Who doesn’t love the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Krispy Kreme doughnuts? The fluffy, airy texture combined with a light, sugary glaze is pure perfection. If you’ve ever craved these legendary doughnuts but didn’t want to leave the house, we have great news: you can now make a copycat Krispy Kreme doughnut recipe right in your own kitchen!
This homemade doughnut recipe will guide you step by step to ensure you achieve that soft, pillowy texture and signature glaze we all adore. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this easy-to-follow guide will help you create homemade Krispy Kreme-style doughnuts that taste just like the original!
Why Make Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts?
You might wonder, why go through the effort of making Krispy Kreme-style doughnuts at home when you can buy them? Well, here are a few reasons why you’ll love this copycat Krispy Kreme doughnut recipe:
- Freshness: Nothing beats the warm, fresh taste of a glazed doughnut straight out of the fryer.
- Control Over Ingredients: Homemade means you can control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring there are no unnecessary additives or preservatives.
- Fun and Rewarding: There’s something incredibly satisfying about making homemade doughnuts from scratch and seeing them come out perfectly golden and soft.
- Saves Money: A dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts can be pricey, but making your own is cost-effective and yields more!
Now, let’s dive into the best homemade Krispy Kreme doughnut recipe you’ll ever try.
Ingredients for Copycat Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
For the Doughnuts:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water (100-110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Classic Krispy Kreme Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, the remaining sugar, egg, egg yolk, salt, and vanilla. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. (If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed for 5 minutes.)
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Doughnuts
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to ½-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter (or a large and small round cutter) to cut out doughnut shapes.
- Place the doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they become puffy.
Step 3: Fry the Doughnuts
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil, frying for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined rack.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- While doughnuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack and let the glaze set for a few minutes.
Tips for Perfect Copycat Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
- Use fresh yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the perfect rise.
- Don’t over-knead: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic to keep them soft.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep your oil at 350°F (175°C) to prevent doughnuts from being too greasy or undercooked.
- Glaze while warm: Dipping warm doughnuts into the glaze helps it stick better and creates that signature shine.
FAQs About Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
1. Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
Yes! While they won’t have the exact same texture, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
2. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. The next day, roll, cut, and fry them fresh.
3. How do I store homemade Krispy Kreme doughnuts?
They are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
4. Can I freeze the doughnuts?
Yes! Freeze the shaped, unbaked doughnuts on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw, rise, and fry as usual.
5. Why are my doughnuts greasy?
This usually happens if the oil temperature is too low. Use a thermometer to keep it at 350°F (175°C).
Conclusion
Making homemade Krispy Kreme-style doughnuts is easier than you think! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy fresh, airy, and perfectly glazed doughnuts whenever you crave them. This copycat Krispy Kreme doughnut recipe brings the magic of your favorite doughnut shop into your home, giving you a warm, sweet, and satisfying treat every time.
Try this homemade doughnut recipe today, and experience the joy of biting into a soft, warm, and deliciously glazed doughnut—straight from your own kitchen!
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Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe – Perfect Glazed Doughnuts at Home
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
– 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
– ½ cup warm water (100-110°F)
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup whole milk, warmed
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the Classic Krispy Kreme Glaze:
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– ¼ cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, egg yolk, salt, and vanilla. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir.
3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. (If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed for 5 minutes.)
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about **1-1.5 hours**, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Doughnuts:
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ½-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter (or a large and small round cutter) to cut out doughnut shapes.
6. Place the doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Fry the Doughnuts:
7. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to **350°F (175°C)**.
8. Carefully place doughnuts in the oil, frying **1-2 minutes per side**, until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined rack.
Make the Glaze:
9. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
10. While doughnuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Place on a rack to set for a few minutes.
Serve and Enjoy!
These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.