Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the first bite of a warm, homemade Krispy Kreme-style doughnut—soft, fluffy, and coated in a delicate glaze that melts in your mouth. These doughnuts are a true treat, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just because you’re craving something sweet.

this Recipe

I first attempted making these doughnuts on a lazy Sunday morning, determined to recreate that classic Krispy Kreme magic at home. After a few trial runs, I finally landed on the perfect recipe—one that delivers the lightest, airiest dough with that signature sweet glaze. Now, every time I make a batch, they disappear faster than I can plate them.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate homemade doughnut experience. This recipe is simple yet incredibly rewarding, giving you bakery-quality doughnuts straight from your kitchen.

First, these doughnuts are made with basic pantry ingredients, meaning you won’t have to hunt down anything special. Flour, sugar, yeast, and butter come together to create an ultra-soft dough that fries up beautifully.

Second, the texture is absolute perfection. The doughnuts are light and airy on the inside, with a delicate golden exterior that’s perfectly crisp before getting bathed in that irresistible glaze.

Plus, there’s nothing like the smell of fresh doughnuts filling your home. The warm, buttery aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water before you even take a bite.

And let’s talk about that glaze! The smooth, sweet coating gives each doughnut that signature Krispy Kreme-style finish—thin yet luscious, with just the right amount of stickiness to make you want another.

Ingredients Notes

Making the perfect homemade Krispy Kremes starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Flour – A mix of all-purpose and bread flour gives the best results. Bread flour adds a little extra chewiness, while all-purpose flour keeps the dough tender.

Yeast – Instant yeast works best for a quicker rise, but active dry yeast will work as well—just be sure to proof it in warm milk before mixing.

Milk – Warm whole milk helps activate the yeast and adds richness to the dough. If needed, you can substitute with 2% milk, but avoid skim as it lacks the necessary fat content.

Butter – Unsalted butter provides a tender crumb and enhances the flavor. Make sure it’s softened before incorporating it into the dough.

Sugar – A little granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps with browning, while powdered sugar is essential for the glaze.

Eggs – These add structure and richness, giving the doughnuts their soft, pillowy texture.

Oil – Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying. It ensures even cooking without imparting unwanted flavors.

Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla in both the dough and the glaze rounds out the flavor beautifully.

How To Make This Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe

Creating these doughnuts from scratch may seem intimidating, but the process is simpler than you think. Here’s how to achieve that iconic Krispy Kreme taste at home.

Start by activating the yeast. Warm the milk to about 110°F and mix it with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and eggs. Slowly add the foamy yeast mixture, followed by the softened butter and vanilla extract. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This takes about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer.

Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Once risen, roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness and use a doughnut cutter (or two round cutters) to shape the doughnuts. Don’t forget to save the holes—they fry up into perfect little bites!

Let the cut doughnuts rest on a parchment-lined tray for another 30 minutes to rise again. Meanwhile, heat your oil to 350°F in a large pot or deep fryer. Fry each doughnut for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.

For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. While the doughnuts are still slightly warm, dip each one into the glaze, letting the excess drip off before setting them back on the rack to dry.

Enjoy immediately for the ultimate Krispy Kreme-style experience!

Storage Options

If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare in my house), these doughnuts can be stored properly to maintain their delicious texture.

Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If they start to lose their softness, a quick zap in the microwave for 5-10 seconds brings them back to life.

Refrigerator – While doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the glaze might absorb moisture, making them a bit stickier.

Freezing – To freeze, skip the glaze and store plain doughnuts in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly before glazing.

Reheating – The best way to revive a doughnut is a short trip in the microwave—just 5-10 seconds is enough to soften them up without drying them out.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can switch things up. Here are some fun ways to make it your own.

Chocolate Glaze – Replace the vanilla glaze with a rich chocolate version by melting ½ cup of chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of butter and mixing with powdered sugar and milk.

Cinnamon Sugar – Instead of glazing, roll the warm doughnuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic, old-fashioned twist.

Maple Glaze – Add ½ teaspoon of maple extract to the glaze for a sweet, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the fluffy doughnuts.

Filled Doughnuts – Skip the hole-cutting and instead fill each fried doughnut with vanilla custard, jam, or Nutella using a piping bag.

Baked Alternative – If you want a lighter option, try baking these doughnuts at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. They won’t have the exact same crispy exterior but will still be soft and delicious.

No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these homemade Krispy Kremes are guaranteed to be a hit. With their soft, airy texture and that iconic sweet glaze, they’re a labor of love that’s worth every bite. Happy frying!

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