Halloween donuts are a spooky, colorful treat that the littles will enjoy making. Chocolate donuts are baked and then coated with a simple glaze. Decorate with Halloween sprinkles or color the icing and pipe on designs. These donuts are totally customizable!
Halloween is such a fun holiday because anything goes. You can wear whatever you like and proclaim it a costume, and you can do some super weird things with food (grape eyeballs and spaghetti brains!), and everyone loves it.
Since all my grandkids love donuts, making some Halloween-themed donuts seemed like a fun project we could do together. I tried to keep it easy and simple so that kids can be involved in the process.
Testing results for Halloween donuts
- Cocoa powder was easier and worked better than chopping and melting chocolate.
- We found that these donuts freeze well if you want to make ahead, but I suggest doing so without the glaze and sprinkles.
I hope you make this recipe. I think you’ll love it!
Ingredient notes
Here are a few things to be aware of about the ingredients in this recipe.
➡️➡️➡️ The full ingredient amounts and instructions are listed below on the printable recipe card. Scroll below the recipe card for frequently asked questions and tips for success.
Cocoa powder: We’re using regular old Hershey’s cocoa powder.
Halloween sprinkles: We found sprinkles on Amazon, but you could also use Halloween-colored candy melts and drizzle on top of the donuts, or top them with Halloween M&Ms.
Pin this now to save it for laterHow to make Halloween donuts
It takes about 45 minutes start to finish to make these donuts.
- Stir together the dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients, and fold together.
- Place batter in a prepared donut pan, then bake about 15 minutes.
- Rest the donuts on a cooling rack while you make the glaze. Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip them in the glaze and then place them on parchment paper. This is a messy process, so kids love this part!
- Add the sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
More favorites for your Halloween party
We’ve got you covered if you’re hosting a Halloween party! In addition to these donuts, you could serve our fun and easy Halloween Pretzel Bark.
My favorite appetizer for any party is my Homemade Pimento Cheese, which is a simple recipe that works for any occasion. For a main course at an event like a Halloween party, it’s easier to serve one-pot meals, such as chili. Our favorites are my Chili Without Beans or Classic Chili. You could also try the Chicken, Sausage, and White Bean Chili.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below!
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Halloween Donuts Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cocoa
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Glaze & Decorations
- 2 cups confectioner's sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ¼ cup Halloween sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two 6-cup donut pans (or one 12-cup donut pan) with cooking spray, and set aside.
- Stir together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup cocoa in a medium mixing bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, combine 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup oil, and whisk until fluffy.
- Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then add in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue beating until everything is well-mixed.
- Pour in the flour mixture and 1/2 cup milk, and fold until just mixed. Do not over-mix the batter.
- Spoon 3 tablespoons of batter into each donut cup in the pan, then bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick poked into the middle donuts comes out clean. Rest on a cooling rack.
Glaze
- While the donuts are cooling, make the glaze. Stir together 2 cups confectioner's sugar and 3 tablespoons milk in a small bowl until the mixture becomes a smooth, thick glaze.
- Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze, then place on a piece of parchment paper.
- Pour the sprinkles on top of the glazed donuts before the glaze dries. Let the donuts rest until the glaze has finished setting. Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition
Questions and tips
Storage
Store the donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Yes, you can freeze the donuts in an airtight container for up to three months. We recommend freezing without the glaze and sprinkles. Thaw completely and then dip them in glaze and decorate.
Certainly! Hold off on the fun Halloween donut decorations until you’re closer to serving.
