Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place the cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand for uniformity. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Once the cookies are completely cooled, melt your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies in a zigzag pattern to create the spooky spider web effect. Carefully press pretzel halves into the sides of each cookie for spider legs, ensuring they stay securely attached.

Use a small dab of melted chocolate to attach candy eyes on each cookie. Allow the chocolate to set for a few minutes, securing the eyes in place and completing your adorable Halloween treats.

Once your Spooky Spider Cookies are fully decorated and the chocolate has set, place them on a festive Halloween platter to serve at your next Halloween party.