Halloween Spider Cookies

Directions

1. Set your oven to 350°F so it can preheat while you prepare the dough.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar and the brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Add the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until everything is fully incorporated.
5. Turn the mixer to low speed and slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop. Roll each ball in the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, then place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Use a fork to gently flatten each ball, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
7. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before you begin decorating.
9. Microwave the chocolate melting wafers in short bursts until smooth, then transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag or a small zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Allow the chocolate to cool for 5 minutes so it's easier to pipe.
10. Unwrap the chilled miniature peanut butter cups and gently place one upside down in the center of each cookie. If they don't stick, use a dab of melted chocolate to secure them.
11. Pipe four curved lines of chocolate on each side of the peanut butter cup to form the spider's legs.
12. Place a small dot of chocolate on the front of each peanut butter cup and attach two candy eyes to make the spider's face.
13. Wait until the chocolate has fully set, then serve your spooky spider cookies.