Introduction

Homemade Krispy Kreme doughnuts bring the irresistible joy of a warm, freshly-made treat right to your kitchen. This recipe captures the light, airy texture and perfect glaze that make these doughnuts so special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to doughnuts, this recipe is rewarding and delicious.

A plate holds a stack of eight glossy glazed donuts arranged in two layers; the bottom layer has five donuts forming a circle, and the top layer has three donuts placed neatly on top. Each donut is golden-brown with a shiny, smooth light tan glaze covering the entire top and sides, creating a wet look. The plate is white with two thin black rings on the edge, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp milk

3 tbsp boiling water

1 tsp dry active yeast

1 1/2 oz sugar (about 3 tablespoons), divided

8 oz all-purpose flour (a little under 2 cups)

1 oz butter, cold to room temperature (do not melt)

1 egg

Dash of salt

Enough oil for deep frying (to cover the bottom few inches of a wok or deep fryer)

For the glaze:

1/3 cup butter

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 tablespoons hot water (or as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large measuring jug, combine the milk and boiling water. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and the yeast. Stir gently, then set aside in a warm place until the mixture becomes foamy.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, the remaining sugar, and a dash of salt.

Step 3: Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Lightly beat the egg, then add it along with the yeast mixture to the flour mix. Stir to form a smooth dough.

Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes, until springy and small bubbles form under the surface.

Step 6: Place the dough in a bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 7: Once risen, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 pieces, roll each into a long rope about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Cut strips about an inch long, then roll each strip into a ball.

Step 8: Place doughnut holes on a tray or wire rack, cover with a cloth, and let rise again while heating oil to 375°F.

Step 9: Fry doughnuts in batches in hot oil until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the fryer.

Step 10: Remove doughnuts from oil and drain on paper towels or a wire rack over a cloth.

Step 11: For the glaze, melt the butter. Whisk in confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and hot water until smooth and pourable. Adjust thickness with more water or sugar if needed.

Step 12: While doughnuts are warm, dip them into the glaze to coat well.

Step 13: Allow glazed doughnuts to set on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm for the best Krispy Kreme experience!

Tips & Variations

Use a kitchen scale to measure flour for more accurate results and lighter doughnuts.

If you don’t have a thermometer, test oil heat by dropping a small piece of dough—if it bubbles and rises quickly, the temperature is ready.

For a fun twist, add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough mix before kneading.

Glaze can be flavored with a bit of lemon zest or orange extract for a citrusy variation.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of dry active yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use about 25% less, skip the activation step with warm water, and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Why did my doughnuts turn out dense?

Dense doughnuts often result from insufficient kneading or not allowing the dough to rise fully. Make sure your dough is well kneaded until springy and let it double in size during the rise times for the lightest texture.