Spider Bites is a traditional American recipe for a classic Halloween snack of butter cookies with an icing (frosting) decoration. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic American version of: Spider Bites.
For the Icing:
450g icing sugar
3 tbsp meringue powder
6 or 7 tbsp cold water
assorted food colours (optional)
Method:
ream together the butter, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt until light and fluffy then add the egg and beat until combined before mixing-in the melted chocolate and vanilla. Beat in the flour, slowly mixing with a wooden spoon at the end then add the chocolate chips and stir to combine.
Form the mixture into a dough, divide in half and shape each piece into a roll about 30cm in length. Wrap in clingfilm and set in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours (over night is best). When the dough is ready, cut into 12mm thick rounds and place these 3cm apart on an ungreased baking tray. Place in an oven pre-heated to 190°C and bake for about 7 minutes, or until the edges of the dough are just set. Allow to cool on the baking tray for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whilst the cookies are baking prepare the icing. Combine all the ingredients (except the colouring) in a bowl and beat until smooth. Beat briskly for a few minutes at the end until the mixture is thick and smooth (you may need to add a little more cold water to achieve piping consistency). Colour with food colouring, if desired then transfer the icing to a piping bag.
Once the cookies are cold use a fine nozzle to pipe spiders or various Halloween shapes onto the cookies. Set aside until the icing has set then transfer to a sealed jar to store.
