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Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Recipe

4.7 from 100 reviews

Enjoy the classic sweet delight of Homemade Krispy Kreme doughnuts with this detailed recipe that guides you in making light, airy doughnuts fried to golden perfection and coated in a luscious glaze. Perfect for breakfast or any sweet craving, these doughnuts combine a soft, fluffy texture with a glossy vanilla-sugar glaze that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Doughnuts:

  • 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 cold butter (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

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large measuring jug, combine milk and boiling water. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar and dry active yeast. Set aside in a warm place until foamy, about 5–10 minutes, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, and a dash of salt to ensure even distribution and aeration.
  3. Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which will help create a tender dough.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Lightly beat the egg, then add it along with the yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Stir thoroughly to form a smooth, cohesive dough.
  5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes until the dough is elastic, slightly springy, and small bubbles form beneath the surface.
  6. First Rise: Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  7. Shape Doughnuts: After rising, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces, roll each into a rope about 1 to 1.5 inches wide, then cut into 1-inch strips. Roll each strip into tight balls to shape the doughnut holes.
  8. Second Rise: Place shaped doughnut holes on a baking tray or wire rack, cover with a cloth, and let rise again for about 20–30 minutes while heating the oil to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Fry the Doughnuts: In batches, fry the doughnuts in the preheated oil until golden brown on all sides, approximately 2 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
  10. Drain: Remove fried doughnuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack over a cloth to remove excess oil.
  11. Prepare the Glaze: Melt butter in a saucepan or microwave. Whisk in confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and hot water until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with additional hot water or sugar if necessary.
  12. Glaze the Doughnuts: Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze to coat thoroughly. Place on a wire rack to allow glaze to set before serving.
  13. Serve: Enjoy the warm, freshly glazed doughnuts immediately for the best Krispy Kreme-like experience.

Notes

  • Ensure the yeast is fresh and the water is boiling but cooled slightly to activate the yeast properly.
  • Do not over-knead the dough to keep the doughnuts light and airy.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 375°F for even frying; use a thermometer for accuracy.
  • Glaze the doughnuts while warm to allow the coating to adhere well and create that signature shiny finish.
  • Use a wire rack for draining and glazing to prevent sogginess from trapped oil or glaze puddles.
  • These doughnuts are best eaten the same day they are made, but can be stored in an airtight container for 1–2 days.

Keywords: Krispy Kreme doughnuts, homemade doughnuts, glazed doughnuts, fried doughnuts, sweet treat, breakfast dessert