If you’ve ever longed for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth Krispy Kreme experience right in your own kitchen, this Homemade Krispy Kremes recipe is for you. Perfectly fluffy donuts coated in a sweet, glossy glaze, these treats will transport you straight to your favorite donut shop — without ever leaving home.
Homemade yeast-raised donuts might sound intimidating, but this recipe is surprisingly simple, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you make them for a weekend breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a sweet afternoon snack, these donuts will satisfy every craving with their light, pillowy texture and perfectly balanced sweetness.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Krispy Kremes
- Soft, airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Classic sweet vanilla glaze
- Easier than you think with step-by-step instructions
- Family-friendly and fun to make together
- A perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Kitchen Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Donut cutter or round cookie cutters
- Deep fryer or large heavy pot
- Slotted spoon
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water along with 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, remaining sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine.
Gradually add in the flour, stirring until a soft dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
Gently punch down the dough to release air, then roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or a large round cutter and a small round cutter for the hole) to cut out the donuts. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
Step 5: Fry
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F. Working in batches, carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, frying for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the donuts are cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 7: Glaze the Donuts
Dip each warm donut into the glaze, turning to coat fully. Place on a wire rack to set for a few minutes until the glaze firms up.
Tips and Variations
- No donut cutter? Use a wide glass and a bottle cap to cut your donuts
- Add a filling: Pipe jam or custard into the cooled donuts before glazing
- Chocolate glaze: Swap 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for some of the powdered sugar
- Baked version: These donuts are best fried for authentic Krispy Kreme texture, but you can bake them at 375°F for about 10 minutes for a lighter option
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the glaze while it’s still wet for a fun twist
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Reheat briefly in the microwave for 5–7 seconds to revive their softness
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze when ready
Serving Suggestions
Homemade Krispy Kremes go perfectly with:
- A hot cup of coffee
- Fresh fruit
- A tall glass of cold milk
- Served as part of a brunch spread
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)
Servings: 6
- Calories: ~340
- Fat: 14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 49 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.
What type of oil is best for frying?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil is ideal.
Why do my donuts taste oily?
Make sure the oil is fully preheated to 350°F; frying in oil that is too cool can make donuts absorb excess oil.
Can I use instant yeast instead?
Yes — instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients, though you may see slightly faster rising times.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Krispy Kremes are proof that you can recreate bakery-quality treats right in your own kitchen. With their soft, pillowy interior and signature sweet glaze, these donuts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for breakfasts, brunches, or anytime you crave a comforting homemade treat.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how they turned out and whether you added any creative twists!
Homemade Krispy Kremes
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water about 110°F
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water along with 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Add the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, remaining sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine.
- Gradually add in the flour, stirring until a soft dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Donuts
- Gently punch down the dough to release air, then roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or a large round cutter and a small round cutter for the hole) to cut out the donuts. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
Step 5: Fry
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F. Working in batches, carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, frying for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
- While the donuts are cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 7: Glaze the Donuts
- Dip each warm donut into the glaze, turning to coat fully. Place on a wire rack to set for a few minutes until the glaze firms up.
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