Krispy Kreme Doughnut

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making Krispy Kreme-style doughnuts at home means you can enjoy the soft, sweet, and perfectly glazed treats whenever you want, without having to go to the doughnut shop. This recipe brings you close to the original, with a light, airy doughnut base and a sweet, shiny glaze that’s irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a special treat for guests, these homemade doughnuts will give you the satisfaction of enjoying fresh, warm doughnuts right out of your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the doughnuts:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

• 2 large eggs

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup warm water

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add the sugar, salt, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, melted butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.

3. Gradually add the flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Once the dough is formed, add the warm water and mix until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

2. Shape the doughnuts:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface.

2. Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness using a rolling pin.

3. Using a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass, cut out doughnut shapes. Use a smaller cutter or a bottle cap to cut out the center of each doughnut to create the hole.

4. Place the cut doughnuts and doughnut holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

3. Fry the doughnuts:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough in; if it bubbles and floats to the surface, it’s ready.

2. Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Make the glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if the glaze is too thick.

5. Glaze the doughnuts:

1. While the doughnuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, covering the top completely. Let the excess glaze drip off and allow the glaze to set for a few minutes.

6. Serve and enjoy:

1. Serve the doughnuts immediately, or let them cool slightly. They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12 doughnuts

• Prep Time: 1 hour (including rising time)

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate glaze: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the glaze mixture for a rich, chocolatey coating.

• Cinnamon sugar: After glazing the doughnuts, roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, spiced twist.

• Fruit glaze: Add a spoonful of fruit preserves, like raspberry or strawberry, to the glaze for a fruity finish.

• Stuffed doughnuts: Before frying, fill the dough with jam, cream, or Nutella for a decadent surprise inside.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The doughnuts will stay soft but will lose some of their crispiness.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the doughnuts in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. If you prefer crispy doughnuts, you can reheat them in a toaster oven or skillet.

FAQs

1. Can I make these doughnuts without a deep fryer?

Yes, you can fry these doughnuts in a large pot or Dutch oven. Just make sure to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil and avoid overcrowding the pot.

2. Can I make the doughnuts ahead of time?

While fresh doughnuts are best, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and frying the doughnuts the next day.

3. Can I bake the doughnuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the doughnuts for a lighter version. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the doughnuts on a baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t have the same crispy texture as fried doughnuts, but they will still be delicious.

4. Can I make these doughnuts without the glaze?

Yes, you can skip the glaze or dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar for a simpler, less sweet option. You could also roll them in cinnamon sugar for a spiced treat.

5. How do I make sure the doughnuts are evenly fried?

To ensure even frying, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches and avoid overcrowding, which can cause the temperature to drop and lead to uneven frying.

6. Can I make a vegan version of these doughnuts?

Yes! Use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk, and substitute the butter with vegan butter or oil. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg.

7. How do I store leftover doughnuts?

Store the doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but will still be soft and delicious the next day.

8. Can I freeze these doughnuts?

Yes, you can freeze the doughnuts before glazing them. Once fried, allow them to cool completely and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw and glaze them as usual.

Conclusion

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are the epitome of indulgent, soft, and sweet treats. With a crispy golden exterior and a tender, fluffy interior, these doughnuts bring the classic, beloved flavor right into your home. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the fryer or topped with a rich, sweet glaze, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any occasion, this recipe makes it easy to create doughnuts that rival the originals. Enjoy a homemade version of the classic Krispy Kreme with this simple and satisfying recipe!

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