Nothing beats the joy of making your own donuts! These homemade Krispy Kreme-inspired treats are fluffy, golden, and coated in a luscious vanilla glaze. Starting with activating dry yeast in warm milk, the dough is enriched with melted butter, sugar, nutmeg, and egg for that signature tender crumb. After kneading and two rises, the dough is shaped into classic donuts, fried to golden perfection, then dipped in a sweet, silky glaze while warm. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or dessert, these donuts bring bakery-quality goodness straight to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 2 hours active time
- Creates that authentic Krispy Kreme melt-in-your-mouth experience at home
- Uses simple pantry ingredients most bakers already have
- Make-ahead friendly for busy schedules
Ingredients
- Active dry yeast: Key for that airy, fluffy texture with perfect rise
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough without overpowering
- Warm milk (~110°F): Activates yeast perfectly without killing it
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tender crumb
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors
- Ground nutmeg: Signature warm spice note found in classic donuts
- Large egg: Adds structure and richness
- All-purpose flour: Forms the dough’s structure — measure carefully to avoid tough results
- Oil for frying: Neutral oil like vegetable or canola with high smoke point
- Powdered sugar: For smooth, sweet vanilla glaze
- Hot water: Dissolves sugar for a silky glaze
- Vanilla extract: Adds complexity and depth to glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk to about 110°F and pour into a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar over the top and let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes, until foamy and fragrant—this confirms the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter (slightly cooled so it doesn’t cook the egg), remaining sugar, salt, nutmeg, and egg until smooth. Add the foamy yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. Form the Dough
Add flour gradually, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky enough to cling to your fingers. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer dough hook for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a clean towel and place in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour until doubled in size and puffy. A gentle poke should leave an indentation that doesn’t immediately spring back.
5. Shape the Donuts
Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger, one smaller) to cut classic donut shapes. Transfer donuts and holes to parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each.
6. Second Rise
Cover loosely with a clean towel and let rise for 30 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled in size. This step is essential for light, airy donuts.
7. Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to exactly 375°F (use a thermometer). Fry 2–3 donuts at a time, carefully lowering them into the oil. Fry about 1 minute per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Maintain oil temperature between batches for consistent results.
8. Glaze While Warm
Dip warm (not hot) donuts into the vanilla glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack to set. The warm donuts help the glaze form that classic Krispy Kreme shine with a slight crackle when bitten.
You Must Know
- These donuts taste best the same day they are made.
- Dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated for morning frying.
- Proper oil temperature ensures donuts cook through without being greasy.
- The magic moment is when warm donuts meet the sweet vanilla glaze, filling your kitchen with that nostalgic aroma.
Storing Your Donuts
Best enjoyed fresh, these donuts keep well for up to two days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts, thaw at room temperature, and re-glaze before serving. A quick 10-second microwave zap can revive day-old donuts to near-fresh quality.
Make-Ahead Options
Prepare the dough through the first rise, shape the donuts, and place them on parchment-lined trays. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bring donuts to room temperature and complete their second rise (about 1 hour) before frying. This slow cold fermentation enhances the dough’s flavor.