Thank you to Only In Arkansas for sponsoring my Donut Hole Pumpkin Pops. #makingbetterhappen
These donut hole pumpkin pops are ideal for fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. They use only five ingredients and are far easier than traditional cake pops.
Fall and Halloween are my favorite season for cooler weather and festive treats. Even when life gets busy, I love making simple, adorable snacks for the kids. Instead of baking and shaping cake pops, use store-bought donut holes to save time—no baking, cooling, or rolling required.
I focus on easy recipes that use a few ingredients and invite kids to help. Let them dunk the donut holes if they want—it’s messier but more fun. These pumpkin pops work all season long; for Halloween, use a food-coloring marker to draw jack-o’-lantern faces.
Ingredients
- Donut holes
- Orange candy melts
- Shortening or coconut oil (to thin melts)
- Pretzel sticks (for stems)
- Green Airheads candy (for leaves)
Extras (optional)
- Paper straws or candy sticks
- Treat bags
- Twist ties or ribbons
Prep: Make the leaves
Cut green Airheads candy into small leaf shapes. A pizza cutter or sharp knife works well and makes it fast.
Directions: Make the donut hole pumpkin pops
Melt the orange candy melts according to package directions (microwave is quickest). Stir in a small amount of shortening, coconut oil, or a thinning product to achieve a smooth, dip‑ready consistency. Dip the end of each straw or stick into the melted candy, then insert it into a donut hole about halfway. After all sticks are in place, dip each donut hole into the melted candy until fully coated. Gently tap and swirl off excess, then stand the pops in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to harden. While the coating is still soft, insert half a pretzel stick into the top for the stem and press a green candy leaf into the candy beside the stem.
Note: For step-by-step photos of shaping the Airheads leaves and additional tips, see the original recipe at OnlyInArk.com.
For more seasonal inspiration, try other simple pumpkin treats such as peanut butter pumpkins, glazed pumpkin cookies, cinnamon roll pumpkin turnovers, or a four-ingredient cheeseball pumpkin—easy ideas that keep fall baking and snacking stress-free and fun.