Homemade Krispy Kreme Donuts (Copycat Recipe)

Light as air, tender on the inside, and coated in a heavenly vanilla glaze—these homemade Krispy Kreme-style donuts are a sweet dream come true. You don’t need a donut shop to enjoy fresh, hot donuts at home. All it takes is a little time, a simple yeast dough, and a quick dip in the fryer.

???? Ingredients (Makes ~12 donuts + holes)

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour – 375g
• Whole milk – 180ml, warm (about 40°C)
• Active dry yeast – 7g (1 packet)
• Granulated sugar – 50g
• Salt – 3g (½ tsp)
• Unsalted butter – 45g, softened
• Egg – 1 large (approx. 50g)
• Egg yolk – 1 (approx. 18g)
• Vanilla extract – 5ml (1 tsp)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil – for deep frying (at least 1 liter)

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar – 240g
• Milk – 60ml
• Vanilla extract – 5ml (1 tsp)

????‍???? Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, whisk together warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.

???? Use a dough hook and knead for 8–10 minutes (or by hand for 10–12 minutes) until the dough is smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Donuts

Roll out the dough to 1.2 cm (½ inch) thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter (7–8 cm) and a smaller cutter (2–3 cm) for the center. Re-roll scraps as needed.

5. Second Rise

Place shaped donuts on parchment paper squares. Cover with a clean towel and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

6. Make the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Keep warm (you can place the bowl over a pot of warm water).

7. Fry the Donuts

Heat oil to 175°C (350°F) in a deep pot. Fry 2–3 donuts at a time for 45–60 seconds per side or until golden. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.

8. Glaze While Warm

While still warm, dip each donut in glaze, flip to coat both sides, then place on a wire rack to set.

???? Pro Tips for Perfect Donuts

• Temperature control is key! Use a thermometer to keep oil at 175°C (350°F) for even cooking.
• Glaze the donuts while they’re still warm—this helps the glaze set beautifully and stay glossy.
• Want that extra Krispy Kreme magic? Dip the glazed donuts in warm glaze a second time for a thick, glassy finish.

???? Optional Toppings & Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar – Skip the glaze and toss warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon + sugar.
• Chocolate Glaze – Mix 150g powdered sugar, 15g cocoa powder, and 3 tbsp milk.
• Filled Donuts – Skip the hole, fry as a solid round, and pipe in jam, cream, or custard.

???? Nutrition (Per Glazed Donut)