Bring the irresistible flavor of fresh doughnuts home with these Homemade Krispy Kremes! Light, fluffy, and perfectly glazed, these doughnut holes are a dream come true for any sweet tooth. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe delivers that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and sugary glaze of your favorite doughnut shop. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special weekend treat, these homemade delights are well worth the effort. If you loved our Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins, you’ll be obsessed with these pillowy, golden bites!
What are Homemade Krispy Kremes?
Homemade Krispy Kremes are soft, yeast-raised doughnut holes, fried until golden and coated in a buttery, vanilla glaze. They’re a delicious copycat of the famous Krispy Kreme doughnuts—and yes, they taste just as heavenly fresh out of the fryer. You know what they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these warm, sugary doughnuts are guaranteed to do the trick!
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Krispy Kremes
Light and Airy Texture
The yeast dough creates fluffy, tender bites that practically melt in your mouth.
Classic Glaze
A silky vanilla glaze coats each doughnut, making them sweet, sticky, and totally irresistible.
Better than Store-Bought
No need to run out for your doughnut fix—these homemade versions are fresher and just as delicious!
If you loved our Glazed Lemon Donuts, think of these as the fluffier, more indulgent sibling.
How to Make Homemade Krispy Kremes
Quick Overview
Mix and knead a yeast dough, let it rise, shape it into doughnut holes, fry until golden, then dip in a rich glaze. Simple, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying!
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons boiling water
- 1 teaspoon dry active yeast
- 8 oz all-purpose flour (just under 2 cups)
- 1 1/2 oz sugar (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 egg
- 1 oz butter, cold to room temperature
- 1 dash salt
- Oil for frying
Glaze:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons hot water (adjust as needed)
Step-by-Step:
- Activate Yeast:
- In a large measuring jug, combine milk and boiling water.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar and yeast; let sit in a warm place until foamy.
- Make Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Cut in butter until mixture resembles crumbs.
- Add beaten egg and yeast mixture; mix to form a smooth dough.
- Knead and Rise:
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–10 minutes until dough is springy.
- Place in a bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Shape Doughnuts:
- Divide dough into 4 pieces.
- Roll each into ropes and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Roll into balls and let rise on a tray under a cloth while oil heats.
- Fry Doughnuts:
- Heat oil to 375°F.
- Fry in batches for about 2 minutes per side until golden.
- Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Glaze and Serve:
- Mix glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Dip warm doughnut holes in glaze and let set slightly before serving.
What to Serve with Homemade Krispy Kremes
Pair with fresh coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate for a twist.
Top Tips for Perfecting Krispy Kremes
- Weigh Ingredients: For best results, weigh your flour for accuracy.
- Don’t Skip the Rise: It creates that light, airy texture.
- Glaze While Warm: Ensures a smooth, even coating.
- Use a Thermometer: Maintain oil at 375°F for even frying.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry them out.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying? They won’t have the same texture, but you can bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes and brush with butter before glazing.
Can I make the dough ahead? Yes! Let it rise in the fridge overnight, then shape and fry the next day.
What oil is best for frying? Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for the best results.
Conclusion
Homemade Krispy Kremes are the perfect weekend baking project—crispy, tender, and dipped in a buttery glaze that dreams are made of. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the magic of freshly made doughnuts that rival your favorite shop!
Ingredients
-
- Dough:
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons boiling water
- 1 teaspoon dry active yeast
- 8 oz all-purpose flour (just under 2 cups)
- 1 1/2 oz sugar (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 egg
- 1 oz butter, cold to room temperature
- 1 dash salt
- Oil for frying
- Glaze:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons hot water (adjust as needed)
Instructions
- In a jug, mix milk and boiling water. Stir in 1 tsp sugar and yeast. Let sit until foamy.
- In a bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Add beaten egg and yeast mixture. Mix to form a smooth dough.
- Knead dough on floured surface for 5–10 minutes until springy. Cover and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Divide dough into 4, roll into ropes, cut into 1-inch pieces, and roll into balls.
- Let dough balls rise covered while heating oil to 375°F.
- Fry in batches, about 2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Dip warm doughnuts and let glaze set before serving.
Notes
Best served fresh and warm. You can prep the dough the night before and refrigerate. For a twist, drizzle with chocolate or top with sprinkles!