I’ve always loved the melt-in-your-mouth texture of Krispy Kreme donuts. There’s something special about their light, airy interior and perfectly glazed exterior. Every time I bite into one, I’m reminded of childhood trips to the donut shop, watching through the glass as fresh donuts rolled down the conveyor belt, getting drenched in that signature glaze.
That’s what inspired me to make my own version at home. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment—just a few pantry staples and a bit of patience. These homemade Krispy Kremes are incredibly soft, with just the right amount of sweetness. The dough is light and fluffy, fried to golden perfection, then coated in a simple glaze that sets beautifully.
Making these donuts from scratch is easier than you might think. The key is to allow the dough plenty of time to rise, which gives it that irresistible texture. Plus, the homemade glaze is made with just three ingredients and comes together in seconds. Once you taste these, you’ll never want store-bought again!
I love making these for family gatherings, weekend breakfasts, or just when I’m craving something sweet. They disappear fast, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making another batch sooner than expected. The process is not only fun but also rewarding—there’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, freshly glazed donut that you made with your own hands.
In the next sections, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, baking times, storage tips, and even some tricks to get that signature Krispy Kreme texture. Get ready for the best homemade donuts you’ve ever had!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For Frying:
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Homemade Krispy Kreme Donuts
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This ensures that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, salt, egg, butter, and half of the flour. Mix until well combined, then add the yeast mixture. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small for the hole), cut out the donuts. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Gently place a few donuts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1 minute per side, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 7: Glaze the Donuts
While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, ensuring full coverage. Place back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
Once set, your homemade Krispy Kreme donuts are ready to enjoy! Soft, fluffy, and perfectly glazed—just like the real thing.
How Long to Bake (or Fry) Krispy Kreme Donuts?
Since these donuts are deep-fried, getting the right frying time is crucial for the perfect texture. The ideal oil temperature is 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside while staying raw in the middle. If the oil is too cold, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of light and airy.
Each donut should be fried for about 1 minute per side, flipping once to ensure even cooking. Once golden brown, remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel or wire rack before glazing. If you’re making donut holes, they require less time—about 30-40 seconds per side.
How to Store Leftover Donuts
Homemade donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
At Room Temperature: Place the donuts in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Keep them in a single layer to prevent the glaze from becoming sticky.
In the Refrigerator: If you need to keep them longer, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, warm them in the microwave for 8-10 seconds to soften them.
In the Freezer: You can freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature before warming them in the microwave or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Once warm, glaze them as usual.
Tips for Perfect Krispy Kreme Donuts
- Use Fresh Yeast: Active dry yeast should be fresh for a proper rise. If your yeast doesn’t foam during activation, it may be expired.
- Monitor the Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain 350°F (175°C). Temperature fluctuations can affect texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying too many donuts at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to greasy donuts. Cook them in small batches.
- Let the Dough Rise Fully: A well-risen dough results in light and fluffy donuts. Don’t rush the process.
- Dip While Warm: Glaze the donuts while they’re still slightly warm so the glaze sets beautifully without running off.
- Rest on a Wire Rack: Letting donuts cool on a rack (rather than paper towels) prevents them from getting soggy.
Following these steps will ensure your donuts turn out just like the ones from Krispy Kreme—soft, airy, and irresistibly delicious!
Print
Homemade Krispy Kremes
These homemade Krispy Kreme donuts are light, airy, and coated in a delicious vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet treat anytime!
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For Frying:
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, salt, egg, butter, and half the flour. Mix well, then add the yeast mixture. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts: Roll out dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut into donut shapes using a round cutter. Place on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts for 1 minute per side until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined rack.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Glaze the Donuts: While still warm, dip each donut into the glaze, then place on a wire rack to set.
Notes
- Storage: Store at room temperature for 24 hours or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw, warm, and glaze before serving.
- Baking Option: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, then brush with melted butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Baked donuts won’t have the same light, airy, and crispy texture as fried ones. If you want to bake them, place the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rise. Then, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Brush them with melted butter immediately after baking to add some richness.
2. Why Are My Donuts Dense Instead of Light and Fluffy?
Dense donuts usually result from under-proofed dough or too much flour. Make sure the dough rises fully before shaping and frying. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) with a bowl of warm water to help it rise. Also, when adding flour, do so gradually and stop when the dough is soft but not sticky.
3. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to fry, take the dough out, let it come to room temperature, and proceed with shaping and frying. This method can help develop even better flavor.
4. How Do I Make the Glaze Thicker or Thinner?
For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If you want a thinner glaze, stir in a teaspoon of milk at a time until smooth. You can also dip the donuts twice for a thicker coating.
These tips will help you achieve the perfect homemade Krispy Kreme donuts every time!