Halloween Doughnuts: A Spooky Treat for All Ages

Halloween is a time for all things spooky and sweet, and what could be more perfect than a Halloween-themed doughnut? These delicious treats are easy to make and can be decorated in any way you like, making them the perfect way to celebrate the holiday.

Ingredients:

* 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
* 1/2 cup warm water (110-115 degrees F)
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup milk, warmed
* 1 large egg, room temperature
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* Sugar, for coating

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes, until the yeast is foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, milk, egg, flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
6. Roll out each piece of dough into a circle about 1/4-inch thick.
7. Cut out doughnut shapes using a doughnut cutter or a glass and a knife.
8. Place the doughnuts on a greased baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
9. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375 degrees F.
10. Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
11. Remove the doughnuts from the oil and drain on paper towels.
12. While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in sugar.
13. Let the doughnuts cool completely before decorating.

Decorating Ideas:

* Pumpkin Doughnuts: Frost the doughnuts with orange frosting and add green sprinkles for stems.
* Ghost Doughnuts: Frost the doughnuts with white frosting and draw on black faces with a food-safe marker.
* Bat Doughnuts: Frost the doughnuts with black frosting and add white fondant or candy melts for wings.
* Mummy Doughnuts: Frost the doughnuts with white frosting and wrap them in white candy melts or white chocolate chips for bandages.
* Spider Doughnuts: Frost the doughnuts with black frosting and add candy melts or licorice for spider legs.

Halloween doughnuts are a fun and easy way to celebrate the holiday. Get creative with your decorations and enjoy these delicious treats with your friends and family.