As the leaves begin to crunch underfoot and the scent of cinnamon fills the air, there’s something magical about fall baking. Halloween brings more than costumes and candy it’s a chance to get creative in the kitchen. One of the absolute favorite treats in our house this time of year? These Spooky Spider Donuts. Soft, sweet, and delightfully eerie, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just want to surprise your family with a fun dessert, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into something seasonal and spectacular. And don’t worry these donuts may look spooky, but they’re a breeze to make. Let’s dive in and bake up some Halloween cheer!
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Spooky Spider Donuts
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, sweet, and delightfully eerie, these Spooky Spider Donuts are baked to fluffy perfection, dipped in glaze, and topped with chocolate spiders and candy eyeballs. A fun, festive Halloween treat that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy!
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup neutral oil (sunflower or canola)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or non-dairy milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- For the Spiders:
- 100g melted dark chocolate
- Candy eyeballs
- Small piping bag or zip bag with tip snipped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet mixture into dry and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spoon or pipe batter into donut cavities, filling each ¾ full.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until donuts spring back lightly. Cool 5 minutes in pan, then transfer to a rack.
- Stir powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to make glaze. Dip cooled donuts and set on parchment.
- Pipe melted chocolate into spider shapes and add candy eyeballs. Let set before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for fluffier donuts. Don’t overmix the batter. If you don’t have a donut pan, bake in a mini muffin tin. Cool completely before glazing so the icing doesn’t slide off.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Spooky Spider Donuts
These baked donuts are fluffy, moist, and topped with a simple glaze and chocolate spiders that are more fun than fright.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup neutral oil (like sunflower or canola)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or non-dairy milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Spiders:
- 100g melted dark chocolate
- Candy eyeballs
- Small piping bag or zip bag with tip snipped
Related recipe for fall flavor lovers: Try these Brown Sugar Pumpkin Loaf or Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars for more seasonal baking fun.
How to Make Spooky Spider Donuts
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with oil or cooking spray. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. - Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Combine Everything
Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix. - Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full. - Bake & Cool
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until donuts spring back lightly when touched. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. - Make the Glaze
Stir powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk together until smooth. Dip cooled donuts into glaze and place on a parchment-lined surface. - Decorate with Chocolate Spiders
Pipe melted chocolate into spider shapes on wax paper or directly onto donuts. Press in candy eyes while chocolate is soft. Let set.
Try these with your favorite autumn beverage like our Pink Salt Diet Drink or Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Tips for Perfect Spider Donuts Every Time
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and fluffier donuts.
- Don’t overmix your batter it leads to dense, rubbery donuts.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake these in a mini muffin tin and poke a hole in the center.
- Let the donuts cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting off.
For a fun party tray, serve alongside Cheesecake Banana Pudding Bites or Caramel Apple Puppy Chow.
Easy Variations to Try
Gluten-Free Option:
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your baking powder and powdered sugar are certified gluten-free.
Extra Halloween Vibes:
Use orange-tinted glaze or black food coloring in the chocolate to really boost the spooky factor.
Add a Streusel Topping:
Want a crunchy twist? Sprinkle cinnamon-oat streusel over the glaze before it sets. You can borrow streusel ideas from our Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.
Storing & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temp: Store donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: They’ll last up to 5 days but are best fresh.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts in a zip bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Want a make-ahead option for party prep? Bake and freeze the donuts, then decorate the day of your event.
FAQs About Spooky Spider Donuts
1. Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes! Use a mini muffin tin and make “donut holes.” Poke the center after baking with a straw or skewer.
2. What chocolate works best for the spiders?
Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate. It pipes smoothly and sets quickly.
3. Are these safe for nut allergies?
This recipe is nut-free by default. Just ensure your chocolate and ingredients are certified allergy-safe.
4. How do I make the spiders if I don’t have candy eyes?
Use white chocolate chips with a dot of dark chocolate in the center it works great and looks super spooky!
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably joyful about bringing festive treats to life, especially when they’re as cute and creepy as these Spooky Spider Donuts. With simple ingredients, beginner-friendly steps, and lots of room for creativity, these donuts are a delightful project for any fall afternoon. Share them with friends, bake them with your kids, or sneak one for yourself while sipping something warm.
And if you’re planning a Halloween brunch, pair these with our Black Cat Waffles and Jack-o’-Lantern Omelets for a full-on spooky spread!