These light, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth glazed doughnuts taste just like the iconic Krispy Kreme originals—crispy outside, pillowy inside, and dipped in sweet vanilla glaze!
Ingredients (Makes ~12 doughnuts)
For the Dough
- 3 tbsp milk (whole or 2%)
- 3 tbsp boiling water
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 8 oz (225g) all-purpose flour (about 2 cups)
- 1½ oz (45g) sugar (3 tbsp)
- 1 large egg, room temp
- 1 oz (30g) unsalted butter, softened
- Dash of salt
For Frying
- Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
For the Glaze
- ⅓ cup (75g) butter, melted
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp hot water
(Optional: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to the glaze for chocolate dip!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- Mix milk + boiling water + sugar + yeast in a bowl.
- Let sit 5–10 mins until foamy (if it doesn’t foam, start over—yeast is dead!).
2. Make the Dough
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour + salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Add yeast mixture + egg; stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead 5–10 mins by hand (or with a mixer) until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour (or until doubled).
4. Shape & Second Rise
- Roll dough ½-inch thick; cut into 2.5-inch rounds (use a cookie cutter or glass).
- Let rise 30 mins while heating oil to 375°F (190°C).
5. Fry to Golden Perfection
- Fry 2–3 at a time for 1–2 mins per side (don’t overcrowd!).
- Drain on paper towels.
6. Glaze While Warm
- Whisk melted butter + powdered sugar + vanilla + hot water until smooth.
- Dip warm doughnuts and let excess drip off.
FAQs & Pro Tips
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
⚠️ No—the texture won’t be the same! For baked, try cake-style doughnuts.
Q: Why are my doughnuts dense?
➡️ Over-kneading or old yeast (always check expiration dates!).
Q: How to keep them fresh?
- Best eaten same day (they stale quickly).
- Revive by microwaving 5–10 secs.
Q: Can I use instant yeast?
✅ Yes! Skip the foam test and mix directly into dry ingredients.
Q: What’s the secret to Krispy Kreme’s lightness?
➡️ High-gluten flour (substitute 1 tbsp flour with vital wheat gluten if you have it!).
Serving Suggestions
☕ Pair with:
- Hot coffee
- Cold milk
- Ice cream (for a doughnut sundae!)
🎉 Perfect for:
- Weekend brunch
- Birthday treats
- Midnight snacks
Nutrition (per doughnut): ~220 kcal
These homemade Krispy Kremes are worth the effort—fresh, warm, and dripping with glaze! 😍
Pro Tip: For extra shine, add 1 tbsp corn syrup to the glaze! ✨
