Growing up, there was nothing quite like the thrill of waking up to the smell of freshly made donuts wafting through the house. My mom had a knack for making the softest, fluffiest donuts, and she often made them on lazy Sunday mornings. We’d gather around the table, still in our pajamas, excitedly waiting for the first batch to come out of the fryer. Those moments were pure magic, and they always ended with sticky fingers and happy smiles. That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Homemade Krispy Kremes — they’re a delightful nod to those cherished mornings and are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend treat or a special celebration.

Now, you might be wondering why you should dive into making these at home instead of just grabbing a box from the store. The truth is, there’s something incredibly rewarding about creating your own sweet treats from scratch. You get to control the ingredients, adjust the sweetness, and most importantly, share that love and joy with family and friends. Plus, Homemade Krispy Kremes are so soft and fluffy, you’ll be hooked after your first bite! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this delicious journey together!

Why You’ll Love "Homemade Krispy Kremes"

Quick Prep: You can whip up these delightful donuts in just about 30 minutes of hands-on time.
Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of common pantry staples, you’ll have everything you need to create these treats.
Family Friendly: Kids love them! Making donuts together can turn into a fun family activity.
Perfectly Fluffy: These donuts are soft and airy, just like the ones from your favorite shop.
Freezer Friendly: You can freeze the donuts for later enjoyment — just glaze them when you’re ready to eat!
Customizable: Make them your own by adding different toppings or fillings for a unique twist every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 tablespoon milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
3 tablespoon boiling water (helps activate the yeast for fluffiness)
1 teaspoon dry active yeast (make sure it’s fresh for best results)
8 oz all-purpose flour (a little under 2 cups; use unbleached for a more natural flavor)
1 ½ oz sugar (about 3 tablespoons; you can adjust for sweetness)
1 egg (large, at room temperature for easier mixing)
1 oz butter, cold to room temperature (unsalted is preferred)
Dash of salt (just a pinch to enhance the flavor)
Enough oil to cover the bottom few inches of a wok or deep fryer (vegetable or canola oil works well)

Glaze:
⅓ cup butter (unsalted, melted for a smooth glaze)
2 cups confectioners' sugar (sifted to avoid lumps)
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract (pure vanilla for the best flavor)
4 tablespoons hot water (or as needed to achieve desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of milk with 3 tablespoons of boiling water.
Add 1 teaspoon of dry active yeast to the warm mixture.
Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 8 oz of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ oz of sugar, and a dash of salt.
Make sure to break up any lumps in the flour for even mixing.

Combine and Knead the Dough

Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
Add in 1 egg and the 1 oz of room temperature butter.
Mix everything together until a dough starts to form. Don’t worry if it looks a little sticky at first!
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You want it to feel soft and slightly tacky.

Let the Dough Rise

Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to clean up your kitchen a bit!

Cut the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out donut shapes. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll taste amazing anyway!
Place the cut donuts on a floured baking sheet and cover them with a towel to let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Fry the Donuts

In a wok or deep fryer, heat enough oil to cover the bottom a few inches deep. Heat it to about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one!
Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
Once they’re golden, use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Prepare the Glaze

In a medium bowl, melt ⅓ cup of butter.
Add 2 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract to the melted butter.
Mix in 4 tablespoons of hot water, adding more if needed, until the glaze is smooth and has a pourable consistency. It should be thick but still runny enough to coat the donuts!

Glaze the Donuts

While the donuts are still warm, dip the tops into the glaze, making sure they’re nicely coated.
Let the excess glaze drip off and then place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to cool completely.
Repeat with the remaining donuts and enjoy the delightful smell wafting through your kitchen!

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a cozy spiced flavor.
Try incorporating lemon or orange zest into the glaze for a citrusy twist.
Make them filled donuts by adding jam or pastry cream before frying.
For a lighter option, bake the donuts instead of frying them — just adjust the cooking time!
Experiment with different toppings like sprinkles, chocolate, or crushed nuts.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Serve your Homemade Krispy Kremes warm for the best experience! They’re delightful on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some powdered sugar or drizzle chocolate on top for a treat that’s sure to impress!

Storage

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them before glazing. Just thaw and glaze when you’re ready to enjoy them again!

Helpful Notes

If you don’t have dry active yeast, you can use instant yeast — it works just as well!
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Feel free to swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if needed.
Add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for a fun surprise inside!
Keep in mind that frying temperature is key; too hot can burn them, too cold will make them greasy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Homemade Krispy Kremes?

Yes! You can freeze the donuts before glazing. Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature, then glaze as usual.

How do I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

If you need to substitute, you can use instant yeast instead of dry active yeast, and it won’t require proofing — just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. For the milk, any plant-based milk works well, and for the butter, use a dairy-free alternative. You can also swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if necessary.

What type of oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil or canola oil is ideal for frying because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor. Avoid using olive oil, as it can impart an unwanted taste and has a lower smoke point.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the joy of biting into a warm, fluffy Homemade Krispy Kreme, especially when you’ve crafted them with your own hands. I hope you feel inspired to gather your loved ones in the kitchen and create these delicious treats together. Don’t worry about perfection; just focus on the fun and the delightful smells filling your home. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a sweet way to start your day, these donuts are sure to bring smiles all around. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and enjoy every moment of this delightful adventure!

Homemade Krispy Kremes

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade Krispy Kremes are soft, fluffy donuts coated in a sweet glaze.

Instructions

In a bowl, combine milk and boiling water. Add yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, egg, and butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Roll out the dough to ½ inch thickness and cut into donut shapes.
Heat oil in a wok or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry donuts until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
For the glaze, melt butter and mix with confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and hot water until smooth.
Dip warm donuts in the glaze and let them cool on a wire rack.

Notes

Use fresh yeast for best results.
Ensure the oil temperature is correct for even frying.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Homemade Krispy Kremes, donuts, dessert