Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe

Introduction

Make these homemade Krispy Kreme doughnuts for a fresh, fluffy, and sweet treat that rivals the original. From the soft dough to the shiny vanilla glaze, these doughnuts are perfect for any dessert craving or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup warm water (105-115 degrees Fahrenheit)
• 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
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 3-5 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Warm the milk in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2 minutes and let it cool to lukewarm.
3. Step 3: Add the 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 combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of flour and switch to the dough hook attachment. Knead at medium speed for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.
5. Step 5: Transfer the dough to a large, greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Once risen, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut doughnuts using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (3-4 inches for outer circle, 1 inch for center). Re-roll scraps as needed.
7. Step 7: Place cut doughnuts and holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between. Cover loosely and let rest for 10-15 minutes while heating the oil.
8. Step 8: Heat 3 inches of oil in a large deep saucepan to 375°F (use a thermometer for accuracy).
9. Step 9: Working in batches, carefully fry doughnuts for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
10. Step 10: In a bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and 3 tablespoons milk until smooth. Add more milk a tablespoon at a time until glaze is thin enough to dip but not runny.
11. Step 11: Dip each warm doughnut top side down into the glaze. Let excess drip off, then place on a wire rack to set for a few minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually but avoid over-flouring to keep dough light.
• Flour cutters and work surface to prevent dough sticking while shaping doughnuts.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature to ensure even frying; test fry a doughnut hole first.
• Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced twist.

Storage

Store glazed doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best flavor, eat within the first day. To reheat, warm them briefly in a microwave or oven until soft. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the doughnuts without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will require more effort, kneading for about 10-12 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.

What if I don’t have a doughnut cutter?

You can use two round cutters or even a large glass for the outer circle and a small bottle cap for the center hole to shape your doughnuts.

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe

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4.5 from 56 reviews

Enjoy homemade Krispy Kreme-style doughnuts that are fluffy, sweet, and perfectly glazed. This recipe guides you through making soft doughnuts fried to golden perfection and coated with a classic sugary glaze—just like the originals from the famous chain.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 doughnuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Doughnuts:

• 1/3 cup warm water (105–115 degrees Fahrenheit)
• 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

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
2. Warm Milk: Warm the milk in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2 minutes and let it cool to lukewarm to avoid killing the yeast when combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients and Flour: Add the warmed milk, sugar, salt, eggs, softened butter, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Using the paddle attachment, mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and uniformly combined.
4. Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of flour and switch to the dough hook attachment. Knead at medium speed for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.
5. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl, turning once to coat all sides. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
6. Shape Doughnuts: Once risen, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (3-4 inches for the outer ring and 1 inch for the center) to cut doughnuts. Re-roll scraps to form more doughnuts as needed.
7. Rest Before Frying: Place the doughnuts and holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart. Cover loosely and let them rest for 10-15 minutes while you heat the oil.
8. Heat Oil: Heat 3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a large, deep saucepan to 375°F. Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for even frying.
9. Fry Doughnuts: Working in batches, carefully fry the doughnuts for about 1-2 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
10. Prepare Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together 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 but not runny.
11. Glaze Doughnuts: Dip each warm doughnut top side down into the glaze. Let excess drip off. Place glazed doughnuts on a wire rack to set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• If the dough feels too sticky, add flour a little at a time as needed, but avoid over-flouring to keep doughnuts tender.
• Dust cutters and work surface with flour to prevent sticking while shaping.
• Maintain oil temperature consistently at 375°F for even frying; test fry a doughnut hole first to gauge time and temperature.
• For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.

Keywords: Krispy Kreme doughnut recipe, homemade doughnuts, glazed doughnuts, fried doughnuts, classic doughnut recipe, American dessert