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Mini Donut Turkeys – Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Treats

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These adorable Mini Donut Turkey’s are the perfect Thanksgiving treat. Transform simple ingredients into adorable turkey treats that will bring joy to your holiday table!

Close up of a finished Mini Donut Turkey in front of other turkey donuts on a plate.

One of my favorite parts of the Fall and Winter holidays is all the fun decorations and cute food I get to make! Like these Thanksgiving Turkey treats and these Hanukkah Pinata Cookies. Today, I’m sharing one of the cutest Thanksgiving treats yet, Mini Turkey Donuts!

Easy Thanksgiving Treat Idea

Get ready to transform your Thanksgiving celebrations with a dash of creativity and a whole lot of sweetness! Mini Donut Turkeys are a Thanksgiving treat that will make your holiday celebration extra fun and festive. These delightful creations are incredibly adorable and are also easy and budget-friendly to make.

Using simple ingredients such as store-bought donuts, candy corn, candy eyes, cookie icing, and Wilton Pumpkin Mix sprinkles, these charming treats will add a delightfully sweet touch to your festive spread.

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These turkey donuts are perfect as a Thanksgiving dessert, and they also make an excellent addition to Thanksgiving lunch boxes, classroom parties, and afternoon snacks.

Plus, crafting these cuties is so easy that they’re a great Thanksgiving activity for kids to create during a class party at school or over the holiday break at home.

And the sweetest deal of all? They provide a creative way to use up that extra Halloween candy corn!

Mini Donut Turkeys grouped together on a plate make for Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Treats@

How to Make Mini Donut Turkeys for Thanksgiving

So, are you ready to see how to make these fun Thanksgiving treats? You’ll find the complete recipe in the free printable recipe card at the end of this post. However, below I’ve added step-by-step instructions to help you make these mini turkey donuts along with images so you can see exactly how to make this edible craft!

Let’s turn those leftovers into a masterpiece, one Mini Donut Turkey at a time!

Kitchen Tools You May Need

Below is the turkey-inspired toolkit for your Thanksgiving cooking extravaganza that will help you transform mini donuts into culinary artistry.

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links for products or services I think you’ll like. This means if you make a purchase from one of these links, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend items I use and love.

  • bread knife – to cut a thin sliver off the bottom of the donuts so they can “stand” up.
  • frosting tip – I used a round piping tip (also called a writing tip)

Pro Tip

You do not want to use just any knife to cut these donuts as they are more likely to break apart. Use a bread knife instead. Bread knives are specially designed to cut through bread and similar foods without tearing them apart.

Turkey Donuts in a row on a white plate.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mini Donut Turkeys

These tiny turkeys call for nothing more than a few simple ingredients that when put together provide a cornucopia of flavors and colors. You will need:

Instructions to Make Mini Donut Turkeys

These step-by-step instructions are your map to transforming ordinary ingredients into charming Mini Donut Turkeys. Give yourself about 10 minutes, and you’ll be gobbling them up in no time at all!

Step One: Create a Flat Edge

Begin by slicing off a small part of the bottom edge of the donut so it makes a flat surface for the ‘turkey’ to stand.

Use a bread knife to carefully slice the bottom edge of the donut off so it has a flat edge to stand up on.

Step Two: Add the Feathers

Next, carefully insert 5 to 6 candy corn pieces into the top edge of the donuts to create the turkey’s colorful feathers. Be sure to insert the pointed ends first, and be gentle so you don’t accidentally break the donuts.

Carefully insert candy corn for the feathers on your mini donut turkeys treats for Thanksgiving.

Step Three: Place the Eyes

Use a dab of icing to attach the candy eyes, giving your turkeys a cute little gaze.

Use a dab of icing as glue to attach the eyes to the donut turkeys.

Step Four: Create the Beak

Make the candy corn beak by inserting another candy corn, flat side first, into the hole in the middle of the donut. Be sure the pointed end of the candy corn is facing out.

A a candy corn beak to your mini donut turkeys

Step Five: Add the Feet

Remove the pumpkin-shaped sprinkles from the Wilton Pumpkin Mix, and carefully insert them near the bottom edge of the donut to create the turkey’s feet.

Using pumpkin shaped sprinkles to make the feet on the donut turkeys.

Step Six: Craft the Snood

Last, but not least, use the red cookie icing to draw the turkey’s snood next to the beak, completing the delightful look.

Use red icing add the snood to finish making these donut turkeys.

Step Seven: Allow Icing to Set

After decorating, allow the icing to set before serving. This step ensures your Mini Donut Turkeys are picture-perfect and ready to charm your guests!

Aren’t they simply adorable?! And they taste good, too! Now all that’s left to do is… “gobble” them up!

Mini turkey donuts with candy corn feathers lined up on a white plate.

Tips for Making the Best Mini Turkey Donuts

Freshness Matters

Use fresh mini donuts to ensure they are soft and easy to work with. Stale donuts may crumble during the decorating process.

Choose the Right Candy Corn

Using both Candy Corn and Indian Corn ensures your turkey feathers look lively and colorful.

Ensure Proper Icing Consistency

When choosing the icing, you want one that has the perfect consistency which is why I opted to use Cookie Icing. Icing that is too runny might not hold the decorations well, while icing that is too thick can be challenging to work with.

Plus, since the icing comes in a tube, it is much easier to apply a frosting tip so you can easily pipe on the small amount needed to hold the eyes and draw the snood.

Embrace Imperfections

Keep in mind that each Mini Turkey Donut is unique, just like real turkeys! So embrace imperfections and enjoy the charming variety in your edible creations.

Mini donut turkeys treats on a plate.

