Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Make Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a uniform dough forms.

Scoop: Roll the dough into 24 equal-sized balls (about 1 inch each). Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops look slightly cracked. The cookies will be very soft.

Shape & Legs: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently press down on each one with the back of a spoon to slightly flatten. While the cookies are still hot and soft, carefully press 8 pretzel stick halves (4 on each side) into each cookie to form the spider legs. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will firm up as they cool.

Eyes: Once completely cool, use the melted chocolate and a toothpick to “glue” two chocolate chips onto each cookie for eyes. Use the toothpick to add a tiny dot of melted chocolate to the center of each chocolate chip to form pupils. Let the chocolate set before serving.