Here’s a spot-on recipe for Homemade Krispy Kreme-Style Donuts — soft, pillowy, and coated in that signature shiny vanilla glaze. These yeast-raised donuts taste just like they came from the shop (maybe even better)!
🍩✨ Homemade Krispy Kreme Donuts
🕒 Prep Time: 20 min
🕒 Rise Time: 1.5–2 hours total
🕒 Cook Time: 2–3 min per batch
🍽️ Makes: About 12–15 donuts + holes
🧂 Dough Ingredients:
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2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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2 tbsp warm water (110°F)
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3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 large egg
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
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Neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) for frying
🍯 Glaze Ingredients:
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1/4 cup milk
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
🔪 Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast mixture, warm milk, sugar, butter, salt, and egg. Stir in the flour gradually until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or mixer for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise:
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Donuts:
Roll dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (about 3″ and 1″) to cut out donuts and holes. Re-roll scraps once if needed.
5. Second Rise:
Place donuts on a parchment-lined tray. Cover loosely with a clean towel and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
6. Fry the Donuts:
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts 2–3 at a time, about 1 minute per side, until golden. Drain on paper towels.
7. Make the Glaze:
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
8. Glaze While Warm:
Dip warm donuts into the glaze, flipping to coat both sides. Let excess drip off and place on a wire rack set over parchment to set.
🎯 Tips for Success:
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Use a thermometer to keep oil around 350°F — too hot = dark outside/raw inside.
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Don’t over-knead or over-flour the dough; it should stay soft and slightly sticky.
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For extra shine, double dip the donuts in glaze!
🍩 Fun Variations:
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Chocolate glaze: Mix cocoa powder into glaze.
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Cinnamon sugar: Toss hot donuts in a cinnamon-sugar blend instead of glazing.
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Filled donuts: Skip the hole and fill with jam, custard, or Nutella after frying!