Everyone loves Krispy Kreme donuts for their light, airy texture and iconic sugary glaze. This homemade version delivers that same melt-in-your-mouth experience, allowing you to make these classic donuts fresh in your own kitchen. Perfect for a weekend breakfast, dessert, or anytime treat, these donuts are sure to be a family favorite. With a straightforward recipe and simple ingredients, you’ll soon be on your way to donut perfection!
Ingredients
- For the Donuts:
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
Making the Donuts
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, combine the activated yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a mixer on medium speed for 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
- Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts: Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters, one large and one small) to cut out donut shapes. Place the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature for even frying.
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully place donuts in the hot oil, frying 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried donuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Making the Glaze
- Prepare the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thin enough to dip but thick enough to coat the donuts.
- Glaze the Donuts: While donuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, letting excess glaze drip off before placing them back on the wire rack. For a double-glazed effect, let the first layer set slightly, then dip again.
Variations
- Chocolate Glaze: Replace 1/4 cup of powdered sugar in the glaze with cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Skip the glaze and dip the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar for a classic cinnamon sugar coating.
- Filled Donuts: For filled donuts, don’t cut out the centers. After frying, let them cool slightly, then fill with jelly, custard, or cream using a piping bag.
Cooking Note
To avoid oily donuts, make sure the oil is at 350°F before frying. Too low of a temperature will cause the donuts to absorb more oil, while too high will brown the outsides too quickly, leaving the insides doughy.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these donuts warm with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk. For an extra-special treat, serve with a side of whipped cream or a chocolate dipping sauce.
Tips
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active by checking for foam during activation. If it doesn’t foam, it may be inactive and should be replaced.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F for consistent results.
- Double Dip for More Glaze: For a thicker coating, dip each donut twice, allowing the first layer to set slightly before the second dip.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours for rising)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per donut)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used)
FAQs
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown. They won’t have the exact same texture but will still be delicious!
How do I store leftover donuts?
Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but a quick 5-second microwave warm-up helps bring back their softness.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes! Freeze the unglazed donuts, then thaw and warm slightly before glazing for the best texture.
What if I don’t have a donut cutter?
You can use a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass for the donut shape and a smaller cutter (or bottle cap) to cut out the centers.
Conclusion
Homemade Krispy Kreme Donuts are the perfect sweet treat to make at home, bringing that classic light and fluffy texture with a melt-in-your-mouth glaze. This easy recipe allows you to enjoy these iconic donuts fresh from the fryer. Whether for a special breakfast, a weekend indulgence, or simply because, these donuts are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!