Who doesn’t love biting into a warm, fluffy Krispy Kreme donut? The sweet glaze, the perfect texture—it’s like heaven in every bite. Now, imagine being able to make them at home, fresh and hot, right out of your own kitchen. Well, get ready, because this Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe is going to change your donut game forever. You’ll be whipping up golden, soft, melt-in-your-mouth donuts with a glossy glaze that’ll make everyone think you’ve got a secret donut factory in your kitchen. Trust me, they’ll disappear in a flash!
Why You’ll Love Homemade Krispy Kremes
Here’s why this homemade version of Krispy Kreme donuts is going to be your new go-to recipe:
Warm, Fresh, and Irresistible
There’s nothing like the joy of biting into a warm donut that’s just been glazed. These donuts come out light, fluffy, and oh-so-soft. The glaze is glossy and sticky in all the right ways, and it’s just the right amount of sweetness.
No Special Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy donut-making gadgets here. With just a few simple tools (and a pot for frying), you can make Krispy Kremes right in your own kitchen.
Fun to Make with Friends or Family
Making donuts is a hands-on experience that’s perfect for getting everyone involved. Kids will love cutting out the donuts and watching them puff up as they fry. It’s an activity that turns into a fun family moment.
Customizable
Once you’ve mastered the classic glazed version, feel free to experiment with other toppings! You can dip them in chocolate, sprinkle them with sprinkles, or even drizzle with caramel. The possibilities are endless!
The Freshness Factor
There’s something magical about fresh donuts. With this recipe, you get that same melt-in-your-mouth experience you crave from your favorite donut shop, right at home.
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these dreamy donuts. Don’t worry, they’re simple and easy to find!
For the Donuts:
- All-purpose flour: This is the base for the donuts, giving them their structure and fluffiness.
- Active dry yeast: You’ll need this to make your donuts rise and get that soft, airy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough, making every bite a little bit of heaven.
- Milk: To add moisture to the dough and make it smooth and soft.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the donuts their rich flavor and adds tenderness.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help the donuts rise.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the dough.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the donuts, balancing out the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the donuts—this ensures they come out golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar: This is the key to a smooth, shiny glaze.
- Milk: Adds just the right consistency to the glaze.
- Vanilla extract: For that classic, rich vanilla flavor.
- Corn syrup: Adds shine and helps the glaze set just right.
(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Ready to make these melt-in-your-mouth donuts? Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes to activate. It should start to bubble a little—this means the yeast is working!
Once the yeast is activated, add in the eggs, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until combined. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, stirring until the dough comes together.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic, but not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, just a tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. If you’re short on time, you can place it in an oven that’s been preheated to 200°F and then turned off, as this creates a nice warm environment for the dough to rise.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cookie cutters, one large and one small) to cut out the donuts. Don’t forget to cut out the centers!
Place the donuts and donut holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
While the donuts are rising, heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want enough oil to fully submerge the donuts, so make sure your pot is deep enough.
Step 6: Fry the Donuts
Once the oil is heated, gently lower the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry the donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
While the donuts are cooling slightly, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and corn syrup until smooth and glossy. You want the glaze to be thick but still runny enough to dip the donuts into.
Step 8: Glaze the Donuts
Dip each donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Set the donuts on a wire rack to let the glaze set. Repeat until all the donuts are glazed and beautiful.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your homemade Krispy Kremes fresh and warm, and watch them disappear in no time. These are best enjoyed on the same day, but if you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: [Insert calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including rising time)
How to Serve Homemade Krispy Kremes
These donuts are perfect on their own, but here are some ideas for pairing:
With a Cup of Coffee
There’s nothing better than a warm donut paired with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The combination of rich coffee and sweet donuts is pure magic.
For a Special Breakfast
Serve them with fresh fruit and scrambled eggs for a treat everyone will love. They’ll add the perfect sweet touch to any breakfast spread.
As a Dessert
These donuts are an indulgent treat, so they’re perfect for serving at a party or special occasion. Place them on a pretty platter and watch them disappear.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips for making these donuts even more perfect:
Don’t Overcrowd the Oil
Fry the donuts in small batches. Overcrowding the pot can lower the temperature of the oil, causing the donuts to cook unevenly.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature when you make the dough. This helps everything come together more smoothly.
Don’t Skip the Rising Time
Let the dough rise fully both times. The rise is what gives the donuts that fluffy, light texture we all love.
Glaze While Warm
Glazing the donuts while they’re still a bit warm will help the glaze set beautifully and give them that perfect sheen.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before shaping and frying.
Q2: Can I use a donut pan instead of frying the donuts?
A2: Yes! If you prefer baking, you can use a donut pan. Just bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
Q3: Can I freeze these donuts?
A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the donuts after they’ve cooled and glaze them later. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing.
Q4: What if I don’t have corn syrup for the glaze?
A4: You can substitute corn syrup with honey or light maple syrup if needed. It will still give you that glossy finish.
Q5: Can I add different toppings to these donuts?
A5: Yes, feel free to add sprinkles, crushed nuts, chocolate drizzle, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to change up the flavors.
Q6: Can I make these donuts without yeast?
A6: These donuts rely on yeast to give them their light and fluffy texture, so it’s best to use yeast for that perfect Krispy Kreme result.
Q7: Can I make filled Krispy Kreme donuts?
A7: Absolutely! After frying, you can inject your donuts with jam, cream, or custard for a delicious twist.
Q8: How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?
A8: You can use a thermometer to check, but if you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the top quickly, the oil is ready.
Q9: Can I make these donuts without frying?
A9: Frying gives these donuts their signature crispy outside and soft inside. Baking won’t produce the same texture, but you can try baking them in a donut pan as an alternative.
Q10: How can I store leftover donuts?
A10: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
These Homemade Krispy Kremes will be the ultimate treat for anyone who loves fresh, warm donuts. With this recipe, you can enjoy the same melt-in-your-mouth goodness as the classic store-bought version, but made right in your own kitchen. Once you take a bite, you’ll never look back—these donuts are irresistible! Enjoy!
PrintHomemade Krispy Kremes Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Description
These homemade Krispy Kreme doughnuts are light, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet—just like the famous ones from the doughnut shop! With a soft, pillowy texture and a sweet glaze that melts in your mouth, these doughnuts will satisfy your cravings and are surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
-
For the Doughnuts:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy (this means the yeast is active).
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, melted butter, salt, vanilla extract, nutmeg (if using), and eggs. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. You may need a little more flour depending on the humidity, but the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed to knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Use a doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large and one small) to cut out the doughnut shapes. Gather any leftover dough, re-roll it, and cut out more doughnuts.
- Second Rise:
- Place the doughnuts on a floured baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Fry the Doughnuts:
- While the doughnuts are rising, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil’s temperature by dropping in a small piece of dough—it should sizzle immediately.
- Carefully fry the doughnuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use tongs to flip them gently.
- Drain the Doughnuts:
- Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain off excess oil.
For the Glaze:
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Glaze the Doughnuts:
- While the doughnuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, making sure they’re fully coated. Place them on a wire rack to let the glaze set.
- Activate the Yeast:
Notes
- If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can use two round cookie cutters (one large and one smaller to make the hole).
- Be sure to keep the doughnuts warm while glazing for the best results. The glaze sets quickly as the doughnuts cool.
- You can also make these doughnuts with chocolate glaze by melting some chocolate and adding it to the glaze mixture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg