Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe

Short description

These homemade Krispy Kreme-style doughnuts are irresistibly soft, fluffy, and coated with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, this recipe brings the iconic doughnut shop experience straight to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic doughnut flavor: This recipe replicates the soft, fluffy texture of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, with a light and airy crumb.
• Irresistible glaze: The sweet, smooth glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, like sprinkles or cinnamon, to customize the doughnuts to your taste.
• Fun to make: The process of frying doughnuts and dipping them in glaze is a fun experience, perfect for family baking projects or weekend treats.
• Fresh and homemade: Enjoy hot, fresh doughnuts straight from the fryer—better than anything from a store!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Doughnuts:

• 1/3 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 4 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3-5 tablespoons milk

Directions

Make the Dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes, until foamy.
2. Warm the milk: Warm the milk in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2 minutes, then let it cool to lukewarm.
3. Mix the dough: Add the lukewarm milk, sugar, salt, eggs, butter, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Using the paddle attachment, mix at medium speed until smooth and well-combined.
4. Knead the dough: Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of flour, then switch to the dough hook attachment. Knead at medium speed for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.
5. Let the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a large, greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape and Fry the Doughnuts:

6. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Cut out doughnuts: Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (3-4 inches for the outer circle, 1 inch for the center) to cut out doughnuts. Re-roll scraps as needed to make additional doughnuts.
8. Rest the doughnuts: Place the cut doughnuts and holes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them. Cover loosely and let rest for 10-15 minutes while heating the oil.
9. Heat the oil: Heat 3 inches of oil in a large, deep saucepan to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
10. Fry the doughnuts: Carefully fry the doughnuts in batches, turning them once. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined tray.

Prepare the Glaze:

11. Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is thin enough to dip the doughnuts, but not too runny.
12. Glaze the doughnuts: Dip each warm doughnut (top side down) into the glaze. Let the excess glaze drip off and place the doughnuts on a wire rack to set.

Serve:

13. Enjoy: Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then serve your homemade Krispy Kreme-style doughnuts while they’re still warm and fresh!

Servings and timing

• Serves 12 (or more depending on size of doughnuts)
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Rise time: 1-2 hours
• Fry time: 2-3 minutes per batch
• Total time: 2.5–3 hours

Variations

• Flavor variations: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth and flavor.
• Toppings: Sprinkle with colored sugar, sprinkles, or drizzle with melted chocolate for added flair.
• Filled doughnuts: Pipe your favorite filling, like jam, custard, or chocolate ganache, inside the doughnuts after frying.
• Glaze variations: Try adding lemon zest, orange extract, or maple syrup to the glaze for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
• Freezing: Doughnuts can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore their warmth.
• Reheating: To maintain the texture, reheat the doughnuts in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture, though it may change the doughnuts’ lightness.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying. Just let it come to room temperature and rise before frying.

3. How can I make these doughnuts dairy-free?

Substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk and use dairy-free butter in place of regular butter. Use a non-dairy chocolate glaze or skip the glaze for a more simple version.

4. Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the doughnuts at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, but they won’t have the same crispy texture as fried doughnuts.

5. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use other neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil for frying, but make sure the oil has a high smoke point to avoid burning.

6. How do I know when the oil is ready?

Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 375°F (190°C). You can also test by dropping in a doughnut hole; it should sizzle and float to the top when the oil is ready.

7. How do I prevent the dough from being too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches a soft, manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, or the doughnuts may be dense.

8. How do I get the doughnuts to rise properly?

Make sure the dough has enough time to rise in a warm, draft-free spot. You can place the dough in an oven with the light on to maintain warmth.

9. Can I make mini doughnuts?

Yes! Use a smaller doughnut cutter for mini doughnuts and adjust the frying time accordingly, as smaller doughnuts will cook faster.

10. Can I make these doughnuts without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix the dough by hand, but it will take more effort to knead the dough to the proper consistency. A stand mixer will make the process quicker and easier.

Conclusion

These homemade Krispy Kreme-style doughnuts are a must-try for any doughnut lover. With their light, airy texture, golden brown exterior, and sweet glaze, they offer the perfect balance of indulgence and flavor. Whether for a special occasion or just a fun baking project, these doughnuts are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings!

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