Spider Cookies

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350˚F.

Step 2

In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat together the peanut butter, shortening, butter, and both sugars until fluffy and combined, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture and beat until well mixed.

Step 4

Scoop the dough into 20 even portions (about 2 packed tablespoons each) and roll into balls. Flatten each ball slightly and arrange the cookies 2 inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Press the center of each cookie with your thumb. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the cookie sheets halfway through.

Step 5

As you pull the cookies out of the oven, gently place 1 miniature peanut butter cup just barely below the center of each cookie, allowing the warm cookie to melt the chocolate "body" into place. Then, very gently press 1 chocolate covered raisin or peanut "head" right above the peanut butter cup on each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6

Once the cookies are cool, use the gel writing icing to draw 8 legs from the body of each spider. Allow the icing to set and enjoy!