Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Melt the chocolate chips (with optional vegetable oil) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
  0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Once the cookies are completely cool, use the black decorating gel to draw a circular body on each cookie. Then, draw six to eight short lines radiating from the body to create the spider legs.
  0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Use a small dab of melted chocolate to "glue" two mini chocolate chips or candy eyes onto the spider's body for eyes, if desired.