If you’ve ever craved that pillowy-soft, melt-in-your-mouth donut from your favorite shop, you’re about to fall in love with this Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe. These classic yeast-raised donuts are golden and airy, drenched in a sweet vanilla glaze that cracks just so when you take a bite. Whether you’re making breakfast extra special or treating your friends and family, this recipe brings the irresistible magic of warm, fresh donuts right to your own kitchen—no fancy equipment required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—every element in this Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe plays a starring role in creating those signature soft, fluffy donuts. Here’s why each one matters and how to get the best results every time.
- Active dry yeast: The secret to that airy, tender crumb—make sure it’s fresh for the perfect rise.
- Warm water (110°F): Just the right temperature to wake up the yeast and get things bubbling.
- Warm milk: Adds richness and softness to the dough, giving you that classic donut texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps feed the yeast for better rising.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings flavor and a luxurious mouthfeel to each bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor in the mix.
- Egg: Adds structure and extra tenderness to your donuts.
- All-purpose flour (plus more for dusting): The backbone of the dough—don’t skimp on sifting for the lightest result.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Gives that gorgeous, golden exterior while keeping things light inside.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Dissolves beautifully for a silky-smooth finish.
- Milk (for the glaze): Helps thin out the glaze so it coats every donut perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (for the glaze): Adds warmth and aroma—don’t skip it!
How to Make Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s frothy and foamy—this is a sign your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If nothing happens, your yeast might be old, so grab a fresh packet for best results.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir everything together. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough begins to form. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still feel tender and moist.
Step 3: Knead and First Rise
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes, dusting with flour as needed. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic ball that springs back when gently pressed. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe really starts to build its signature texture.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut out classic donut shapes. Arrange them on a floured surface, cover loosely with a kitchen towel, and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes—this second rise ensures ultra-light, fluffy donuts.
Step 5: Fry to Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they’re puffed and beautifully golden. Use a slotted spoon to transfer each donut to a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. The aroma alone will have everyone waiting in the kitchen!
Step 6: Glaze While Warm
For the signature finish, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is silky-smooth. While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place them on a wire rack to set—this is the moment they transform into true Krispy Kreme copycats. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate experience!
How to Serve Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe
Garnishes
For a classic look, keep things simple and let the shiny vanilla glaze take center stage. If you’re feeling playful, sprinkle on rainbow jimmies, mini chocolate chips, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar while the glaze is still wet. A handful of chopped nuts or even a drizzle of chocolate can add a fun twist without overpowering the airy donut underneath.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk is pure nostalgia in a bite. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or a savory egg bake to balance the sweetness and round out your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your glazed donuts on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece, or thread them onto skewers for a whimsical donut bouquet. For parties, set up a DIY glaze-and-garnish bar and let guests personalize their own treats. You can even sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two donuts for a show-stopping dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
While nothing beats a fresh, warm donut, you can store leftovers from your Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Line the container with parchment paper to keep the glaze from sticking, and avoid stacking them if you want that perfect finish to last.
Freezing
If you’ve made a big batch, let the glazed donuts cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready to be revived whenever a craving strikes. For best texture, freeze before glazing and dip in fresh glaze after reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-made softness, pop your donuts in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. If you froze them unglazed, thaw first, then dip in freshly made glaze for the most authentic Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe experience.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature, shape, and proceed with the recipe as usual. This is a great way to enjoy fresh donuts without the early wake-up call.
Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?
No mixer? No problem! This Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe is easy to make by hand with just a sturdy spoon and a little elbow grease. Kneading on a floured surface does the trick—just be patient and enjoy the process.
Why did my donuts turn out dense instead of fluffy?
Dense donuts are usually the result of under-proofing, expired yeast, or adding too much flour. Make sure your yeast is fresh, allow the dough to rise fully both times, and add flour gradually just until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the shaped donuts at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes for a lighter version. They’ll be a bit less fluffy than the fried kind, but still delicious—especially with that vanilla glaze on top.
How do I make a chocolate glaze variation?
For a chocolatey twist on your Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the glaze ingredients and mix until smooth. Dip your warm donuts just as you would with the vanilla glaze—chocolate lovers will be in heaven!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, freshly glazed donut you made yourself. This Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe captures everything you love about the originals, and brings the magic right to your kitchen. Give it a try, share with loved ones, and make your mornings (or late-night treats) extra special!
Print
Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe recreates the classic glazed doughnuts loved by many. Soft, airy, and perfectly fried to golden perfection, these doughnuts are topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these doughnuts bring the bakery experience right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Stir well to blend the mixture evenly.
- Combine Dough: Add the activated yeast mixture into the wet ingredients and mix. Gradually incorporate the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms that is slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing the gluten for structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Doughnuts: After rising, roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut the dough into donut shapes. Transfer to a floured surface.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped doughnuts loosely and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C) ensuring it is deep enough to submerge the donuts.
- Fry Doughnuts: Carefully place the doughnuts in the hot oil in batches. Fry each side for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and lump-free.
- Glaze Doughnuts: While the doughnuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Set them on a wire rack to let the glaze set.
- Serve: Enjoy the doughnuts warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best taste, consume the doughnuts the same day they are made.
- To make a chocolate glaze variation, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the glaze mixture.
- For a lighter, less oily version, you can bake the doughnuts at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, though they will be less fluffy than fried ones.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
