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Spider Sugar Cookies: Easy Halloween Treats

spooky cute Halloween spider sugar cookies - featured image
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These spooky cute Halloween spider sugar cookies feature a chewy, buttery dough and are decorated with black and white royal icing to create adorable spider shapes. They are perfect for parties, classroom exchanges, or festive fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar recommended)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 3–4 tablespoons water
  • Black gel paste food coloring
  • White food coloring (optional, for eye highlights)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut out circles using a 2-inch round cookie cutter.
  8. Place cookies on baking sheets, leaving an inch of space between them.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers look soft.
  10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Whisk meringue powder and confectioners’ sugar. Add water gradually until consistency is like honey.
  12. Divide icing into two bowls. Leave one white and add black gel food coloring to the other.
  13. Fill a piping bag with a small round tip (Wilton #2 or #3) with black icing.
  14. Pipe a round body on each cooled cookie, then pipe eight thin legs extending outward.
  15. Use a toothpick to adjust leg thickness or fix breaks. Let icing dry completely for 2-4 hours.

Notes

Chilling the dough is non-negotiable to prevent spreading. Use gel paste food coloring for icing to avoid thinning the consistency. Ensure cookies are completely cool before icing to prevent melting. Work in a low-humidity environment for best icing results. For vegan versions, substitute meringue powder with aquafaba.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cookies, spider sugar cookies, royal icing, Halloween treats, easy baking, fall desserts, party favors

Find it online: https://grubella.com/spider-sugar-cookies-easy-halloween-treats/