Homemade Krispy Kremes
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, freshly glazed donut, and with this Homemade Krispy Kremes recipe, you can enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth goodness anytime. These donuts are a perfect replica of the iconic Krispy Kreme donuts, featuring a light, airy texture and a sweet, sticky glaze. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a special treat, or just because you’re craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Easy to make and even easier to devour, these donuts are a must-try for any donut lover.
A Sweet Family Tradition: How Homemade Krispy Kremes Became a Weekend Favorite
The first time I made these Homemade Krispy Kremes was on a lazy Sunday morning. My husband, a self-proclaimed donut connoisseur, was skeptical at first—could homemade donuts really compare to his beloved Krispy Kremes? But once he took his first bite, I knew I had won him over. The light, fluffy texture and the classic glaze were just like the real thing, and before I knew it, these donuts became a weekend staple in our house. Now, making these donuts has become a family tradition. The kids love helping with the dough, and the whole house fills with the irresistible smell of fresh donuts. It’s a recipe that brings us all together, and every time we make them, it’s a reminder of the simple joys of being together as a family.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Krispy Kremes
- Just Like the Original: These donuts are a perfect copycat of the famous Krispy Kreme donuts, right down to the signature glaze.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and steps, you can have fresh donuts in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, these donuts are always a hit.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping to make (and eat!) these delicious donuts.
Ingredients Notes For Homemade Krispy Kremes
- Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the dough rise and creates that fluffy texture. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Milk: Warm milk helps to activate the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough, while powdered sugar is used for the glaze.
- Butter: Adds flavor and helps keep the donuts soft.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the donuts their structure; be sure to measure it correctly for the perfect dough consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweetness to both the dough and the glaze.
- Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying the donuts.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Krispy Kremes
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add 1/4 cup of melted butter, 2 beaten eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add in 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donuts and holes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined tray.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, letting the excess drip off.
- Serve: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Homemade Krispy Kremes while they’re still warm!
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
- Reheating: Warm up leftover donuts in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh, warm taste.
Variations & Substitutions
- Chocolate Glaze: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the glaze for a chocolatey twist.
- Filled Donuts: Inject the donuts with your favorite filling, like jelly, custard, or chocolate, before glazing.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Instead of glazing, toss the warm donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a classic flavor.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the milk with almond milk and the butter with a vegan alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
A1: Yes, you can bake the donuts at 350°F for about 10 minutes until golden. They won’t be as crispy but will still be delicious.
Q2: How do I keep the donuts soft?
A2: Make sure not to overcook them, and store them in an airtight container to retain moisture.
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Q3: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A3: Yes, you can use instant yeast. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Q4: What oil is best for frying donuts?
A4: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil is best, as it doesn’t affect the flavor of the donuts.
Q5: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and fry the donuts in the morning.
Homemade Krispy Kremes
Ingredients
- Doughnuts
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1/2 cup warm water 110°F/45°C
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup whole milk warmed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for rolling
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of the sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, melted butter, warm milk, egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until well combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out doughnut shapes. Re-roll the scraps to cut out more doughnuts.
- Second Rise: Place the cut doughnuts on a lightly floured baking sheet, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy.
- Heat the Oil: In a large, deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the doughnuts.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully place a few doughnuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Glaze: While the doughnuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Glaze the Doughnuts: Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, coating it completely. Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow the excess glaze to drip off.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Krispy Kremes warm for the best taste!
