Get into the Halloween spirit with these fun and spooky spider donuts! Soft, fluffy, and deliciously spiced with cinnamon, these homemade donuts are as fun to make as they are to eat. Topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating and transformed into spooky spiders using Oreos and candy eyes, these donuts are sure to be a hit at any Halloween party. Whether you’re entertaining a group of trick-or-treaters or just getting into the spooky season, these spider donuts are the perfect combination of festive and delicious. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these donuts will bring Halloween to life in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the simplicity of homemade baked donuts with a fun and spooky Halloween twist. The donuts are moist, flavorful, and topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that makes them irresistibly delicious. Plus, decorating the donuts as spooky spiders with Oreos and candy eyes adds an extra layer of fun and creativity that kids and adults alike will enjoy. These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option that’s perfect for enjoying as a special treat during the Halloween season. They’re quick to make, easy to decorate, and will bring a touch of spooky sweetness to any Halloween celebration.
Perfect Occasion:
These spooky spider donuts are the perfect treat for Halloween parties, school events, or any fall gathering where you want to impress with a fun and festive dessert. They make a great addition to a Halloween-themed dessert table or as a fun activity to make with kids in the days leading up to Halloween. Whether served as a spooky breakfast on Halloween morning or as a sweet treat after trick-or-treating, these donuts will be a crowd-pleaser. Their whimsical decoration makes them a great choice for any Halloween celebration, big or small!
Decoration Tips:
To make your spider donuts even spookier, consider using different colors of icing or sprinkles to add variety to the “spider bodies.” You can tint the cinnamon-sugar mixture with a bit of orange or purple food coloring for a Halloween twist. For an extra creepy touch, drizzle melted chocolate or black icing “legs” around the sides of the donuts to enhance the spider effect. You can even use different kinds of candy eyes or make your own out of white and black icing for a more customizable look. Serving the donuts on a spooky platter surrounded by cobwebs and Halloween decorations will make them the highlight of any party table.
Ingredients for the Donuts (Makes 16):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Black icing or sugar letters (for decorating)
- 16 Oreo cookies (for “spider bodies”)
- Small candy eyes (for decoration)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray your donut pans with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough.
- Fill the Donut Pans: Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pans, filling each cavity just over ¾ full. This will help the donuts rise to the perfect size while baking.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Topping: While the donuts are cooling, melt the ½ cup butter in the microwave. In a separate shallow dish, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
- Coat the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip each one into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. This will give the donuts a deliciously spiced, crispy coating.
- Decorate the Donuts: Place an Oreo in the center of each donut to create the “spider body.” Attach small candy eyes to the Oreo using a bit of melted chocolate or icing. For a spooky finishing touch, use black icing or sugar letters to create spider legs on the sides of the donuts.
- Serve: Serve the spooky spider donuts warm for the best flavor. These donuts are perfect when paired with a hot cup of cider or your favorite Halloween punch.
Enjoy your delicious and spooky spider donuts, a perfect Halloween treat that’s sure to delight everyone at the party!
