Why Make This Recipe
Cockroach Donuts are the perfect spooky treat for Halloween! They blend fun and creativity with a classic flavor. Everyone will love the Boston cream filling inside the soft donuts, and the unique cockroach decoration adds a playful twist. These donuts will bring laughter and smiles to any Halloween gathering.
How to Make Cockroach Donuts
Ingredients
Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying
Boston cream filling:
- 2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate glaze:
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cockroach details:
- Thin strips of donut dough or pretzel sticks for antennae and legs
- Optional cocoa powder for dusting
Directions
Make the donut dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Beat in the egg and melted butter. Combine this mixture with the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth, then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Shape the donuts: Roll the dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into rounds for donuts and reserve the centers as donut holes. Let the donuts rest for 20-30 minutes.
Fry the donuts: Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts until golden brown, then drain on a rack.
Prepare the Boston cream: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch with a pinch of salt. Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla. Cool completely.
Fill the donuts: Use a piping bag or poke holes in the donuts to inject the cooled Boston cream.
Make the chocolate glaze: Heat heavy cream until it simmers. Pour it over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Dip the tops of the filled donuts in the glaze and let it set.
Create cockroach decorations: Cut thin strips of fried donut dough or use pretzel sticks for antennae and legs. Fry until crisp if using raw dough. Attach the antennae and legs to the donuts with a dot of glaze. Dust with cocoa powder if desired.
Chill briefly: Put the finished donuts in the fridge for a bit to set before serving.
How to Serve Cockroach Donuts
Serve Cockroach Donuts on a spooky platter at your Halloween party. You can place them next to fake cobwebs or Halloween decorations for added effect. They can be a fun surprise treat at any gathering.
How to Store Cockroach Donuts
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. The donuts are best eaten fresh, but the filling can last longer in the fridge.
Tips to Make Cockroach Donuts
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F) before frying for the best results.
- Use a piping bag for filling the donuts to avoid making a mess.
- If you want to save time, you can use store-bought Boston cream filling.
Variation
For a fun variation, you can add different flavors to the filling, such as chocolate or strawberry. You can also use colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze for a festive touch.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before frying.
Q: How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
A: You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it bubbles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Q: Can I freeze the filled donuts?
A: It’s best to freeze the donuts without filling. You can fill them after thawing for the best texture.