Homemade Krispy Kreme Donuts Recipe

Craving the irresistible taste of Krispy Kreme donuts but don’t want to leave the comfort of your home? This homemade recipe brings the iconic light and fluffy donuts, complete with a rich glaze, right to your kitchen. They’re so close to the real deal, you’ll be amazed!

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 tablespoons boiling water
• 1 teaspoon dry active yeast
• 8 ounces all-purpose flour (a little under 2 cups; it’s best to measure and weigh)
• 1 1/2 ounces sugar (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1 egg
• 1 ounce butter (cold to room temperature)
• A dash of salt
• Oil for frying

For the Glaze:

• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons hot water (or as needed)

Directions

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large measuring jug, mix the milk and boiling water. Add a teaspoon of sugar and the yeast. Stir gently, then leave it in a warm place until it foams.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter using your fingers or a pastry blender until it resembles crumbs.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Lightly beat the egg and add it to the flour mixture along with the yeast mixture. Mix into a smooth dough, about 5 minutes.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly-floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes until springy. Place it back in the bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about an hour.

Shaping and Frying:

1. Shape the Donuts: Turn the risen dough onto a surface and divide it into 4 pieces. Stretch each piece into a long rope and cut into 1-inch strips. Roll each strip into a ball and place on a tray.
2. Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough balls and let them rise while you heat the oil to 375°F.
3. Fry the Donuts: Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Drain: Drain the donuts on paper towels or a wire rack.

Glazing:

1. Prepare the Glaze: Melt the butter for the glaze. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, adding hot water as needed to reach desired consistency.
2. Glaze the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, ensuring full coverage.

Enjoy these homemade Krispy Kreme-like donuts warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. They’re perfect for satisfying your donut cravings and are sure to impress family and friends with their authentic taste and texture. Happy baking and indulging!

Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute for active dry yeast. The ratio is typically 1:1, so use the same amount specified for active dry yeast. Instant yeast doesn’t require activation in warm water and can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.

How Do I Know if My Yeast is Active?

Your yeast is active if it foams and bubbles after mixing it with warm water and sugar. This process, known as proofing, usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. If there’s no foam, the yeast may be expired and won’t work to leaven the dough.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and refrigerate. The cold environment slows down the yeast, allowing for a slow rise. You can keep it in the refrigerator overnight.

What’s the Best Oil for Frying Donuts?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, are best for frying donuts. They won’t impart any additional flavor to the donuts and can handle the high heat needed for frying.

How Can I Ensure My Donuts are Fully Cooked Inside?

To ensure your donuts are fully cooked, maintain the oil temperature at 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown quickly while leaving the inside undercooked. Conversely, if the oil is not hot enough, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?

While baking is a healthier option, it won’t give you the same texture and taste as frying. For a Krispy Kreme-like experience, frying is recommended. However, you can bake them at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes for a different but still delicious result.

How Long Do Homemade Donuts Last?

Homemade donuts are best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few hours of making them. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may absorb into the donut over time, changing the texture.

Can I Freeze the Dough or Cooked Donuts?

Yes, you can freeze both the dough and cooked donuts. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. For cooked donuts, freeze them without the glaze and add the glaze after thawing and reheating them.

Why Did My Donuts Turn Out Too Dense?

Dense donuts can result from over-kneading the dough or not allowing it enough time to rise. Ensure that the dough is kneaded just until smooth and elastic, and give it enough time to double in size during the first rise.

Can I Add Fillings to These Donuts?

Absolutely! You can fill these donuts with jelly, custard, or chocolate after they are cooked. Use a piping bag with a narrow tip to inject your filling of choice into the donuts.

Enjoy making and indulging in these delightful homemade Krispy Kreme-style donuts!