Why Jelly Donuts Are Perfect for Halloween
Jelly donuts have become increasingly popular as Halloween treats because they’re incredibly versatile. You can fill them with blood-red raspberry jam for a vampire-themed dessert, use orange filling for a pumpkin vibe, or even add black food coloring for a gothic twist. These Halloween donuts are easier to make than you think, and they’re guaranteed to be the star of your Halloween party menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donuts:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet) – Get premium active dry yeast here
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 3 egg yolks
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Shop pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1 ½ cups raspberry or strawberry jam – Find quality jam here
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Orange or black food coloring – Get a Halloween food coloring set
- Halloween sprinkles or edible glitter – Shop Halloween sprinkles
Essential Tools for Perfect Donuts
Having the right equipment makes donut-making much easier. Here are my recommended tools:
- Digital Kitchen Thermometer – Essential for maintaining perfect oil temperature at 350°F
- Round Cookie Cutter Set – Get perfectly shaped donuts every time
- Piping Bags and Tips – For easy filling without mess
- Deep Frying Pot or Dutch Oven – Safe and effective frying
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook – Makes kneading effortless
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk (around 110°F) with a tablespoon of sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is your sign that the yeast is alive and ready to create those fluffy, airy donuts perfect for Halloween baking.
Add the egg yolks, melted butter, vanilla extract, remaining sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens for these spooky treats.
Step 2: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to plan your Halloween party decorations or prep your other Halloween recipes.
Step 3: Shape Your Halloween Donuts
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out your donut rounds. Unlike traditional ring donuts, jelly donuts are solid circles, which makes them perfect vessels for that delicious Halloween filling.
Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them loosely, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes. They should puff up and look pillowy – essential for the best homemade donuts.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F. This temperature is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Carefully slide 2-3 donuts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. These Halloween treats should have a beautiful amber color that screams fall baking. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool completely before filling – patience is key for the perfect jelly donut.
Step 5: Create Your Spooky Filling
This is where your Halloween creativity shines! For a classic spooky look, use raspberry or strawberry jam as-is for that “bloody” vampire effect. Want to get more creative with your Halloween dessert ideas? Mix your jam with orange food coloring for a pumpkin-inspired treat, or add purple food coloring for a witch’s brew vibe.
Transfer your jam to a piping bag fitted with a long, narrow tip. Insert the tip into the side of each cooled donut and gently squeeze to fill with about 2-3 tablespoons of jam. You’ll feel the donut expand slightly when it’s properly filled.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
For a traditional look, roll your filled donuts in granulated sugar. But for Halloween party food that really impresses, try these spooky variations:
- Dust with orange-tinted powdered sugar for a pumpkin patch aesthetic
- Add black sanding sugar for a gothic Halloween vibe – Get black sanding sugar
- Top with Halloween sprinkles featuring tiny ghosts, bats, or pumpkins
- Drizzle with orange or black icing for extra festivity
- Create “spider web” patterns with white icing
Tips for Perfect Halloween Jelly Donuts
Temperature Control: Keep your oil at a consistent 350°F. Too hot and your donuts will burn outside while staying raw inside; too cool and they’ll absorb too much oil.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise: This step ensures your Halloween treats are light and fluffy, not dense and heavy.
Fill Right Before Serving: For the freshest Halloween desserts, fill your donuts a few hours before your party. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Experiment with Flavors: Try pumpkin spice-flavored filling, apple cider jelly, or even chocolate ganache for variety in your Halloween recipes.
Recommended Products for Halloween Baking
Take your Halloween baking to the next level with these must-have products:
- Halloween Cookie Cutter Set – Create themed shapes for special occasions
- Gel Food Coloring Set – Vibrant colors that won’t thin your filling
- Halloween Cupcake Toppers – Perfect for decorating your donuts
- Donut Display Stand – Present your creations beautifully
Making It a Halloween Party Activity
Turn donut-making into a fun Halloween baking activity! Fry the donuts ahead of time, then set up a decoration station with various colored icings, Halloween sprinkles, and filling options. Kids and adults alike will love customizing their own spooky donuts.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These homemade jelly donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead for your Halloween party planning:
- Fry donuts the morning of your event and store in an airtight container – Get food storage containers
- Prepare fillings a day in advance and refrigerate
- Fill and decorate 2-4 hours before serving for optimal freshness
Unfilled, fried donuts can be frozen for up to a month. Simply thaw, warm slightly, then fill and decorate for last-minute Halloween entertaining.
Final Thoughts
These spooky jelly donuts are more than just a Halloween treat – they’re a delicious way to celebrate the fall season and create lasting memories. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, looking for creative Halloween dessert ideas, or just indulging in some autumn baking, this recipe delivers on both flavor and festive fun.
The combination of fluffy, golden-fried dough and sweet, jammy filling makes these donuts irresistible. Add the Halloween theme, and you’ve got yourself a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for Instagram, your dessert table, or a cozy night of Halloween movie watching.
So grab your apron, channel your inner baker, and get ready to create the most hauntingly delicious jelly donuts this Halloween season. Your trick-or-treaters, party guests, and family will be begging for this recipe year after year. Happy Halloween baking!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting dishaday.co!