If you’re craving that iconic melt-in-your-mouth doughnut that’s sweet, soft, and perfectly glazed, you’ve got to try this Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe. There’s nothing quite like making these from scratch—the dough rises to a pillowy texture, the frying creates that irresistible golden crust, and the classic vanilla glaze ties it all together with a glossy finish that’s simply addictive. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe brings the magic of the famous Krispy Kreme doughnuts right into your kitchen.

Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this recipe right is all about using simple, essential ingredients that work together to create that legendary texture and flavor. Each item brings a key element—from the yeast that gives the dough its airy lift to the vanilla in the glaze that adds that smooth, comforting sweetness.

Milk (3 tablespoons): Adds moisture and a subtle creaminess that helps activate the yeast.
Boiling water (3 tablespoons): Used to cool down with milk and dissolve the yeast perfectly.
Dry active yeast (1 teaspoon): The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise light and fluffy.
All-purpose flour, 8 ounces (about 1¾ cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and softness.
Sugar, 1½ ounces (about 3 tablespoons): Sweetens the dough just enough and helps yeast activation.
Egg (1): Enriches the dough, contributing to tenderness and color.
Butter, 1 ounce softened: Adds richness and a delicate crumb to the dough.
Salt (a dash): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Oil for frying: Creates that golden, crispy exterior essential for perfect doughnuts.
Butter for glaze (1/3 cup): Gives the glaze a luxurious, smooth texture.
Confectioners’ sugar (2 cups): The sweet base for the luscious glaze coating.
Vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons): Infuses the glaze with classic, warm flavor notes.
Hot water (4 tablespoons, adjust as needed): Makes the glaze pourable and silky smooth.

How to Make Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining the milk and boiling water in a small bowl and let it cool to lukewarm—this precise temperature is key to waking up your yeast without killing it. Stir in the dry active yeast along with a pinch of sugar and wait for about 5 to 10 minutes until you see a foamy layer on top. This foaming tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Next, mix your flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this step contributes to that tender crumb in the final doughnuts. Then, add the beaten egg and the foamy yeast mixture. Stir everything together until it forms a sticky dough that signals you’re ready to move forward.

Step 3: Knead to Perfection

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes. This is where patience pays off as kneading develops the gluten, transforming your sticky dough into a smooth, elastic ball. The texture here will predict the softness of your doughnuts, so don’t rush this step.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and set it somewhere warm. Within about an hour, your dough should double in size. This rise time lets the yeast create air pockets, making the doughnuts light and fluffy once cooked.

Step 5: Shape Your Doughnuts

Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into four portions and roll each into a rope. Slice these ropes into inch-long pieces, then gently form each piece into a little ball. Place these on a tray and cover, allowing them to rest for another 10 to 15 minutes—this rest helps them puff up nicely during frying.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil in batches, frying each side for about 2 minutes, or until they’re a beautiful golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to keep them crisp and ready for glazing.

Step 7: Make the Classic Glaze

While your doughnuts cool slightly, melt the butter for the glaze in a bowl. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, then slowly whisk in hot water until the glaze is smooth and pourable. This glaze is what turns these doughnuts into the iconic treat we all love.

Step 8: Glaze and Set

Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack to let the excess drip off and the glaze set just right. This finishing touch gives you that shiny, sweet shell that’s pure Krispy Kreme perfection.

How to Serve Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe

Garnishes

To add a personal twist, try sprinkling your warm, glazed doughnuts with finely chopped nuts, colorful sprinkles, or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar. These simple garnishes elevate the doughnuts aesthetically and introduce delightful bursts of flavor and texture, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe with a fresh cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk is always a winner. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance that sweet indulgence with some brightness and tang. These combinations turn a simple doughnut into part of a memorable meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by stacking the glazed doughnuts into a playful tower or arranging them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel. Such presentations make your Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe the centerpiece of any gathering and invite everyone to dig in eagerly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any doughnuts left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, but they’re best enjoyed the same day for that original just-made texture and flavor.

Freezing

To preserve your Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe for longer, freeze the doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Freeze them without glaze for best results, adding fresh glaze after reheating to keep that signature shine.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen doughnuts, thaw them at room temperature and warm them gently in an oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. If previously unglazed before freezing, dip in fresh glaze while warm for that authentic Krispy Kreme finish.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Instant yeast can be used, but you won’t need to dissolve it in warm water first—just mix it in with the dry ingredients. The rise time might be a bit quicker, so keep an eye on the dough.

What oil is best for frying these doughnuts?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, works best. This ensures even frying without imparting unwanted flavors.

How do I prevent the doughnuts from absorbing too much oil?

Keep your oil at the recommended temperature of 375°F (190°C). If it’s too cool, the doughnuts will soak up oil, making them greasy. Using a thermometer helps maintain the perfect frying environment.

Can I flavor the glaze differently?

Definitely! While vanilla is classic, you can experiment with almond extract, lemon zest, or even a splash of coffee for a unique twist that complements the doughnuts beautifully.

Is it necessary to rest the doughnuts before frying?

Yes, the brief rest allows the dough balls to puff up slightly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier interior once fried. Skipping this step can make the doughnuts denser.

Final Thoughts

You honestly can’t beat the joy of pulling warm, homemade glazed doughnuts straight from the fryer. This Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe brings the warmth and nostalgia of a bakery favorite right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Give it a try—you’ll be delighting family and friends with these irresistible treats in no time!

Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe

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4 from 77 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 24 servings 1x

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Description

This homemade Krispy Kremes recipe brings the classic glazed doughnut experience right to your kitchen. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, the doughnuts are fried until golden and then dipped in a rich, buttery vanilla glaze. Perfectly soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet, these doughnuts are a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave a comforting sweet.

Ingredients

Scale

Doughnuts

3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons boiling water
1 teaspoon dry active yeast
8 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1¾ cups)
1½ ounces sugar (about 3 tablespoons)
1 egg
1 ounce butter (softened)
A dash of salt
Oil for frying

Glaze

1/3 cup butter (for glaze)
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
4 tablespoons hot water (adjust as needed)

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Instructions

Prepare yeast mixture: Combine milk and boiling water in a small bowl and let it cool to lukewarm. Stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar, then let sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in softened butter until the mixture resembles crumbs. Add the beaten egg and the yeast mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape doughnuts: Punch down the dough, divide it into four parts, roll each piece into a rope, cut into inch-long pieces, and shape each piece into a ball.
Rest dough balls: Arrange the dough balls on a tray, cover and let them rest for 10–15 minutes to puff up slightly.
Fry doughnuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry doughnuts in batches for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Prepare glaze: Melt the butter for the glaze, then stir in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Slowly add hot water, adjusting as needed, to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
Glaze doughnuts: Dip the warm doughnuts in the glaze, then place them on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

Ensure the milk and water mixture is lukewarm before adding yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
Use fresh active dry yeast for best rising results.
Oil temperature is crucial; too hot will burn the doughnuts, too cool will make them greasy.
Adjust glaze consistency by adding more or less hot water as needed.
For best flavor, serve doughnuts fresh and warm the same day they are made.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American