Krispy Kreme Donut Copycat Recipe: 10 Secrets for Perfect Homemade Donuts

There’s nothing quite like the sweet aroma of fresh Krispy Kreme donuts filling your kitchen. I’ve always loved their perfectly glazed exterior and soft, fluffy inside. It’s no wonder they’re a favorite treat for so many.

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm whole milk (110°F)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

• Sprinkles
• Cinnamon sugar

Tools And Equipment

To create these mouthwatering Krispy Kreme-style donuts, I rely on a few essential tools and equipment. Having the right gear ensures each step flows smoothly and your donuts turn out perfectly every time.

• Stand Mixer

Makes kneading dough effortless and ensures a consistent texture.

• Mixing Bowls

A set of various sizes for combining ingredients and letting the dough rise.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect dough and glaze.

• Rolling Pin

Helps achieve an even thickness for cutting the donuts uniformly.

• Donut Cutter

Create that classic donut shape with ease, ensuring uniform sizes.

• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot

Provides the right temperature for frying the donuts to a golden perfection.

• Candy or Deep Fry Thermometer

Keeps the oil at the ideal temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.

• Cooling Rack

Allows excess oil to drain and keeps the donuts from becoming soggy.

• Spatula and Slotted Spoon

Safely flip and remove donuts from the hot oil without breaking them.

• Pastry Brush

Applies the glaze smoothly and evenly over each donut.

Having these tools on hand will make the donut-making process enjoyable and help you achieve that signature Krispy Kreme taste at home.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your Krispy Kreme-style donuts ahead of time can save you valuable minutes on the day you want to enjoy them. Here’s how I streamline the process to ensure fresh, delicious donuts whenever the craving strikes.

Preparing the Dough in Advance

1. Mix and Knead the Dough:

• Combine the active dry yeast, warm milk, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
• In a stand mixer, blend the eggs, melted butter, and remaining sugar. Gradually add the yeast mixture.
• Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.

1. First Rise:

• Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

1. Refrigerate Overnight:

• Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a ball, place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate overnight. This slow fermentation enhances the dough’s flavor and texture.

Preparing the Glaze Ahead

1. Mix the Glaze Ingredients:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps.

1. Store Properly:

• Transfer the glaze to a sealed container and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to 3 days. Before using, give it a good stir to restore its smooth consistency.

Day of Frying

1. Bring Dough to Room Temperature:

• Remove the dough from the refrigerator about 1 hour before frying to allow it to soften and become pliable.

1. Shape the Donuts:

• Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to shape the donuts and holes.

1. Second Rise:

• Place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffed.

Final Tips

• Freezing Option: You can also freeze the prepared dough after the first rise. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and follow the shaping and rising steps as usual.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze thickens too much after refrigeration, add a teaspoon of milk at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your very own Krispy Kreme-style donuts at home.

Prepare The Dough

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast with ½ cup warm milk (110°F). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Add ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 large eggs, and ¼ cup melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed until well combined.
3. Gradually add 4 cups all-purpose flour to the mixture, one cup at a time, allowing the dough to come together between additions.
4. Once the flour is incorporated, switch to the dough hook attachment and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Activate The Yeast

1. Ensure your yeast mixture is frothy before adding it to the dough to confirm that the yeast is active.
2. If the mixture doesn’t froth after 5 minutes, consider using fresh yeast to ensure proper activation and rise.

Let The Dough Rise

1. Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape The Donuts

1. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles.
2. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness.
3. Use a donut cutter to cut out donut shapes. If you don’t have a donut cutter, a large and a small round cutter will work for the outer and inner parts.
4. Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, until puffy.

Fry The Donuts

1. In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) using a candy or deep-fry thermometer.
2. Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
3. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown, turning them with a spatula for even cooking.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a cooling rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.

Glaze The Donuts

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup whole milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
2. While the donuts are still warm, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Place the glazed donuts back on the cooling rack. If desired, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles or a dusting of cinnamon sugar before the glaze sets.
4. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures your Krispy Kreme-style donuts remain fresh and delicious. Here are my top tips for keeping your homemade donuts at their best:

Storing at Room Temperature

1. Cool Completely

Allow the glazed donuts to cool completely on a cooling rack. This prevents moisture buildup, which can make them soggy.

1. Use an Airtight Container

Place the cooled donuts in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

1. Keep in a Cool, Dry Place

Store the container in a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight. Your donuts will stay fresh for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration

1. Seal Properly

For longer storage, place the donuts in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

1. Refrigerate Promptly

Keep the container in the refrigerator to extend freshness. Refrigerated donuts are best consumed within 1 week.

1. Bring to Room Temperature Before Serving

To enjoy the full flavor and texture, let the donuts sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating.

Freezing Donuts

1. Prepare for Freezing

After the glazing process, place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, about 2 hours.

1. Transfer to Freezer Bags

Once frozen, transfer the donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

1. Freeze for Up to 3 Months

Your donuts can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

Reheating Tips

1. Warm in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes to restore their softness.

1. Use a Microwave for Quick Warmth

Heat individual donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This method is perfect for a quick treat.

Quick Reference Table

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade Krispy Kreme-style donuts whenever the craving strikes. Whether you choose to keep them fresh at room temperature, extend their shelf life in the fridge, or freeze them for later indulgence, these methods will help maintain their delectable taste and texture.

Conclusion

Creating Krispy Kreme-style donuts in my own kitchen has been incredibly satisfying. The rich aroma that fills the house and the joy of biting into a perfectly glazed donut are unmatched. I love how customizable this recipe is, allowing me to add my favorite toppings or experiment with different flavors.

Sharing these homemade donuts with friends and family brings so much happiness. It’s a simple way to show you care and enjoy a sweet treat together. If you decide to try this recipe I’d love to hear how your donuts turn out. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!