Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
There’s something magical about biting into a fresh, homemade Krispy Kreme-style doughnut—soft, airy, and coated in a perfectly sweet, glossy glaze. And guess what? You don’t need to wait in long drive-thru lines to enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth treats. With this easy recipe, you’ll get golden, pillowy doughnuts that taste just like the real deal. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
Why You’ll Love Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Versatile Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a late-night sweet craving.
Budget-Friendly Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Quick and Easy No fancy equipment required—just mix, shape, fry, and glaze.
Customizable Add fillings, switch up the glaze, or roll them in cinnamon sugar.
Crowd-Pleasing Everyone loves a fresh, warm doughnut straight from the fryer!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
These doughnuts are made with a handful of pantry staples but deliver bakery-level results!
Flour The base of the dough, giving it a soft yet slightly chewy texture.
Yeast The key to creating that light, airy structure inside the doughnuts.
Milk Adds moisture and richness for a tender bite.
Sugar A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Butter Enhances flavor and keeps the dough soft.
Eggs Help create a fluffy and rich dough.
Vanilla Extract Adds that classic sweet aroma.
Salt Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Oil For frying—use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
Ingredients for the Glaze
Powdered Sugar The base for that signature Krispy Kreme glaze.
Milk Creates a smooth, pourable consistency.
Vanilla Extract Adds a delicious depth of flavor.

Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size.
Roll and Cut
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter (or two round cookie cutters) to cut out the doughnuts and holes. Place them on a baking sheet and let them rise again until puffy.
Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches for about 1 minute per side, flipping once they turn golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and slightly runny.
Glaze the Doughnuts
While the doughnuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, flipping to coat both sides. Place on a wire rack to let the excess drip off.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then bite into the fluffiest, most delicious homemade doughnut ever!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 doughnuts
Calories per serving: ~250 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
How to Serve Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
- Fresh and Warm These doughnuts are best enjoyed right after glazing.
- With Coffee or Tea The perfect sweet companion to your morning drink.
- Filled with Cream or Jam Cut them in half and add your favorite filling.
- Rolled in Cinnamon Sugar For a fun twist on the classic glaze.
Additional Tips
- Use fresh yeast for the fluffiest results.
- Don’t over-knead the dough—it should be soft but not sticky.
- Keep oil temperature steady (around 350°F) to prevent greasy doughnuts.
- Glaze while warm so it melts into that classic Krispy Kreme coating.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them soft for up to two days.
FAQ’s
1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, then glaze. They won’t be as crispy but will still taste amazing.
2. How do I store leftover doughnuts?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Freeze the cut-out doughnuts before frying, then thaw and fry when ready.
4. What oil is best for frying doughnuts?
Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for the best flavor and texture.
5. Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! Let it rise in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before rolling.
6. Why are my doughnuts greasy?
The oil might be too cold—keep it at 350°F (175°C) for best results.
7. Can I make different glazes?
Yes! Try chocolate, maple, or even strawberry glaze for variety.
8. How do I get the perfect round shape?
Use a doughnut cutter or a round cookie cutter with a smaller one for the hole.
9. Why didn’t my doughnuts rise properly?
Your yeast may be expired, or the dough may have been too cold. Let it rise in a warm spot.
10. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Just mix it directly with the flour—no need to activate it in warm milk.
Conclusion
These Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are soft, airy, and coated in a sweet, irresistible glaze. They taste just like the real thing but even fresher! Whether you make them for a weekend treat or a special breakfast, these doughnuts are pure magic. Try them once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought!
PrintHomemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Enjoy a copycat version of the iconic Krispy Kreme doughnuts made right in your kitchen. These light, fluffy doughnuts are fried to a perfect golden brown and glazed with a sweet, shiny coating that melts in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Yield: 12-15 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the dough:
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
– 2/3 cup warm water (about 100°F)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
– 1/4 cup evaporated milk, warmed
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 3 cups all-purpose flour (approximately)
For the glaze:
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 3-4 tbsp hot water
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, melted butter, egg, remaining sugar, and salt.
3. Stir in the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter (or two round cutters of different sizes) to cut out doughnuts. Re-roll any scraps and cut additional doughnuts.
6. Place the doughnuts on a parchment-lined tray, cover lightly, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, deep skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
8. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, hot water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. While still warm, dip each doughnut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a rack to set.
Notes
– Ensure the oil remains at a steady 375°F to avoid greasy doughnuts.
– Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made.
– Adjust glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar or water as needed.
– For a filled variation, make a small slit in the doughnuts after frying and inject your favorite jam or custard.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg