Whip up the magic of Krispy Kreme doughnuts right in your own kitchen with this homemade recipe, offering the joy of a fresh, warm treat that’s hard to resist. Each bite of these light, airy doughnuts, perfectly coated in a smooth glaze, captures that signature delight.
It’s the ideal way to add a touch of sweetness and nostalgia to any morning or gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or attempting doughnuts for the first time, this recipe—while detailed—is absolutely worth the effort and surprisingly manageable!
These homemade Krispy Kreme doughnuts aren’t just a treat, they’re a fun culinary project that ends with sweet, satisfying results. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, they’re guaranteed to bring happiness to everyone.
Ingredients:
For the Doughnuts:
- 3 tbsp milk
- 3 tbsp boiling water
- 1 tsp dry active yeast
- 1 ½ oz sugar (about 3 tbsp), divided
- 8 oz all-purpose flour (just under 2 cups – it’s best to measure and weigh)
- 1 oz butter, cold to room temperature (do not melt)
- 1 egg
- Pinch of salt
- Oil for frying (enough to cover a few inches in your wok or deep fryer)
For the Glaze:
- ⅓ cup butter
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp hot water (adjust as needed)
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large measuring cup, mix the milk and boiling water. Add 1 tsp of the sugar and stir in the yeast. Let sit in a warm spot until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, the rest of the sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Incorporate the Butter: Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend the butter into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Lightly beat the egg and combine it with the yeast mixture. Pour this into the flour mixture and stir until a smooth dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it’s soft, elastic, and small bubbles appear.
- First Rise: Put the dough in a bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour until it doubles in size.
Shaping and Frying:
- Shape the Doughnuts: After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Divide it into 4 pieces, roll each into a rope about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, and cut into 1-inch pieces. Roll each into a ball.
- Second Rise: Place the dough balls on a tray, cover with a cloth, and let them rise while heating oil to 375°F.
- Fry: Fry the doughnuts in batches, turning after about 2 minutes until both sides are golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the fryer.
- Drain: Once fried, drain the doughnuts on paper towels or a wire rack.
Glazing:
- Make the Glaze: Melt the butter in a bowl, then whisk in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and hot water until smooth. Adjust with more water or sugar for the desired consistency.
- Coat the Doughnuts: While they’re still warm, dip each doughnut into the glaze, ensuring they’re well covered.
- Enjoy: Let the glaze set slightly on a wire rack before serving. Best enjoyed warm!
