why make this recipe
Donut Hole Eyeballs are a fun and spooky treat perfect for Halloween parties or any festive occasion. They are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them great for both experienced bakers and beginners. Plus, kids love making and eating these creepy little treats, turning cooking into a fun family activity.
how to make Donut Hole Eyeballs
Ingredients:
- Plain Cake Donut Holes: 24 (about one standard store-bought container). Cake-style donut holes work best as their sturdy texture holds up well to dipping and decorating.
- White Chocolate Melting Wafers: 12 ounces (approximately 2 cups). Ghirardelli or a similar high-quality melting wafer is highly recommended. They melt smoothly, set with a nice shine, and have a superior flavor. You can also use white chocolate chips, but you may need to add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to achieve the perfect dipping consistency.
- Candy-Coated Chocolates (like M&M’s): 24 candies. These will form the iris of the eye. Choose colors like green, blue, and brown for a more "human" look, or get creative with red for demonic eyes or purple for monster eyes.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: 24 chips. These will be the pupils. The pointed end of the mini chip makes it easy to press into the center of the candy iris.
- Red Gel Food Coloring: 1 small tube. Gel coloring is essential here as it’s more concentrated than liquid coloring and won’t make your white chocolate seize. A little goes a long way.
- Toothpicks or a Fine-Tipped, Food-Safe Paintbrush: For creating the bloodshot veins.
Directions:
- If you don’t have a double boiler, you can easily create one. Fill a small saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Place a heatproof bowl (glass or metal) over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- Add the white chocolate melting wafers to the bowl. Stir continuously with a silicone spatula until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This gentle, indirect heat prevents the chocolate from scorching.
- Alternatively, place the white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval. It’s crucial to use reduced power and short intervals because white chocolate can burn very easily. Continue until the chocolate is almost fully melted, then remove and stir until the residual heat melts the remaining pieces and the mixture is silky smooth.
how to serve Donut Hole Eyeballs
Serve the Donut Hole Eyeballs on a spooky platter for a fun presentation. You can also add fake spider webs or creepy decorations around them to enhance the Halloween theme. They look great at any party and will surely be a hit with kids and adults alike.
how to store Donut Hole Eyeballs
Store any leftover Donut Hole Eyeballs in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If your house is warm, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate from melting.
tips to make Donut Hole Eyeballs
- Use high-quality white chocolate wafers for the best flavor and smoothness when melted.
- Let the chocolate cool slightly after melting before dipping the donut holes to avoid burning your fingers.
- You can use different candy colors and mini chips to create a variety of eye designs.
variation
For a fun twist, you can make themed versions of these eyeballs for different holidays, such as using green candy for St. Patrick’s Day or red and white for Christmas.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk or dark chocolate, but keep in mind that the color and theme of the eyeballs will change.
2. Are there any alternatives to donut holes?
Yes, you can use cake pops or even round cookies if you want to change up the texture.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them one or two days before your event and store them in an airtight container.