- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
For frying:
- 4–5 cups vegetable, canola, or peanut oil (for deep frying)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
🍩 Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough
- In a large bowl, whisk egg, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
- Add yeast mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour — until doubled.
3. Roll & cut
- Punch down dough and roll out to ½-inch thickness.
- Use a 3-inch round cutter (or glass) to cut donuts.
- Use a 1-inch cutter for the center holes.
- Place on a floured towel, cover, and let rise 15–20 minutes .
4. Fry to golden perfection
- Heat oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Fry donuts 2–3 at a time for 45–60 seconds per side , until golden.
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Glaze while warm
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Dip the top of each warm donut into the glaze.
- Let set 5 minutes before eating.
Tips for the Best Donuts
🔥 Don’t skip the rise — it creates that signature fluffiness
🔥 Keep oil at 350°F — too hot = burnt, too cool = greasy
🔥 Fry in small batches — prevents temperature drop
🔥 Glaze while warm — helps the glaze stick perfectly
🔥 No cutter? Use a drinking glass and a bottle cap for the hole
Ways to Customize Your Donuts
Love the base? Try these fun twists:
- 🍫 Chocolate Glaze – Swap vanilla glaze for melted chocolate or cocoa glaze
- 🍓 Berry Swirl – Add fruit jam to the center before frying
- 🍩 Filled Donuts – Inject with custard, jelly, or Nutella using a piping bag
- 🎉 Sprinkle Top – Add rainbow sprinkles right after glazing
- ☕ Coffee Glaze – Mix in espresso powder for a mocha twist
- 🍯 Cinnamon Sugar – Skip the glaze and roll in cinnamon-sugar while warm
What to Serve With Homemade Donuts
These donuts are a treat on their own , but here are some great pairings:
- A hot cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or chai
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream (donut sundae!)
- Breakfast smoothie or fresh fruit
- Maple syrup and bacon (for a sweet & salty combo)
Perfect for:
- Weekend breakfast
- Holiday mornings
- Kids’ baking projects
- Freezing for future cravings
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes — but they won’t be as light. Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, then glaze.
❓ Can I use instant yeast?
Yes — same amount, no proofing needed (mix directly into dough).
❓ Can I make them ahead?
Yes! Fry and freeze unglazed donuts. Reheat in the oven and glaze before serving.
❓ Are they gluten-free?
Only if you use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend — traditional recipe contains wheat.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Krispy Kreme Donuts are the perfect balance of soft, sweet, and indulgent — a treat that’s worth every bite .
With their cloud-like texture, golden crust, and shiny glaze , they’re no wonder this recipe is a family favorite and breakfast superstar .
So fire up the fryer, gather the kids, and treat yourself to a warm, fresh donut that’s better than anything from a box.
Because sometimes, the sweetest things are the ones you make with your own hands.
