Recreate the melt-in-your-mouth magic of Krispy Kreme right in your own kitchen! These soft, pillowy donuts are fried to golden perfection and dipped in a sweet vanilla glaze that’s utterly irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a weekend baking project with the family.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Iconic Taste at Home: Just like your favorite Krispy Kreme treats.
- Fun to Make: Great baking project with kids or friends.
- Perfect Anytime: Breakfast, dessert, or a sweet surprise for loved ones.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donuts
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 How to Make Homemade Krispy Kreme Donuts
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, softened butter, warm milk, salt, and egg. Stir in the yeast mixture.
Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to form rings and holes.
Place on a floured baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 3: Fry the Donuts
Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry donuts in small batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 5: Glaze the Donuts
While the donuts are still warm, dip each into the glaze to coat both sides.
Place on a wire rack and let the glaze set.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Add to a weekend brunch spread.
- Stack them for a DIY donut cake.
- Dip in melted chocolate for a dessert board.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep up to 5 days. Microwave 10–15 seconds to reheat.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze after reheating.
🍩 Homemade Krispy Kreme-Style Donuts
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or whisk
- Rolling Pin
- Donut cutter or two round cutters
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Wire rack
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- For the Donuts:
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- ½ cup warm water 110°F / 45°C
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup warm milk
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Dough
- Dissolve yeast in warm water; let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, warm milk, salt, and egg. Stir in yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour and mix to form a soft dough.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled.
- Step 2: Shape the Donuts
- Roll dough to ½-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut using a donut cutter or round cutters.
- Place on a floured tray, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Fry the Donuts
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
- Fry donuts in small batches for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Step 4: Make the Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 5: Glaze the Donuts
- While warm, dip each donut into the glaze, coating both sides.
- Set on a wire rack and let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
🔍 Nutrition (Per Donut – Approximate)
- Calories: ~260
- Carbs: ~34g
- Fat: ~12g
- Sugar: ~14g
- Protein: ~3g
- Sodium: ~80mg
💡 Tips for Success
- Make sure the yeast is foamy before mixing—this ensures your dough rises properly.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F—too hot will burn the outside, too cool results in greasy donuts.
- Don’t over-knead—a light touch makes fluffy donuts.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ons
- Chocolate Glaze: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the glaze.
- Filled Donuts: Skip the hole and fill cooled donuts with jam or custard.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Toss fresh donuts in cinnamon-sugar instead of glaze.
- Maple Glaze: Use maple extract in place of vanilla.
🔍 Nutrition (Per Donut – Approximate)
- Calories: ~260
- Carbs: ~34g
- Fat: ~12g
- Sugar: ~14g
- Protein: ~3g
- Sodium: ~80mg
❓ FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temp before shaping.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes, but they’ll be more like a soft roll. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
Why are my donuts greasy?
The oil wasn’t hot enough. Keep the temperature between 350°F–365°F.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes! Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze after reheating.
✅ Final Thoughts
These Homemade Krispy Kreme Donuts bring the indulgent joy of fresh donuts right to your kitchen. Fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside, and finished with a silky glaze—they’re everything a donut should be. Make a batch and prepare to impress everyone in your house! 🍩✨
