If you have ever dreamed of recreating a bakery classic right in your own kitchen, this Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe is your golden ticket. These doughnuts come out soft, fluffy, and perfectly glazed just like the ones you find at the famous shop, with that light, airy texture that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful party snack, there is something truly magical about homemade Krispy Kreme doughnuts that makes every bite a moment worth savoring. You’ll find this recipe both approachable and rewarding, making it an absolute favorite to keep returning to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, essential ingredients, each playing a special role, this Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe comes together beautifully. From the rich creaminess of milk to the softening butter, every component works in harmony to create doughnuts that are tender and irresistibly delicious.
- Instant yeast (2¼-ounce packages or 4½ teaspoons): The powerhouse behind that light, fluffy rise in the dough.
- Warm water (⅓ cup, 105-115℉/40-46℃): Activates yeast for a perfect dough rise.
- Milk (1½ cups, whole or low fat): Adds moisture and richness to the dough’s texture.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Provides subtle sweetness and aids in browning.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and add structure and moisture.
- Butter or shortening (⅓ cup, softened): Contributes to tenderness and a rich mouthfeel.
- All-purpose flour (5 cups): The sturdy base creating that perfect dough body.
- Canola oil for frying: Neutral oil that crisps the outside without overpowering flavor.
- Melted butter (½ cup) for glaze: Gives the glaze a velvety finish.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the glaze beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and aromatic depth to the glaze.
- Evaporated milk (5-7 tablespoons): Adjusts glaze consistency, making it perfectly glossy.
How to Make Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining lukewarm water with your instant yeast in the bowl of a standing mixer. Let it sit for about five minutes until the yeast dissolves completely and becomes frothy. This step is essential to ensure your dough will rise beautifully, guaranteeing light and airy doughnuts.
Step 2: Warm the Milk
Meanwhile, heat the milk gently in a microwave-safe bowl for around two minutes, then remove and let it cool to a comfortable temperature. The warmed milk blends smoothly into the dough, adding both flavor and softness without killing the yeast.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Flour
Add the cooled milk, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, softened butter or shortening, and two cups of flour to the activated yeast mixture. Mix everything at medium speed for two minutes until evenly combined. Then, gradually add the remaining flour and continue mixing, scraping down the sides to form a smooth, elastic dough.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a large greased bowl, cover it loosely with a clean cloth, and find a warm, draft-free spot for it to rise. After about an hour or two, the dough should double in size, proving that all the yeast magic has done its job and promising pillowy doughnuts ahead.
Step 5: Shape the Doughnuts
Roll your risen dough out on a floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or cookie cutters—one about 3 to 4 inches for the doughnut shape, and one around 1 inch for the hole—to cut out your doughnuts. Let the cut pieces rest for about 10 minutes before frying; this relaxes the dough and improves texture.
Step 6: Frying to Perfection
In a deep sauce pan, heat canola oil until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully drop a few doughnuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry them gently, turning once, for approximately three minutes or until a gorgeous golden brown. Transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil—you’ll love that perfect crisp exterior.
Step 7: Prepare the Classic Glaze
For that signature Krispy Kreme shine, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, then add evaporated milk a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired glaze consistency. This glaze will coat your doughnuts with a delectably sweet finish that’s both glossy and irresistibly gooey.
Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy
Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off on a cooling rack. This final touch seals in the moisture, making every bite decadently soft and sweet—bringing your Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe to its full glory.
How to Serve Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic glaze keeps these doughnuts iconic, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of rainbow sprinkles for a little extra fun and color. Freshly chopped nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar also provide delightful textures and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Pair your doughnuts with fresh fruit like strawberries or orange slices to balance sweetness with fresh brightness. A hot cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea creates a comforting, satisfying combo perfect for mornings or afternoon treats.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive party platter, stack glazed doughnuts on a cake stand, and surround them with mini doughnut holes dipped in chocolate or sprinkles. Try sandwiching the doughnuts with flavored cream cheese or whipped cream for a playful twist that delights the senses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness without drying out, although they are best enjoyed fresh for peak flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep doughnuts longer, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag. They will last up to a month, making this Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe perfect for prepping ahead for special occasions.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or leftover doughnuts, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until soft and tender. Alternatively, a quick blast in a toaster oven helps keep the glaze intact while restoring that heavenly fresh-out-of-the-fryer texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but you will need to proof it first in warm water with a pinch of sugar until it becomes frothy, which may take about 10 minutes. Adjust the rising time accordingly.
