If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a soft, pillowy doughnut with a glistening, melt-in-your-mouth glaze, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for Homemade Krispy Kremes. This recipe brings the magic of those iconic doughnuts right into your kitchen, giving you everything you love — that light-as-air texture, sweet vanilla aroma, and that unforgettable sugary coating. There’s something genuinely special about making them from scratch: you get to enjoy them warm, fresh, and exactly how you like them. Trust me, once you’ve made a batch, you’ll understand why everyone raves about these sweet beauties!

Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easily these simple ingredients come together to create such an irresistible treat! Each one plays a key role: from the yeast that gives the doughnuts their signature rise, to the rich egg yolks, butter, and whole milk that make every bite tender and flavorful. Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up your own batch of Homemade Krispy Kremes.

Active dry yeast: This is what gives the doughnuts their classic airy texture and beautiful rise.
Warm water (110°F): The perfect temperature to activate your yeast without killing it — don’t go too hot!
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the yeast flourish in the dough.
Whole milk (warmed): Gives the doughnuts a rich, tender crumb and a lovely golden color.
Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the dough extra soft and flavorful.
Large egg yolks: These add richness and help bind the dough for that classic Krispy Kreme bite.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough and glaze with that dreamy, sweet aroma.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving structure without making it heavy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral in flavor and perfect for crisping up the doughnuts without overpowering them.
Powdered sugar: The base of that iconic, silky-smooth glaze.
Whole milk (for glaze): Helps create a luscious, pourable consistency for dipping.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds even more fragrant, sweet notes to the final finish.

How to Make Homemade Krispy Kremes

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water with just a pinch of sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You want to see a frothy, bubbly surface—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Skipping this step can mean sad, flat doughnuts, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rest of your sugar, warm milk, softened butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir well. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until everything comes together in a soft, slightly sticky dough. Don’t worry if it looks a bit shaggy at first — after a good knead, it’ll smooth right out.

Step 3: Knead and First Rise

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, now’s the time to use it! Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm, cozy spot. In about an hour, it should double in size and feel soft and puffy to the touch.

Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts

Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Grab a doughnut cutter (or improvise with two round cutters) to make those classic shapes. Place your cut doughnuts and holes on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise is what gives Homemade Krispy Kremes their signature lightness.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Carefully lower in a few doughnuts at a time, frying for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they’re a beautiful golden color. Don’t overcrowd the pot—give them space to puff up and float freely. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels, and get ready for the best part!

Step 6: Glaze and Enjoy!

While the doughnuts are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Dip each doughnut in, coating it completely, then return to the rack so the excess can drip off. The glaze will set into that irresistible, shiny shell in just a few minutes. And now—finally!—your Homemade Krispy Kremes are ready to devour.

How to Serve Homemade Krispy Kremes

Garnishes

The classic glaze is a must, but you can absolutely have fun with toppings! Try adding colorful sprinkles, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, or even a drizzle of chocolate. For an extra-special touch, fill some with your favorite jam or silky vanilla custard. However you top them, each doughnut will look and taste like it came straight from a bakery.

Side Dishes

Homemade Krispy Kremes pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them for a brunch spread, consider fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a tangy fruit salad to balance the sweetness. These doughnuts are also a great companion for a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a decadent dessert!

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your doughnut experience by stacking them on a pretty cake stand, threading them onto skewers for a doughnut bouquet, or creating a colorful doughnut wall for parties. Packaging them in a bakery-style box with a handwritten note makes a heartfelt homemade gift. However you serve them, these Homemade Krispy Kremes are guaranteed to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Krispy Kremes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep the glaze from getting sticky, line the container with parchment paper and avoid stacking them if possible.

Freezing

You can freeze unglazed doughnuts by letting them cool completely, then wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving to bring back that fresh-from-the-bakery feel.

Reheating

To revive the soft, fluffy texture, pop the doughnuts in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds. If you’re reheating a larger batch, use a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. The glaze will melt slightly, making each bite taste almost as good as day one!

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next day, simply roll, cut, and continue with the recipe. This is a great option if you want fresh Homemade Krispy Kremes in the morning.

What if I don’t have a doughnut cutter?

No worries at all! Use two round cookie cutters or even a drinking glass for the outer ring and a bottle cap for the center. The shapes might not be perfect, but they’ll taste just as delicious.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While baking is possible, you won’t get the same signature texture and flavor that makes Homemade Krispy Kremes so special. For that authentic, pillowy softness and golden crust, frying is definitely the way to go.

How do I know if my oil is the right temperature?

A kitchen thermometer is the best tool for accuracy—aim for 350°F. If you don’t have one, test by dropping in a small piece of dough: it should sizzle and float to the top within a few seconds, not burn or sink.

What’s the best way to glaze the doughnuts?

Dip the doughnuts while they’re still slightly warm, turning to coat both sides. Let the excess glaze drip off on a wire rack. This timing helps the glaze set beautifully and gives you that perfect Krispy Kreme shine.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate doughnut recipe, this is your sign to try Homemade Krispy Kremes. There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling a warm, freshly glazed doughnut off the rack and sharing it with someone you love. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make a little kitchen magic — you’ll be amazed at just how easy and rewarding it is!

Homemade Krispy Kremes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Homemade Krispy Kremes recipe brings the iconic glazed doughnuts right to your kitchen. Featuring a tender, fluffy yeast dough fried to golden perfection and coated in a sweet vanilla glaze, these doughnuts capture the classic taste and texture of the well-loved original. Perfect for a special breakfast or dessert treat, they’re best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Doughnuts:

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup whole milk (warmed)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of the sugar. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, warm milk, softened butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Stir in the yeast mixture thoroughly. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
Shape the Doughnuts: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one about 3 inches and one 1 inch) to cut out doughnut shapes. Arrange the cut doughnuts on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and allow them to rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
Fry the Doughnuts: Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches, cooking each side for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn a golden brown. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
Glaze the Doughnuts: While the doughnuts are still slightly warm, dip each one into the glaze and place them on a rack to allow excess glaze to drip off. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For the authentic Krispy Kreme experience, glaze the doughnuts while they are still slightly warm to ensure the glaze adheres perfectly.
Add variety by topping glazed doughnuts with sprinkles, drizzling chocolate glaze, or filling them with jelly or custard.
These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, as they will lose their distinctive texture if stored for too long.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American