Easy Oreo Spider Cookies for Spooky Parties

Whenever Halloween rolls around, I’m always on the lookout for fun little treats that double as decorations, and these Oreo Spider Cookies are one of my go-to favorites. They’re so simple to make, but they look like you spent way more time on them than you actually did. Plus, who doesn’t love Oreos dressed up for a party?

What I love most about these cookies is how much fun they are to make with kids. Mine always get a kick out of adding the “legs” and sticking on the candy eyeballs, and I’ll be honest, they usually end up sneaking more than a few while we’re making them. It’s one of those recipes where perfection doesn’t matter at all, and that’s part of the charm.

These creepy-cute Oreo Spiders are perfect for school parties, Halloween gatherings, or just a fun night at home when you’re in the spooky spirit. They come together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients, and I promise they’ll disappear from the dessert table even faster. Sometimes the easiest ideas really are the ones everyone remembers!

Ingredients

• 18 Double-Stuffed Oreos – The perfect base for our little spiders, with plenty of filling to hold the legs in place.

• Eye ball candies – These give each spider its spooky (and slightly silly) personality.

• Licorice ropes – Cut into pieces, they make the wiggly legs that bring the spiders to life.

• Black icing – Works like glue to stick on those candy eyes and keep everything secure.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Line your workspace with parchment paper.

2. Cut licorice ropes into 1-inch pieces and set aside.

3. Gently twist apart each Oreo, keeping the filling on one side.

4. Arrange four licorice pieces on each side of the filling for legs, pressing them in lightly. Replace the cookie top and press gently to secure.

5. Add two small dots of black icing for eyes.

6. Place candy eyes on the icing and press lightly to set.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Oreo Spider Cookies

• I love setting these out on a platter with some candy corn and gummy worms, it makes the whole thing look like a spooky little scene.

• These cookies are always a hit at classroom parties, and since they’re so easy, I can whip up a batch right before school pickup.

• Sometimes I’ll pop one on top of a cupcake or a frosted cake for an instant Halloween decoration that’s also edible.

• They’re perfect for a family movie night when we’re watching something a little spooky, nothing like munching on spiders while watching them on screen!

• I’ve even tucked a few into lunchboxes as a fun surprise leading up to Halloween, and the kids absolutely love it.

Serving & Storing

• These Oreo Spiders look adorable on a big platter, but I also like to scatter them around the table as edible decorations.

• If you’re serving them at a party, keep them in a cool spot so the icing eyes don’t get too soft.

• They store really well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, perfect if you want to make them ahead.

• I don’t recommend refrigerating them, since the cookies can get a little too hard and lose that nice bite.

• For a party prep hack, you can assemble the spiders the night before and add the candy eyes just before serving to keep them looking fresh.

Variations

• Swap the black licorice for colorful candy ropes or pretzel sticks if you want less spooky and more silly-looking spiders.

• Use mini Oreos to make “baby spiders” and mix them in with the bigger ones for a fun effect.

• Try different cookie flavors, golden Oreos, mint Oreos, or even the Halloween orange cream ones all work great.

• Change up the eyes by using mini M&Ms or Skittles if you can’t find candy eyeballs.

• For an extra treat, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top to give the spiders a glossy finish.

Substitutions

• f you can’t find Double-Stuffed Oreos, regular ones will work, just press the legs in a little more firmly.

• No candy eyeballs? No problem! Use mini chocolate chips, M&Ms, or even dots of white and black icing.

• Licorice ropes aren’t a favorite in my house, so sometimes I swap them for pretzel sticks or even thin strips of fruit leather.

• Don’t have black icing? Any color works for attaching the eyes, chocolate frosting or melted candy melts do the trick.

• Gluten-free sandwich cookies can be used instead of Oreos so everyone can enjoy a spooky bite.

FAQs

Can I make Oreo Spider Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just keep them in a cool spot so the icing doesn’t soften.

Do I have to use licorice for the legs?
Not at all! Pretzel sticks, candy ropes, or even thin strips of fruit leather work just as well, and sometimes taste even better if you’re not a licorice fan.

What if I can’t find candy eyeballs?
Mini M&Ms, chocolate chips, or little dots of white and black icing make great stand-ins. The fun part is giving each spider its own personality!

Can kids help make these?
Definitely! This is one of those recipes that’s perfect for little hands. Kids love twisting open the Oreos, pressing in the legs, and sticking on the eyes.

How long do Oreo Spider Cookies last?
They’ll stay fresh for about 2–3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. After that, the cookies start to soften a bit but honestly, they usually disappear long before then!