Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the melt-in-your-mouth softness of a freshly glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut. That first bite—light, airy, and perfectly sweet—feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you're treating yourself in the morning or sneaking a late-night indulgence, these doughnuts always hit the spot.

this Recipe

I remember the first time I tried a Krispy Kreme doughnut hot off the line. The neon "Hot Now" sign was glowing, and I couldn't resist stepping inside. That experience inspired me to recreate these iconic doughnuts at home, so I could enjoy them anytime. And after much trial and error, I’ve perfected the recipe to give you the same pillowy texture and signature glaze—all without a trip to the store.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Krispy Kreme Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite homemade treat! These doughnuts are everything you love about Krispy Kreme, but made right in your own kitchen.

First, they’re shockingly easy to make. While homemade doughnuts might sound intimidating, this recipe breaks it down step by step so you can achieve bakery-quality results—even if it’s your first time frying.

Second, the texture is spot on. These doughnuts are soft, airy, and buttery, with that perfect light crisp on the outside. No dense or cakey disappointments here!

Another bonus? No need to wait in line. Once you master this recipe, you’ll never have to rely on store-bought again. Make them fresh whenever the craving hits, and enjoy them warm just like at Krispy Kreme.

Lastly, this recipe is budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples, you can whip up a dozen doughnuts at a fraction of the price of a store-bought dozen.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these homemade Krispy Kreme doughnuts comes from a handful of carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating that signature soft, sweet, and perfectly fried doughnut.

Yeast is the key to achieving that light, fluffy texture. I recommend using active dry yeast for best results. Make sure to activate it in warm milk with a little sugar to help it bloom properly.

Flour provides the structure. For the best texture, use all-purpose flour, which balances softness and chewiness. If you want an extra delicate doughnut, you can replace a small portion with cake flour.

Milk and Butter add richness. Whole milk makes the dough tender, while butter gives it that classic buttery flavor. Don’t skimp here—these ingredients are essential to recreating the Krispy Kreme experience.

Sugar and Vanilla Extract bring sweetness and flavor. The right balance of sugar in the dough and glaze ensures that iconic Krispy Kreme taste. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.

You'll also need a thermometer to monitor oil temperature and a doughnut cutter (or a round cutter and a smaller one for the hole) to shape your doughnuts perfectly.

How To Make Homemade Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Making these doughnuts at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect light and fluffy doughnuts.

Start by activating the yeast. Warm the milk until it's about 110°F and stir in a teaspoon of sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your dough will rise properly.

Next, mix the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Then add the activated yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it's soft and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed.

Once the dough is ready, let it rise. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for achieving that airy texture.

Now it’s time to shape the doughnuts. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters to create classic ring shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and let them rise again for another 30 minutes.

For the most important step, frying the doughnuts. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep pan. Fry the doughnuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.

Finally, the signature glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, pourable glaze. While the doughnuts are still warm, dip them in the glaze, ensuring a thin, even coating. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set.

Enjoy them warm for the ultimate Krispy Kreme experience!

Storage Options

If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store these doughnuts properly to keep them fresh.

For short-term storage, place the doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze might slightly absorb into the dough, but they’ll still taste delicious.

To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container. When ready to eat, warm them in the microwave for 8-10 seconds to restore their soft texture.

For the best long-term storage, freeze unglazed doughnuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and glaze fresh for that just-made taste.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts of making homemade doughnuts is the ability to customize them. Here are a few delicious variations:

Chocolate Glazed Doughnuts – Replace the vanilla glaze with a simple chocolate glaze made from melted chocolate, powdered sugar, and milk.

Filled Doughnuts – Instead of cutting out the center, leave them whole and pipe in a filling like custard, jam, or Nutella after frying.

Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts – Skip the glaze and toss the warm doughnuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a classic twist.

Vegan Krispy Kremes – Swap out the butter for dairy-free butter, use almond or oat milk, and replace the eggs with a flax egg substitute.

No matter how you make them, these homemade Krispy Kreme doughnuts are guaranteed to impress. Experiment with flavors and toppings to find your perfect version!

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