Recreate the magic of Krispy Kreme donuts right in your own kitchen with this simple yet delicious recipe. These homemade donuts are light, fluffy, and covered in a rich, sweet glaze that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, these donuts will satisfy your sweet cravings in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Taste – These donuts taste just like the famous Krispy Kreme originals, with a light, airy texture and a perfectly sweet glaze.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of fresh, homemade donuts.
- Perfectly Glazed – The rich, buttery glaze gives the donuts their signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Fun to Make – Shaping and frying these donuts is a rewarding process, making it a great recipe for family baking.
- Better Than Store-Bought – Enjoy the freshest donuts possible, free from preservatives and artificial flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Milk
- Boiling water
- Dry active yeast
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Egg
- Butter (room temperature)
- Salt
- Oil for frying
Glaze:
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Hot water
Directions
- Activate the Yeast – In a small bowl, combine the milk, boiling water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Prepare the Dough – In a separate bowl, mix the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Combine Ingredients – Add the yeast mixture and egg to the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Knead for 5-10 minutes until elastic.
- Let It Rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough – Roll out the dough and shape it into small balls or traditional donut shapes. Let them rise again while you heat the oil.
- Fry the Donuts – Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep pan. Fry the donuts in batches for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Drain and Glaze – Remove the donuts from the oil and drain them on a wire rack. While still warm, dip them in the prepared glaze for the perfect finish.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – Instead of glazing, roll the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic twist.
- Chocolate Glaze – Replace the vanilla glaze with a rich chocolate version by mixing melted chocolate into the glaze ingredients.
- Filled Donuts – Skip the hole in the center and inject the donuts with jam, custard, or Nutella for a filled treat.
- Baked Version – For a lighter option, bake the shaped dough at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, then glaze while warm.
- Maple Glaze – Substitute vanilla extract with maple extract for a deliciously sweet maple-glazed donut.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration – While not necessary, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Warm before serving.
- Freezing – Freeze unglazed donuts in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing.
- Reheating – Warm donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
FAQs
How can I make the donuts extra fluffy?
Make sure to let the dough rise fully and knead it properly to develop the gluten structure.
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry active yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast, but you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.
Why are my donuts greasy?
If the oil temperature is too low, the donuts will absorb too much oil. Keep the oil at 375°F (190°C) for best results.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise, and store it in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature before frying.
What oil is best for frying donuts?
Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, as they have high smoke points and don’t affect the flavor.
How do I know when the donuts are cooked through?
The donuts should be golden brown on both sides, and they should sound hollow when tapped.
Can I make mini donuts with this recipe?
Yes! Simply shape smaller portions of dough and reduce the frying time slightly.
How do I keep the glaze from being too runny?
Adjust the glaze by adding more powdered sugar if it is too thin or more hot water if it is too thick.
Can I air-fry these donuts?
Yes, air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different from deep-frying.
Why do my donuts taste yeasty?
Over-proofing the dough can result in a strong yeast flavor. Stick to the recommended rise times.
Conclusion
Making homemade Krispy Kreme-style donuts is easier than you think. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy warm, fresh, and perfectly glazed donuts that rival any store-bought version. Whether you prefer classic glazed, cinnamon sugar, or filled varieties, this recipe is a must-try for any donut lover. Enjoy your homemade treat!
Print
Homemade Krispy Kremes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the light, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet taste of homemade Krispy Kreme donuts. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers perfectly golden, melt-in-your-mouth treats coated in a rich vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Dough:
3 tbsp milk
3 tbsp boiling water
1 tsp dry active yeast
8 oz all-purpose flour
1 1/2 oz sugar
1 egg
1 oz butter (room temperature)
Dash of salt
Oil for frying
Glaze:
1/3 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp hot water
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix the milk, boiling water, 1/2 tsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Pour in the yeast mixture and add the egg. Stir to form a smooth dough, then knead for 5-10 minutes until elastic.
Cover the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Roll out the dough and shape it into small balls or classic donut rings. Let rise while heating oil to 375°F (190°C).
Fry each donut until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and hot water until smooth.
Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, ensuring an even coating. Let set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra airy texture, let the shaped doughnuts rise for an additional 30 minutes before frying.
Dip donuts twice in glaze for a thicker, more authentic Krispy Kreme coating.
Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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