If you’re looking for a fun and spooky treat to share with family and friends, you’ve come to the right place! Cookies Scream Spider Cupcakes are not just delicious; they’re also a fantastic way to add some festive flair to any gathering. Whether it’s a Halloween party or simply a cozy family night, these cupcakes will surely bring smiles and giggles all around.

What makes this recipe so special is the combination of moist chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy cookies and cream frosting. Add in some adorable spider decorations, and you’ve got a treat that is both charming and delightful. Plus, they’re simple enough for anyone to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spooky Fun: These cupcakes are perfect for any celebration, especially Halloween. The spider decorations make them playful and exciting for kids!
Deliciously Decadent: With rich chocolate cupcakes and creamy cookies and cream frosting, each bite is pure bliss.
Family-Friendly: Everyone in the family will enjoy decorating these treats together. It’s a great way to bond over baking!
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake the cupcakes in advance and frost them right before serving, making your life easier.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the spider decorations. You can use mini Oreos or chocolate candies for a fun twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that make up our delicious Cookies Scream Spider Cupcakes.

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour, sifted
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) hot water or freshly brewed hot coffee

For the Frosting:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4-5 cups (480-600g) powdered sugar, sifted
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
½ teaspoon salt (for frosting if using unsalted butter)

For the Decorations:

20-25 Oreo cookies (about 1 ½ cups crushed)
24 edible candy eyes (small size)
Black licorice laces or thin black licorice sticks
Optional: Mini Oreo cookies or chocolate-covered candies for larger spider bodies

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste and creativity. Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

Change Up the Flavor: Swap out the chocolate cake for vanilla or even red velvet for a different flavor profile.
Mix in Some Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to your batter for an autumn-inspired twist.
Try Different Toppings: Instead of spidery decorations, top your cupcakes with gummy worms or other fun candies.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to create a version everyone can enjoy!

How to Make Cookies Scream Spider Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin pans with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mixing wet and dry ingredients together properly is crucial for achieving that perfect cupcake texture. Then stir in the hot water or coffee until you have a smooth batter.

Step 2: Bake Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in your preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean when ready. Once baked, let them cool in the pans for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare Oreo Crumbs

While your cupcakes cool down, take those Oreo cookies and crush about 20-25 of them into fine crumbs with some small chunks remaining. Set these aside as they will be folded into our delicious frosting later on.

Step 4: Make Buttercream

In another large bowl, beat softened butter until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Gradually add in sifted powdered sugar while continuing to mix until everything is well blended. Next, pour in heavy cream along with vanilla extract and salt; beat again until your buttercream is light and smooth.

Step 5: Fold in Oreos

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold those crushed Oreo crumbs into your buttercream until they’re evenly distributed throughout. This will give your frosting that delightful cookies-and-cream flavor we love.

Step 6: Frost Cupcakes

Once your cupcakes have cooled completely—this step is super important!—you can frost each one generously with your Cookies & Cream Buttercream using a spatula or piping bag for pretty swirls.

Step 7: Create Spiders

To create adorable spiders on top of each frosted cupcake, place either a mini Oreo cookie or chocolate candy in the center of each one as its body.

Step 8: Add Eyes and Legs

Attach two edible candy eyes onto each spider body so they look extra cute! For legs, cut black licorice into pieces about 1-1.5 inches long; you’ll need four pieces on each side of every cupcake’s body. Insert them slightly bent for a more realistic appearance.

Step 9: Serve

And just like that—you’re ready to enjoy your spooky Cookies Scream Spider Cupcakes! Share them at gatherings or indulge in their deliciousness at home; either way, they’re sure to be a hit!

Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Cookies Scream Spider Cupcakes

Creating these fun and spooky cupcakes is a breeze with a few handy tips! Here are some tricks to ensure your baking experience is delightful and the results are fantastic.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature helps them combine more easily with the dry ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter and fluffier cupcakes.
Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar not only removes lumps but also aerates them. This leads to lighter cupcakes and fluffier frosting!
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so go easy on the stirring!
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before adding the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures it stays beautifully swirled on top.
Get Creative with Decorations: Feel free to use different candies or sprinkles for your spider decorations. Customizing your cupcakes can make this treat even more enjoyable for everyone!

How to Serve Cookies Scream Spider Cupcakes

Presentation makes all the difference when serving these festive treats! Consider displaying them in a way that highlights their spooky charm.

Garnishes

Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the frosted cupcakes adds a touch of elegance and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Colored Sprinkles: Use Halloween-themed sprinkles or edible glitter to give an extra pop of color and fun to your spider cupcakes.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Spice Latte: The warm spices of this classic beverage complement the chocolatey richness of the cupcakes perfectly, making for a cozy pairing.
Spooky Fruit Salad: Create a mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, grapes, and blackberries. This refreshing side provides a nice contrast against the sweetness of the cupcakes.
Candy Corn Mix: A bowl of candy corn mixed with nuts or popcorn makes for a crunchy snack that fits right into the festive theme.
Chilled Apple Cider: Serve chilled apple cider alongside your spooky treats for a refreshing drink that balances out their richness.

Enjoy sharing these delightful Cookies Scream Spider Cupcakes at your next gathering! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone who sees (and tastes) them.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cookies Scream Spider Cupcakes are not only delightful to make but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making them an excellent treat for parties or spooky gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you prefer, refrigerate them to extend their freshness for about a week.
Keep the cupcakes away from direct sunlight to maintain their flavor and texture.

Freezing

Place unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
Transfer the frozen cupcakes to a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Reheating

If you’d like to warm your cupcakes slightly, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Wrap each cupcake in aluminum foil and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them deliciously soft again!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions that may help clarify any uncertainties about making these spooky treats!

Can I use different types of cookies for the frosting?

Absolutely! While Oreo cookies add a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with any chocolate sandwich cookies or even vanilla ones for a unique twist.

How do I store Cookies Scream Spider Cupcakes?

Store your Cookies Scream Spider Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness. Enjoy them within a week!

Are these cupcakes suitable for kids’ parties?

Yes! These fun and festive Cookies Scream Spider Cupcakes are perfect for kids’ parties and Halloween celebrations. They’re sure to be a hit with both children and adults alike.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Cookies & Cream Buttercream frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature and re-whip before using.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these whimsical Cookies Scream Spider Cupcakes! They are not just treats but also an experience filled with fun and creativity. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or simply want something sweet, these cupcakes are bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!