Sink your teeth into cloud-like, sweet, and perfectly glazed treats with this Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts recipe. There’s truly nothing quite like the joy of making these from scratch—watching the dough rise, the golden frying, and that moment when the warm, sugary glaze settles just right. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or eager to impress your brunch crowd, these doughnuts deliver a taste that’s every bit as magical as the famous originals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these doughnuts comes from a handful of humble ingredients, each playing a special role in achieving that tender crumb and signature shiny glaze. Gather your staples and get ready—Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts rely on quality and a little extra kitchen love!

Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This tiny powerhouse jumpstarts the dough, giving it that beautiful rise and airy texture.
Warm Water (1/4 cup, 110°F): Ensures the yeast gets bubbly and lively; if it’s too hot or too cold, your doughnuts might not rise as they should.
Warm Milk (3/4 cup, 110°F): Adds rich flavor and softness while keeping everything light.
Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps the yeast along during proofing.
All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups, plus extra): Gives your doughnuts their structure; a little more for dusting keeps things easy to handle.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just the right touch to balance out all that sugar and enhance the flavors.
Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Lends richness and a subtle buttery note, making the final bite irresistible.
Egg Yolks (2 large): Add color, tenderness, and extra flavor to your dough.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon for dough, 1 teaspoon for glaze): Infuses warmth throughout both the dough and silky glaze.
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Gives a crisp, golden shell while keeping the inside pillowy.
Powdered Sugar (2 cups, for glaze): The base of that iconic sweet glaze—don’t skip the sifting for lump-free results!
Whole Milk (1/4 cup, for glaze): Creates a pourable, glossy finish as it blends with the powdered sugar.

How to Make Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by gently dissolving the active dry yeast in warm water. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes, until it’s foamy on top—this is the yeast’s way of telling you it’s alive and ready to go. This bubbly start gives your Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts their signature soft, light texture.

Step 2: Mix and Form the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, stir together your yeast mixture, warm milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, salt, and just one cup of your flour. Mix this into a smooth, creamy batter before slowly adding the rest of the flour. By taking your time here, you ensure the dough comes together smooth, soft, and never tough.

Step 3: Knead to Perfection

Move your dough onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes. This is where the magic happens: the dough becomes silky and elastic, bouncing back when poked. Don’t rush this part—the texture you create here will shine in the final doughnut.

Step 4: The First Rise

Transfer your kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise somewhere warm. After 1 to 1 1/2 hours, your dough should double in size, springy and ready for its transformation. Watching the dough puff up always feels promising, and sets the stage for classic Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

Step 5: Roll and Shape

Punch down your beautifully risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it to about a half-inch thickness—thick enough for pillowy centers! Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters to shape classic rings (save those adorable centers as doughnut holes).

Step 6: The Second Rise

Gently transfer your shaped doughnuts onto a floured baking sheet. Cover them loosely and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes. They’ll become noticeably puffier and lighter, which is exactly what gives Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts their signature bite.

Step 7: Fry Until Golden

Heat your oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or large, heavy pot. Carefully fry your doughnuts in batches, only about a minute per side. They turn the perfect golden brown, with a slightly crisp exterior that gives way to a supremely soft interior. Be sure to drain them on paper towels—that step keeps them from getting greasy.

Step 8: Glaze While Warm

While your doughnuts are still slightly warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Dip each doughnut into the silky glaze, then let the excess drip off before placing on a rack. The glaze will set into that dreamy, transparent sheen you know and love.

How to Serve Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Garnishes

For that classic look, keep it simple with the signature vanilla glaze, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Sprinkle on colored sugar, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a hint of cinnamon for a playful twist. A chocolate glaze made by swapping a bit of the powdered sugar with cocoa powder is a crowd-pleasing alternative that still lets those Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts shine.

Side Dishes

Balance the sweet richness with a fresh fruit salad, or serve your doughnuts alongside thick-cut bacon for a sweet-savory delight. For a lazy weekend brunch, set up a spread with hot coffee, fresh squeezed juice, and perhaps a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt on the side—it’s a bakery-worthy experience right at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your glazed doughnuts on a pretty cake stand, or skewer the doughnut holes onto sticks for a whimsical doughnut bouquet. For parties, try threading mini doughnuts onto ribbon as edible party favors. Even just piling them high on a plate is sure to make everyone’s eyes light up—these Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts do all the talking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve managed not to eat every last doughnut, keep leftovers soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. The glaze helps lock in moisture, but for best results, refresh them before serving.

Freezing

For longer storage, stash unglazed doughnuts in a zip-top freezer bag; they’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, then glaze as usual for fresh-from-the-fryer taste.

Reheating

To bring leftover doughnuts back to life, pop them in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven just until the glaze is glossy again. They’ll taste almost as amazing as when you first made them!

FAQs

Should I use active dry yeast or instant yeast?

Stick with active dry yeast for that steady, predictable rise; if all you have is instant yeast, simply use the same amount and skip the blooming step—it will still work beautifully.

Why are my doughnuts greasy?

Greasy doughnuts are usually a sign your oil wasn’t hot enough. Make sure the oil reaches 350°F before frying, and fry just a few at a time to keep the temperature steady.

Can I make the dough ahead and fry later?

Absolutely! You can let the shaped doughnuts rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before frying the next morning for fresh, Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at sunrise.

What’s the best oil for frying doughnuts?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower are perfect because they won’t add any extra flavor and can handle high frying temperatures. Avoid olive oil, which has a stronger taste and a lower smoke point.

How do I get my glaze to look smooth and shiny?

Make sure your powdered sugar is well-sifted and blend the glaze with room temperature milk for that ultra-smooth, pourable finish. Dipping warm doughnuts gives the most beautiful sheen—just like at the shop!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying a classic, fresh, and tender doughnut straight from your own kitchen, these Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are the perfect answer. Share them warm with the people you love—they’re a little work, a lot of fun, and absolutely unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try them!

Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at home with this easy recipe. These glazed, fried doughnuts are a delightful treat for breakfast or any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Doughnuts:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
vegetable oil for frying

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Dough Preparation: Dissolve yeast in warm water. Combine with milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks, vanilla, salt, and flour. Knead, let rise, and cut doughnuts.
Frying: Heat oil, fry doughnuts until golden brown.
Glazing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Dip doughnuts in glaze.

Notes

For a chocolate glaze, replace 1/4 cup powdered sugar with cocoa powder.
Best enjoyed fresh the same day. Store unglazed doughnuts in an airtight container if making ahead.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American