year to make edible crafts and it's the only time I can make something a bit gross!

        Reply
    20. Mindy

      September 26, 2013 at 2:20 pm

      Super cute.

      Reply
      • beth

        September 26, 2013 at 4:24 pm

        Thank, Mindy:)

        Reply
      • rebecca

        October 28, 2015 at 12:30 pm

        That looks so cute I am gonna try it. U could make the chocolate chip cookies with pre-made Schwan's cookies.

        Reply
        • Beth

          October 29, 2015 at 9:44 pm

          Yes, you can definitely make these using store bought cookies! It will be easy and fun.

          Reply
    Newer Comments »

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    Beth Jackson Klosterboer

    Welcome to Hungry Happenings!

    I'm Beth. I've been a professional chocolatier & baker for over 30 years, have written 5 cookbooks, and love creating fun food for holidays and special occasions.

    Read more about me →

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    Beth Jackson Klosterboer

    Welcome to Hungry Happenings!

    I'm Beth. I've been a professional chocolatier & baker for over 30 years, have written 5 cookbooks, and love creating fun food for holidays and special occasions.

    Read more about me →

    Popular

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