
There’s nothing quite like the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a warm Krispy Kreme donut. Light, fluffy, perfectly sweet, and glazed to glossy perfection—these iconic treats have earned legendary status for a reason. But what if I told you that you could recreate that same magical experience in your own kitchen? Yes, really.
After testing dozens of versions and tweaking ingredients to perfection, this recipe delivers homemade donuts that rival (some might even say outdo) the real thing. Whether you’re planning a weekend treat, a sweet surprise for brunch guests, or just want to impress yourself with your baking skills, these donuts hit the spot every single time.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get into the magic of making Krispy Kreme-style donuts from scratch—glaze and all!
🍩 Ingredients
For the Donuts:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup whole milk, lukewarm
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¼ cup water, lukewarm
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2 teaspoons active dry yeast
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1 large egg, room temperature
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3 tablespoons granulated sugar
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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A pinch of kosher salt
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Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola works best)
For the Classic Glaze:
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2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
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¼ cup whole milk, lukewarm
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2 tablespoons heavy cream
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast
Start by combining the lukewarm water, milk, 1 tablespoon of the flour, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and the yeast in a medium bowl. Stir gently and let it rest for 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks foamy and bubbly—this means the yeast is alive and kicking.
Pro Tip: If your mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired. Start again with a fresh packet.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the remaining flour with a pinch of kosher salt. Add the softened butter and work it into the flour with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles damp sand.
Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough
Now, add in the remaining sugar, the egg, and your activated yeast mixture. Mix everything together until it begins to form a dough. You can knead it by hand or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic.
Step 4: Knead a Bit More
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for an additional 5 to 8 minutes. The dough should be silky, stretchy, and bounce back when pressed gently with your finger.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Brush the top lightly with oil, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.