If you’ve ever craved that warm, fluffy, and perfectly glazed donut from Krispy Kreme, you’re in luck! This copycat recipe brings the magic of Krispy Kreme donuts right to your kitchen. These homemade donuts have a pillowy texture and a sweet, glossy glaze that melts in your mouth. Made from scratch and with simple ingredients, they’re a rewarding treat for weekend brunches, holidays, or any time you want a little extra sweetness in your day.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm water (105–115°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation
Make the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the milk, melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, and egg. Stir in the foamy yeast mixture.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Donuts
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut the Donuts: Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- Second Rise: Place the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let rise for another 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
Fry the Donuts
- Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (use a thermometer to keep oil at this temperature).
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully drop 2-3 donuts into the hot oil at a time. Fry each side for about 1 minute, until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another minute.
- Drain: Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining donuts and donut holes.
Make the Glaze
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip each one in the glaze, coating them completely or halfway, as you prefer. Place them on a wire rack to set.
Variation
- Chocolate-Glazed Donuts: Substitute half of the powdered sugar in the glaze with cocoa powder, and add 1–2 extra tablespoons of milk for a chocolate twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the glaze and instead roll the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar right after frying.
- Filled Donuts: For cream or jelly-filled donuts, skip the hole in the center. Once cooled, use a piping bag to fill each donut with your favorite filling.
Cooking Note
The key to light, fluffy donuts is letting the dough rise properly. Don’t rush the rising time, and make sure your yeast is fresh for the best texture. Using a thermometer to monitor the frying oil ensures the donuts cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Krispy Kreme-style donuts warm for the best taste, with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, pair them with fresh fruit or scrambled eggs for a deliciously sweet and savory balance.
Tips
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry only a few donuts at a time to prevent cooling the oil and uneven cooking.
- Properly Set Glaze: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes on a wire rack to achieve the iconic Krispy Kreme glossy finish.
- Storing Leftovers: Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them unglazed, then reheat and glaze when ready to enjoy.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per donut)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sodium: 100mg
FAQs
Q: Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?
A: Yes! Bake the donuts on a greased baking sheet at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden. However, baked donuts will be slightly denser than the fried version.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and cutting the donuts.
Q: How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
A: Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the surface within a few seconds.
Conclusion
There’s something truly magical about making homemade Homemade Krispy donuts. With their tender, fluffy interior and iconic glaze, these donuts are perfect for satisfying any craving for that original Krispy Kreme taste. Try them warm, straight out of the glaze for the ultimate treat, and enjoy this fun baking project with family and friends!