Homemade Krispy Kremes are a delightful treat for anyone who loves the soft, fluffy texture and sweet glaze of a freshly made doughnut. This recipe brings the magic of Krispy Kreme doughnuts into your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the warm, delicious pastries without stepping outside your home. Making these doughnuts is not just about satisfying a craving—it’s an enjoyable experience that fills your home with the aroma of baking and gives you the pleasure of creating something delightful from scratch. The recipe features a simple yeast dough that rises to create the perfect airy texture, which is then fried to golden perfection and dipped in a smooth, vanilla-flavored glaze.
The process starts with activating the yeast in a mixture of milk and boiling water, ensuring it becomes foamy and active, which is key to achieving the right dough texture. The dry ingredients, including a precise amount of flour and sugar, are mixed with cold butter to form a crumbly base. An egg is incorporated to enrich the dough, contributing to its tender crumb. After rising, the dough is shaped into small balls, which puff up beautifully when fried. The final touch is a dip in a homemade glaze made from melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough hot water to achieve a glossy finish. These doughnuts are best enjoyed warm, offering a heavenly combination of soft dough and sweet, sticky glaze that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Taste and Texture: These doughnuts mimic the iconic Krispy Kreme experience with their airy, soft texture and sweet, shiny glaze.
- Fun to Make: The process of making doughnuts from scratch is incredibly rewarding, providing a fun way to spend time in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a family breakfast, a special treat for a gathering, or simply a weekend baking project, these doughnuts are sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 tbsp milk
- 3 tbsp boiling water
- 1 tsp dry active yeast
- 1 1/2 oz sugar (about 3 tablespoons)
- 8 oz all-purpose flour (a little under 2 cups)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 oz butter (cold to room temperature, avoid melting)
- Dash of salt
- Enough oil for deep frying
Glaze:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp hot water (or as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare Yeast Mixture:
- Combine milk with boiling water in a jug. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, dissolve, then sprinkle yeast over the liquid. Stir gently, then let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Make Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Make a well in the center, pour in the yeast mixture and beaten egg. Mix to form a soft dough, adjusting consistency with a little more flour or milk if necessary.
- Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
- Shape and Fry:
- Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a floured surface. Divide and roll into ropes, then cut into pieces and shape into balls. Let rise for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or wok to 375°F (190°C). Fry doughnuts in batches until golden brown on each side, about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare Glaze:
- Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Add hot water gradually until the glaze is smooth.
- Dip warm doughnuts into the glaze, then set on a wire rack to dry.
Tips for Success
- Yeast Activation: Ensure the yeast is active and foamy before adding to the flour to guarantee the dough rises properly.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the correct temperature of the oil to ensure even cooking and prevent the doughnuts from absorbing too much oil.
- Glazing: Glaze the doughnuts while they are still warm to help the glaze set with a smooth, glossy finish.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Store glazed doughnuts at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days and warm slightly before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Krispy Kremes as a special treat that brings the delight of a doughnut shop into your own kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them as a personal treat, they’re sure to be a hit!
