The Best Copycat Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe

There's something incredibly satisfying about making these soft and fluffy treats entirely from scratch. The process involves creating a dough using yeast, letting it rise, shaping it into doughnuts, frying them until golden, and dipping them in a sweet homemade glaze.

Creating these delicious treats requires a bit of attention to detail, and a little patience, but the end result will definitely be worth it! Each bite has a slightly crispy outside and a soft, fluffy inside, making it the perfect sweet treat. You can make your own fresh doughnut assortments at home by adding fun-colored frostings and sprinkles! 

Craving more desserts? Be sure to try Starbucks Coffee Cake and Little Debbie Raisin Cream Pie recipes.

What do I need to make this Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe

Doughnuts Ingredients

• Active Dry Yeast: is used to leaven dough, making it light and airy. You will need one packet.
• Water: activates the yeast and helps hydrate the dough. Be sure to use warm water, not hot water. 
• Milk: helps add moisture to your doughnut. Use room-temperature milk or warm milk — cold or hot milk will change the temperature of the dough and can affect the yeast we use in this recipe, and we do not want that.  
• Sugar: sweetens your doughnut mixture and helps activate the yeast. 
• Salt: helps enhance the flavor and also helps control yeast activity. 
• Vanilla Extract: adds a warm and sweet flavor to your dough mixture. 
• Egg: provides structure to your doughnuts, makes them rich, and adds moisture. 
• Butter: adds flavor to the mix and makes it tender. Be sure to use unsalted butter. 
• All-Purpose Flour: is used for the main structure of your doughnut.
• Vegetable Oil: is used for frying; you can also use canola oil.

Glaze Ingredients

• Powdered Sugar: dissolves quickly, making the perfect smooth and sweet homemade glaze.
• Milk: helps create the consistency of the glaze. 
• Vanilla Extract: helps enhance the flavor of the glaze by adding a warm and rich flavor.

How to make this Original Glazed Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe

Make the Dough

1. In a stand mixer bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Add warm milk, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, egg, egg yolks, softened butter, and 2 & 1/2 cups of flour. Mix with a hook attachment until a soft dough forms. 
3. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky. Continue kneading on medium speed until the dough starts to pullfrom the bowl. If it's too sticky, add about one tablespoon of flour at a time and keep mixing until the dough pulls from the sides of the bowl. Don't worry about it being sticky at the bottom. 
4. Turn the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and then use a clean towel. Place it in a warm area for 2 hours to rise.
5. Unwrap the dough and gently press it in the middle to deflate it. Then, pull it together to form a ball of cough again, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight to rest. This will allow the dough to develop more flavors. 

After the Chilling Period

1. Roll the chilled dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface using a rolling pin. Once it has reached 1/2 inch in thickness, use a donut cutter to cut your donuts. You can use the 3.5-inch doughnut cutter they have on Amazon or a 3.5-inch cookie cutter and a smaller one to make the whole in the middle. 
2. Any leftover dough can be rolled into mini donut holes so that nothing goes to waste.
3. Place the cut doughnuts and doughnut holes onto a lightly floured baking sheet, cover them with a clean kitchen towel, and let them rise for another hour.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large cast iron skillet to 360F-370F.
5. Carefully add a few doughnuts at a time to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry on each side for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. 
6. Once cooked, remove the doughnuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Make the Glaze

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. 
2. While the doughnuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, making sure to coat them evenly. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. Do not put the glazed donuts on the paper towels on the wire rack. Make sure to remove those before you start glazing your donuts. Allow the icing to set for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

How do I make the glaze stick well to the doughnuts?

When the unglazed doughnuts are still warm, dip them in the glaze. This will help the glaze stick better and create a smooth, shiny coating. If the doughnuts have cooled too much, warm them slightly before adding the glaze.

What type of yeast should I use for Krispy Kreme donuts?

When making Krispy Kreme doughnuts, you can use active dry or instant yeast. Both types work well, but this recipe uses active dry yeast. If you use active dry yeast, you should dissolve it in warm water first to activate it. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.

What should I do if my dough isn't rising?

• Make sure the yeast is fresh and active. Expired yeast will results in a dough that doesn't rise.
• Use warm water or milk, as hot liquid can kill the yeast.
• Place the dough in a warm area for rising. If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven or use a proofing box.

What is the best way to cut out the doughnuts?

When making doughnut shapes, use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small). Coat the cutters in flour to prevent sticking. Press down firmly and twist slightly for the perfect cut.

How can I maintain the oil temperature while frying?

Remember to use a deep-fry thermometer to check the oil temperature and adjust the heat if necessary. Cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature.

Why is my Krispy Kreme doughnut recipe greasy?

Doughnuts can become greasy if the oil temperature is too low. Make sure the oil is at 350°F before adding the doughnuts. Frying at the correct temperature allows the doughnuts to cook quickly and not absorb excess oil.

How should I store leftovers of this Krispy Kreme doughnut recipe?

Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep their freshness, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. You can also freeze the doughnuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready to use them, thaw at room temperature and reheat before eating.

The Best Copycat Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe