Spooky Spider Chocolate Treats (Printer-Friendly)

Rich chocolate treats with peanut butter cups, pretzels, and candy eyes for a festive touch.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 cup packed brown sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
08 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Decorations

10 - 10 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped
11 - Pretzel sticks, broken into halves for spider legs
12 - 20 candy eyes, two per cookie
13 - 1/4 cup melted chocolate or icing (optional, for securing eyes)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a soft, chewy texture.
03 - Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
04 - Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
05 - Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
06 - While cookies are warm, press one mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie to form the spider's body.
07 - Insert eight pretzel stick halves (four on each side) gently around the peanut butter cup, taking care not to crack the cookie.
08 - Use a small amount of melted chocolate or icing to affix two candy eyes onto each peanut butter cup, positioning them creatively.
09 - Allow cookies to cool completely so the peanut butter cups and eyes set firmly. Arrange on a festive plate and enjoy.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Bake cookies a day in advance and add peanut butter cups and decorations just before serving for best results.
02 - Substitute mini chocolate truffles or Rolos for a nut-free variation.
03 - Enhance flavor with a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder in the dough.

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