These Easy Oreo Spiders for Halloween are the cute, no-bake party treat I make every October. They take just minutes, look delightfully spooky, and kids can help from start to finish.
All you need are Oreos, pretzels, and candy eyes. Set them on a platter and watch them scurry away!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Oreo Spiders for Halloween
- No-bake and ready in 10 minutes, perfect for last-minute parties.
- Kid-friendly assembly that doubles as a fun craft.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Easy to adapt for allergies and dietary preferences.
- Adorable on dessert boards, cupcakes, and lunchbox surprises.
Easy Oreo Spiders for Halloween Ingredients & Substitutions
- 12 Oreo sandwich cookies: Regular or Double Stuf; Double Stuf makes leg placement easier. Use gluten-free sandwich cookies if needed.
- 96 thin pretzel sticks: 8 legs per spider. You can also break 48 sticks in half or use mini pretzel twists broken into curved “legs.”
- 24 candy eyes: Any size. Swap mini chocolate chips or dots of white and dark chocolate if you cannot find candy eyes.
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or black candy melts: Melted to use as edible glue. You can also use chocolate frosting.
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional): Stir into melted chocolate for a smoother drizzle.
- Optional fillings: 2 tablespoons peanut butter or chocolate frosting to help secure legs if you prefer not to melt chocolate.
- Optional decorations: Halloween sprinkles, licorice laces, or red gel for spooky details.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easy Oreo Spiders for Halloween
1. Prep Your Station
Line a baking sheet with parchment. Place Oreos, pretzels, candy eyes, and a small bowl of melted chocolate within reach. If melting chocolate, microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly so it thickens to a glue-like consistency.
2. Twist Open the Oreos
Gently twist each Oreo to separate. If the cream sticks to one side, that is perfect. If the cookie resists, warm it in your hands for a few seconds or use Double Stuf.
3. Add the Legs
Press 4 pretzel sticks into the cream on each side to make 8 legs. If the cream is firm, add a tiny dab of melted chocolate or frosting to secure the pretzels before closing.
4. Close and Secure
Top with the other cookie half and press gently. Wipe away any cream squeeze-out with a clean fingertip or small offset spatula.
5. Glue on the Eyes
Use a toothpick to dab two small dots of melted chocolate on top, then press on candy eyes. Add sprinkles or a light drizzle of chocolate if you like.
6. Set and Serve
Refrigerate the tray for 5 to 10 minutes to set the chocolate. Transfer to a platter and serve.
Tips for Success
- Use Double Stuf Oreos for extra space to anchor pretzel legs.
- Shorten legs by snapping pretzels for a sturdier spider that travels better.
- Let melted chocolate cool slightly so it grips instead of running.
- Work on parchment so any chocolate drips lift cleanly.
- If candy eyes slide, hold for 5 seconds or chill the cookie top for a minute before attaching.
Variations of Easy Oreo Spiders for Halloween
- Gluten-free: Use certified GF sandwich cookies and GF pretzels.
- Dairy-free/vegan: Choose dairy-free chocolate, vegan sandwich cookies, and vegan candy eyes or mini chocolate chips.
- Flavor twist: Try Mint Oreo, Golden Oreo, or peanut butter filling.
- Licorice legs: Use thin black or red licorice laces for a classic spooky look.
- Extra spooky: Add a tiny red gel dot for a “fang” or use black sanding sugar on top.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Easy Oreo Spiders for Halloween
- Set on a Halloween dessert board with caramel apples, gummy worms, and popcorn balls.
- Top cupcakes or brownies with one spider each for instant party flair.
- Serve with hot cocoa, apple cider, or pumpkin spice milkshakes.
- Tuck into clear treat bags with a ribbon for party favors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store spiders in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate for up to 1 week, but note pretzels can soften in the fridge. To keep legs crisp, add a paper towel to absorb moisture and avoid stacking. Freezing is not recommended, as pretzels may lose their crunch.
Memories Made Around the Table
Every Halloween, my kids line up the “spider factory” on the kitchen table and compete for the silliest eyes. The wonky ones always disappear first.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead? Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and store airtight. For ultimate crunch, add pretzel legs the day of serving.
What can I use instead of melted chocolate to glue the eyes? Chocolate frosting, royal icing, peanut butter, or a tiny dab of corn syrup all work.
How do I transport them to a party? Arrange in a single layer in a shallow container lined with parchment. Chill 10 minutes before leaving so the eyes stay put.
Are these nut-free? They can be. Skip peanut butter and check labels for cross-contamination. Use safe-for-school alternatives as needed.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Oreo Spiders for Halloween prove you do not need fancy tools to make show-stopping treats. Set out the ingredients, invite little hands to help, and have a spooky-sweet time.
Easy Oreo Spiders for Halloween
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet lined with parchment
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Microwave-safe Bowl
- 1 Microwave
- 1 Toothpick
- 1 Small offset spatula (optional)
Ingredients
Spiders
- 12 Oreo sandwich cookies Regular or Double Stuf; Double Stuf makes leg placement easier. Use gluten-free sandwich cookies if needed.
- 96 thin pretzel sticks 8 legs per spider; or break 48 sticks in half, or use mini pretzel twists broken into curved legs.
- 24 candy eyes Any size; swap mini chocolate chips or dots of white and dark chocolate if unavailable.
- 0.25 cup chocolate chips or black candy melts Melted, to use as edible glue (or use chocolate frosting).
- 1 tsp coconut oil Optional; stir into melted chocolate for a smoother drizzle.
Optional Fillings
- 2 tbsp peanut butter To help secure legs if you prefer not to melt chocolate.
- 2 tbsp chocolate frosting To help secure legs if you prefer not to melt chocolate.
Optional Decorations
- Halloween sprinkles
- Licorice laces
- Red gel
Instructions
Make the Spiders
- Line a baking sheet with parchment. Place Oreos, pretzels, candy eyes, and a small bowl of melted chocolate within reach. If melting chocolate, microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly so it thickens to a glue-like consistency.
- Gently twist each Oreo to separate. If the cream sticks to one side, that is perfect. If the cookie resists, warm it in your hands for a few seconds or use Double Stuf.
- Press 4 pretzel sticks into the cream on each side to make 8 legs. If the cream is firm, add a tiny dab of melted chocolate or frosting to secure the pretzels before closing.
- Top with the other cookie half and press gently. Wipe away any cream squeeze-out with a clean fingertip or small offset spatula.
- Use a toothpick to dab two small dots of melted chocolate on top, then press on candy eyes. Add sprinkles or a light drizzle of chocolate if you like.
- Refrigerate the tray for 5 to 10 minutes to set the chocolate. Transfer to a platter and serve.
Notes
Variations: Make gluten-free with GF cookies and pretzels. For dairy-free/vegan, use dairy-free chocolate, vegan sandwich cookies, and vegan candy eyes or mini chocolate chips. Try Mint or Golden Oreos, or peanut butter filling. Swap licorice laces for legs or add a tiny red gel dot for a fang.
Storage: Store airtight at room temperature up to 3 days; refrigerate up to 1 week if warm (pretzels may soften). For crisp legs, add a paper towel to absorb moisture and avoid stacking. Not recommended to freeze.