Homemade Krispy Kreme doughnuts bring the irresistible joy of a warm, freshly-made treat right to your kitchen. This recipe captures that special delight found in biting into a light and airy doughnut, glazed to perfection.
It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of sweetness and nostalgia to any morning or gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at doughnuts for the first time, this process, while detailed, is deeply rewarding and surprisingly doable!
This homemade version of Krispy Kreme doughnuts is not just a treat; it’s a fun baking project that results in deliciously sweet rewards. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, these doughnuts are sure to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients:
For the Doughnuts:
- 3 tbsp milk
- 3 tbsp boiling water
- 1 tsp dry active yeast
- 1 1/2 oz sugar (about 3 tablespoons), divided
- 8 oz all-purpose flour (a little under 2 cups – it’s best to measure and weigh)
- 1 oz butter, cold to room temperature (do not melt)
- 1 egg
- Dash of salt
- Enough oil for deep frying (to cover the bottom few inches of a wok or deep fryer)
For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons hot water (or as needed)
Instructions:
Preparing the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large measuring jug, combine the milk and boiling water. Add a teaspoon of the sugar and the yeast. Stir gently, then set aside in a warm place until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, the remaining sugar, and a dash of salt.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut the butter into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Lightly beat the egg, then add it along with the yeast mixture to the flour mix. Stir to form a smooth dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 10 minutes, until it’s springy and small bubbles form under the surface.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough back in the bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Shaping and Frying:
- Shape Doughnuts: Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 pieces, then roll each into a long rope about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Cut strips about an inch long, then roll each strip into a ball.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped doughnut holes on a baking tray or wire rack, cover with a cloth, and let rise again while you heat the oil to 375°F.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Fry the doughnuts in batches in the hot oil until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the fryer.
- Drain: Remove the doughnuts from the oil and drain on paper towels or a wire rack over a cloth.
Glazing:
- Prepare the Glaze: Melt the butter for the glaze. Whisk in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and hot water until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Adjust the thickness by adding more hot water or sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Doughnuts: While the doughnuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, ensuring they are well coated.
- Serve: Allow the glazed doughnuts to set on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm for a truly Krispy Kreme-like experience!
