Spring Spider Scones Recipe for Halloween

What do you call a spider that likes to cook? A web chef!

Welcome to the Bug Zoo Recipe page.

We're spinning our culinary web into something both spooky and delicious: Spooky Spider Scones! Perfect for any ghoulish gathering or a fun breakfast treat during the Halloween season... or good for any time of the year! Before we dive into the cauldron to brew up these treats, let's clarify that no real bugs were harmed in the making of this recipe. It's all about fun and creativity, bringing a touch of the eerie and crawly into our kitchens without the actual creepies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar, plus a little extra for sprinkling
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• Chocolate sticks (for the spider's legs)
• Small round candies (for the spider's eyes)

Instructions:

Prepare the Scone Dough:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Add this to the flour mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just a few times to bring it together. Do not over-knead.

Shape and Bake:

1. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a circle, about 3/4-inch thick, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Brush the tops of the scones with a little heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar, to give them a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
4. Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorate Your Spooky Spider Scones:

1. Once the scones are completely cooled, it's time to turn them into spooky spiders. Take your chocolate sticks and gently press them into the scones to create spider legs. You'll need 4 legs on each side.
2. Use a small dab of icing or melted chocolate to attach the small candies to the scones for eyes.
3. Let the icing or chocolate set before serving your creepy-crawly crew of spider scones!

These Spooky Spider Scones are sure to be a hit at any Halloween festivity, full of flavor and fright. They're a great way to enjoy the holiday with a nod to our eight-legged friends, without bringing any real spiders into your kitchen!

Thanks for reading and for LOVING Bugs too! Come back Soon! If you found this recipe fun and useful, please share. Also, reach out if you have any questions, ideas for future blogs, or want anything related to entomology, eco-tourism, and the like! 🍽 🐛