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Spooky Spider Cookies with Easy Nutella Thumbprint

spider cookies nutella thumbprint - featured image
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These spooky spider cookies feature a soft, buttery shortbread-like base with a gooey Nutella center and pretzel stick legs. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for Halloween parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • About ½ cup (150 grams) Nutella
  • About 24 pretzel sticks, broken in half
  • Candy eyes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract; beat on low speed until just combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each). Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
  7. Press a deep indentation into the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are just barely golden brown. Centers will still look soft.
  9. Immediately after baking, re-press the indentations with the back of a teaspoon. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cookies are completely cool, spoon about ½ to 1 teaspoon of Nutella into each indentation.
  11. Break pretzel sticks in half. Gently insert four pieces into each side of the cookie to form spider legs. If using, press candy eyes into the Nutella.

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading. Let Nutella come to room temperature for easier filling. For best results, bake until edges are just set; centers will firm up as they cool. Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, but pretzel legs soften after a day. Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cookies, spider cookies, Nutella thumbprint, easy Halloween treats, kid-friendly baking

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/spooky-spider-cookies-with-easy-nutella-thumbprint/