Craving that iconic light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth doughnut experience? This Homemade Krispy Kreme-Style Doughnuts recipe will bring the magic of freshly glazed doughnuts right to your kitchen! With a soft, airy texture and a sweet, glossy glaze, these doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a sweet treat. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create these irresistible delights!
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
3 tablespoons milk 🥛
3 tablespoons boiling water 💧
1 teaspoon dry active yeast 🧫
8 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 3/4 cups, measured and weighed for accuracy) 🍚
1 1/2 ounces sugar (about 3 tablespoons) 🍚
1 large egg 🥚
1 ounce butter, cold to room temperature 🧈
1 dash salt 🧂
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well) 🛢️
For the Glaze:
1/3 cup butter, melted 🧈
2 cups confectioners’ sugar 🍚
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🌿
4 tablespoons hot water (adjust as needed) 💧
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large measuring jug, combine 3 tablespoons of milk and 3 tablespoons of boiling water. The mixture should be warm but not hot (around 110°F).
Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of dry active yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast.
Let the mixture sit in a warm place for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is activated and ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of all-purpose flour, the remaining sugar, and a dash of salt.
Add 1 ounce of cold to room temperature butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the flour mixture until it forms a crumbly texture with pea-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, lightly beat 1 large egg. Add the beaten egg and the activated yeast mixture to the flour mixture.
Mix everything together until a smooth dough forms. This usually takes about 5 minutes of mixing by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
Step 3: Knead and Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured countertop or surface. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly springy. You should see small bubbles forming under the surface.
Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts
After the dough has risen, gently press it down to release any trapped air.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 4 equal portions.
Take one portion of dough and roll it into a long rope about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces. Use your hands to shape each piece into a small, smooth ball. These will become your doughnut holes.
Repeat with the remaining dough portions. Place the doughnut holes on a baking tray or wire rack, leaving space between them to rise.
Cover the doughnut holes with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for 20-30 minutes while you heat the oil.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
While the oil heats, line a plate or tray with paper towels or place a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain the fried doughnuts.
Step 6: Fry the Doughnuts
Carefully place a few doughnut holes into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Fry the doughnuts for 1-2 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip them gently.
Once fried, transfer the doughnuts to the prepared paper towels or wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
In a medium bowl, melt 1/3 cup of butter.
Add 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 4 tablespoons of hot water. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and glossy. If the glaze is too thick, add more hot water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 8: Glaze the Doughnuts
While the doughnuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, ensuring they’re fully coated. You can also drizzle the glaze over the doughnuts for a lighter coating.
Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack to let any extra glaze drip off and set.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
For the best experience, serve the doughnuts while they’re still warm. Their soft, fluffy texture and sweet glaze are at their peak right after glazing.
Enjoy these homemade Krispy Kreme-style doughnuts with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk for the ultimate treat!
Tips and Tricks
- Yeast Activation: If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be inactive. Start over with fresh yeast.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil at 375°F for even frying. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will burn; if it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil.
- Glaze Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of lemon juice to the glaze for a unique twist.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: About 24 doughnut holes
These Homemade Krispy Kreme-Style Doughnuts are a labor of love, but every bite is worth it! Soft, fluffy, and perfectly glazed, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy! 🍩✨