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Spiderweb Donuts

These spiderweb donuts are crispy on the outside and soft inside, featuring a classic fried donut base decorated with delicate royal icing webs. The process involves frying dough until golden, then piping intricate web patterns that set into a shiny, edible art piece. The final look is playful and perfect for spooky occasions or fun baking sessions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/4 cups bread flour for chewy, substantial donuts
  • 3/4 cup warm milk about 38°C/100°F, to activate yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast bloom in warm milk
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter adds richness and helps webs stick
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar for royal icing
  • 2 large egg whites for royal icing
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice to stabilize icing
  • Food coloring as needed gel or liquid food coloring for web shimmer

Equipment

  • Deep fryer or heavy pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Pastry bags with fine tips
  • Cooling rack
  • Kitchen thermometer

Method
 

  1. Warm the milk to about 38°C/100°F and stir in the yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy, which indicates the yeast is activated.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well to distribute evenly.
  3. Add the frothy yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients, then knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
  4. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size and feels airy.
  5. While the dough is rising, prepare the royal icing by mixing powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Add food coloring if you want colored webs.
  6. Once risen, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten it to about 1/2 inch thickness.
  7. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donut shapes. Carefully fry them in hot oil at 180°C/356°F for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
  8. Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Fill a piping bag fitted with a fine tip with the prepared royal icing. Pipe a web starting from the center of each donut, making radial lines outward and connecting them with concentric circles.
  10. Allow the webs to set for about 15 minutes, until shiny and firm to the touch. Decorate with additional icing or sprinkles if desired.
  11. Serve the spiderweb donuts once the webs are dry and slightly glossy for a fun, spooky treat full of crunch and sweetness.

Notes

Ensure the oil stays at a steady 180°C/356°F during frying for crispy, evenly cooked donuts. Use a fine piping tip for delicate web lines, and let the webs set before handling for best results.