Is it possible to make the doughnuts without a standing mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand using a large bowl and a sturdy spoon, then knead it on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. It might take a bit more effort but will deliver the same delicious results.
What type of oil is best for frying doughnuts?
Neutral oils with high smoke points, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, work best. They provide even frying without overpowering the delicate doughnut flavor.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it back to room temperature and stir well before dipping your doughnuts for that perfect shine.
Why do my doughnuts come out heavy instead of light?
Heavy doughnuts usually mean the dough didn’t rise enough or was overworked. Make sure your yeast is active, the dough rests adequately until doubled, and avoid adding too much flour during shaping.
Final Thoughts
Making doughnuts from scratch might sound intimidating, but this Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe breaks it down into truly manageable steps without sacrificing any of the joy or flavor. Once you experience the thrill of pulling these golden beauties fresh from your own kitchen, you’ll wonder why you ever bought doughnuts from a store. So gather your ingredients, invite in the warmth of a home baker’s pride, and get ready to share smiles one Krispy Kreme doughnut at a time!
Print
Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 doughnuts 1x
Description
This Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe recreates the iconic light, fluffy, and super soft doughnuts at home. With a slightly sweet yeast dough fried to golden perfection and dipped in a classic vanilla glaze, these doughnuts are irresistible treats perfect for breakfast or dessert. The process involves proofing a yeast dough, frying it in hot oil, and then glazing, delivering that signature sweet and airy delight.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 ¼-ounce packages instant yeast (or 4½ teaspoons)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) warm water (105-115℉/40-46℃)
- 1½ cups (355ml) milk (whole or low fat)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (7g) salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup (76g) butter or shortening (softened)
- 5 cups (600g) all-purpose flour
- Canola oil for frying (enough for at least 3 inches depth in pan)
Glaze
- ½ cup (113g) butter (melted)
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
- 5–7 tablespoons (75-103ml) evaporated milk (or water as substitute)
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a standing mixer bowl, combine lukewarm water and instant yeast. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the yeast dissolves and becomes slightly frothy.
- Heat milk: In a microwave-safe medium bowl, warm the milk for approximately 2 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool to lukewarm temperature before using in dough.
- Mix initial dough ingredients: Add the cooled milk, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, softened butter (or shortening), and 2 cups of flour to the bowl with activated yeast.
- Mix dough: Using a mixer at medium speed, mix these ingredients for about 2 minutes. Then gradually add the remaining 3 cups of flour and continue mixing while scraping down the sides until a smooth dough forms.
- Proof the dough: Transfer the dough into a large greased bowl. Cover loosely with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free environment for 1 to 2 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Shape doughnuts: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one about 3-4 inches and a smaller one about 1 inch) to cut out doughnut shapes. Let the cut doughnuts rest and stand for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare frying oil: In a large saucepan, pour enough canola oil to reach at least 3 inches in depth. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
- Fry doughnuts: Carefully place a few doughnuts at a time into the hot oil, frying them until golden brown, about 3 minutes total, turning once midway for even cooking. Use a slotted spoon to remove doughnuts and drain on paper towels.
- Make glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup butter. Remove from microwave and stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Adjust glaze consistency: Gradually add evaporated milk (or water) one tablespoon at a time until the glaze reaches your desired dripping consistency.
- Glaze doughnuts: Dip the fried doughnuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then place on a wire rack to set.
Notes
- Ensure the water and milk are at lukewarm temperatures to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Frying temperature is critical; use a thermometer to maintain oil at 375°F for perfect golden, non-greasy doughnuts.
- If doughnuts are not rising enough, find a warmer spot around the kitchen to proof.
- Store glazed doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best freshness.
- You can substitute evaporated milk in the glaze with regular milk or water but evaporated milk gives a richer flavor.
- Use a wire rack for glazing to allow excess glaze to drip and avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