FAQs on Mini Turkey Donuts

Below you will find some of the most common questions and detailed answers to ensure your Mini Turkey Donut-making journey is a breeze. So you can have a Thanksgiving feast full of turkey treats and endless smiles!

Can I make Mini Turkey Donuts in advance?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to store them in an airtight container. Also, try to complete them as close to serving time as you can in order to maintain their visual appeal.

How long do Mini Turkey Donuts stay fresh?

While these Mini Turkey Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, ideally on the day they are made, if you need to store them, place them in an airtight container and consume them within 24 to 48 hours to ensure they retain their delicious taste and texture. You can store them at room temperature.

What other candies can be used for creative variations?

Feel free to get creative with your decorations! Besides candy corn, you can use other small candies like M&M’s, Skittles, licorice, or even miniature marshmallows. These candies offer a diverse selection of colors and textures, allowing you to customize your turkeys according to your preference.

Hopefully, these frequently asked questions provide helpful insights into the world of Mini Turkey Donuts, and will make your creative culinary journey even more enjoyable! If you have more questions I did not answer, feel free to ask! I will answer them as quickly as possible.

Close up of Mini Turkey Donuts with candy corn feathers on a plate.

Variations, Substitutions, and Additions

Let your creativity soar and craft your Mini Turkey Donuts to match your taste preferences. Below are some variations, substitutions, and additions that will make your edible turkeys truly one-of-a-kind!

1. Candy Substitutions: Experiment with different candies for feathers, eyes, and beaks. Try using colorful jellybeans, gummy candies, or chocolate chips to add a diverse and tasty touch to your turkeys.

2. Nutty Crunch: Add a bit of crunch to your Mini Turkey Donuts by sprinkling them with chopped nuts. Peanuts, almonds, or pecans can all add delightful texture and a hint of nutty flavor to these sweet treats!

3. Fruity Flair: Add a healthy twist by substituting small fruit slices, like strawberries or kiwis for the candy corn feathers. Slice thinly, then attach them by either inserting them into the donut or with a drizzle of melted chocolate, allowing a few extra minutes for the chocolate to set.

4. Marshmallow Treats: Replace the candy corn feathers with mini marshmallows to create a fluffier and softer feathered look. Dip the bottom of each mini marshmallow in a bowl of melted chocolate, then stack them together. I would use 3 to 4 marshmallows for each feather. Once the chocolate has set, redip the bottom one then stick it in position on the donut, again allowing the chocolate to set. This may make them too heavy to stand up though.

Another option is to stack the marshmallows on a toothpick, and then stick the toothpick in the donut. Just make sure everybody knows the toothpicks are there before they take a bite!

5. Chocolate Drizzle: Speaking of melted chocolate, elevate the richness of your Mini Donut Turkeys by drizzling them with melted chocolate. A drizzle of dark or white chocolate can add an elegant touch and intensify the indulgent experience.

6. Sprinkle Medley: Add some extra Fall color by drizzling the donuts with chocolate then add sprinkles. Enhance the festive vibe by using a medley of different sprinkles. From colored sugar crystals to metallic edible pearls, sprinkles can add a touch of sparkle and excitement to your Mini Turkey Donuts.

7. Caramel Coating: Dip the bottom of your Mini Turkey Donuts in caramel sauce and then roll them in crushed cookies or nuts for a delectable coating. This sweet and crunchy layer will add depth to the flavor profile. Add the feet once the caramel coating has set.

In Conclusion

I hope you love these Mini Turkey Donuts as much as I do! Crafting these edible mini donut turkeys isn’t just about food; it’s about creativity, togetherness, and the joy of bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with sweetness, laughter, and endless gratitude!

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Did you make these tasty Thanksgiving turkey treats? If so, I’d love to see how they turned out!

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These adorable Mini Donut Turkeys are super cute and would be perfect for classroom parties, Thanksgiving dessert or even as a fun Fall treat for kids. Best of all? They are incredibly easy - and inexpensive - to make! #Fallfood #Turkeytreats #kidsfood

MORE CREATIVE THANKSGIVING RECIPES

If you’re looking for more Thanksgiving treats to add to your dessert table, here are some delicious suggestions:

Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving treat recipe? Leave a comment below or come and chat on Facebook!

Printable Mini Turkey Donuts Recipe Card

Yield: 12 Turkey Donuts

Mini Donut Turkeys - Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Treats

Mini Donut Turkeys - Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Treats

These adorable Mini Donut Turkey's are the perfect Thanksgiving treat. Plus, they are so easy, even the kids can help make them!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 Chocolate Mini Donuts
  • Fall Harvest Candy Mix  - the one with Candy Corn and Indian Corn
  •  24 Candy Eyes
  • 1 tube Red Cookie Icing 
  • Wilton Pumpkin Mix sprinkles - any leaf or pumpkin shaped sprinkles will work

Instructions

    1. Begin by slicing off a small part of the bottom edge of the donut so it makes a flat surface for the ‘turkey’ to stand.
    2. Next, carefully insert 5 to 6 candy corn into the top edge of the donut to make the feathers. Be sure to insert the pointed end first. Don't push too hard or the donut may break apart!
    3. Use a dab of icing to add the eyes.
    4. Insert another candy corn into the donuts' hole to make the beak.
    5. Remove the pumpkin-shaped sprinkles from the Pumpkin Mix sprinkles. Carefully insert them near the bottom edge of the donut to make the feet.
    6. Use the red cookie icing to draw the turkey’s snood next to the beak.
    7. Allow icing to set before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12 turkeys

Serving Size:

1 turkey donut

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 105Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 37mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 1g

Nutritional information is automatically calculated with ingredients and serving size and may not be accurate. Please always double check with your own nutritional apps as well.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram and tag @bullocksbuzz

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Holiday Present Piñata Cake

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