Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe (Copycat) — Light and fluffy donuts topped with a rich glaze will melt in your mouth. Tastes as good as the store-bought Krispy Kremes!
Raise your hand if you have ever waited in line for a Krispy Kreme doughnut. Now, raise two hands if you’ve passed Krispy Kreme and had to make a U-Turn when you see the green neon sign say “HOT NOW”! I have to admit I’ve done both. Don’t feel guilty about it and I even got in trouble for it.
Yes, I was late for work that day, but guess what? My boss didn’t seem upset after I handed him some Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
I had to bribe him.
But wait, can you believe I still got dinged for it! Even after he gobbled down almost half a dozen. Bummer!
There is nothing quite like biting into a warm Krispy Kreme donuts- It melts in your mouth, leaves you wanting more and more. I have to muster every will power in me to stop at two. But to date, it has been an impossible task.
I don’t know what is it about these doughnuts.
Is it the definite crackle from the doughnut?
or the melt in the mouth sensation you get
or just maybe the fact that it is deep-fried.
Your guess is just as good as mine
Whatever it is, nothing tempts me more like a Krispy Kreme doughnut. That is why when I came across this doughnut, I decided to give it a try.
I know what you’re thinking, what is the point of making these at home when the store bought version is cheap and good. I find these curiously satisfying to make at home.
This is going on the menu for Father’s Day Weekend. I know hubby and mini hubby would be thrilled!
Although they may look unprofessional and uneven, they do have an edge compared to the store-bought version.
If you can make a cake you can make these. They’re not that difficult to make. You can even make it without a mixer.
ENJOY!!!!
Watch How To Make It
This recipe was originally posted in November 2013 and has been updated with new photos and, recently, with a video.
Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe
Ingredients
Doughnut Batter
- 2 packs 1/4 ounce packages instant yeast or( 4 ½ teaspoons )yeast
- 1/3 cup warm water 105-115F / 40-46C
- 1 1/2 cup milk ( whole milk or low fat milk )
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 Large eggs
- 1/3 cup (75 grams) butter or shortening , soften
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- Canola oil for frying
Doughnut Glaze
- ½ cup butter melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- 5-7 tablespoons evaporated milk
Instructions
- In a standing mixer, combine lukewarm water and yeast. Let it sit until dissolve for about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile in a microwave safe medium bowl, heat milk for about 2 minutes. Remove and let it cool.
- Add, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening or butter and 2 cups of flour to bowl of yeast.
- Mix for 2 minutes at medium speed. Add the remaining 3 cups of flour and continue mixing dough. Scraping down sides.
- Place dough in a large greased bowl. Cover loosely with a clean clothe and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 2 hours or until doubled.
- Roll dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into doughnuts using a donut cutter or cookie cutter about one 1-inch and one 3 or 4-inch .Let stand for about 10 minutes.
- In a large sauce pan, pour vegetable oil until it is at least 3 inches (or about 5 centimeters) high and place on medium heat until oil is 375 degrees.
- Carefully drop doughnuts into hot oil, only a few at a time. Fry, turning once, for about 3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on prepared paper towels.
Doughnut Glaze
- In a microwave safe bowl melt the butter.
- Remove and stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until everything comes together
- Then evaporated milk (or sub water) until you have reached desired consistency
- Dip doughnuts in glaze and let it drip on the rack.
Nutrition Information:
TIPS AND NOTES
- In order for your these doughnuts to be airy, they have to double in size by rising. So be patient with it. It might take more than the recommended hours. It all depends on the temperature inside your kitchen.
- If the dough is too difficult to handle, place in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting them out. DO NOT add more flour.
- Key factor here is the oil temperature, too low and they’re going to soak up a tons of oil, so make sure it is warm enough, about 360 degrees. It’s better to add doughnuts to slightly warmer-than-desired oil, the dough usually brings down the oil temperature a few degrees, than to cool oil.
- For best results get a reliable candy/deep-fry thermometer, equipped with a clip – helps stick to a pot. It’s readily available at most grocery stores and chain retailers for around $10.
- When doughnuts are fried, place on a cookie rack so they can drain for a few minutes before placing on paper towel.
- For the glaze, add small amounts of water or milk as you mix until you get the right consistency. This helps prevent lumps and/ or runny glaze
- You can alternatively roll in sugar. Do so immediately after removing from the fryer If you are going to sugar your doughnuts, be sure to roll them in sugar quickly after they’re fryer to ensure the sugar sticks to the doughnuts.
Recipe adapted here
In a standing mixer, combine lukewarm water and yeast. Let it sit until dissolve for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile in a microwave safe medium bowl, heat milk for about 2 minutes. Remove and let it cool.
Add, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening or butter and 2 cups of flour to bowl of yeast. Mix for 2 minutes at medium speed. Add the remaining 3 cups of flour and continue mixing dough. Scraping down sides.
Place dough in a large greased bowl. Cover loosely with a clean clothe and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 2 hours or until doubled. Roll dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut into doughnuts using a donut cutter or cookie cutter about one 1-inch and one 3 or 4-inch. Let stand for about 10 minutes.
In a large, sauce pan pour vegetable oil, until it is at least 3 inches (or about 5 centimeters) high and place on medium heat until oil is 375 degrees. Carefully drop doughnuts into hot oil, only a few at a time. Fry, turning once, for about 3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on prepared paper towels.
Donut Glaze: In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Remove and stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until everything comes together. Then evaporated milk (or sub water) until you have reached desired consistency. Dip doughnuts in glaze and let it drip on the rack.
Susan says
I have been making all kinds of dough for years. Your flour measurements are wrong. No matter how much flour I put in it was sticky.I put in the refrigerator see if it will be manageable.Very disappointed. Let you know how they taste after I fry them
ImmaculateBites says
So sorry to hear about this Susan. This recipe really do work. I make it all the time – please double check your measurements.
Tammy says
Should the butter in the batter be salted or unsalted?
ImmaculateBites says
It is unsalted butter. I always use unsalted butter , if possible . I can control the the amount of salt that goes into to a recipe .
Maryam says
Can i make it filled doughnuts
imma africanbites says
Hi, Maryam. Unfortunately, without further recipe testing, I cannot answer with certainty. =(
Jackie says
Yes. I filled mine. I used a 4 inch cutter.
Sharon says
Instead of milk can club soda be used in dough?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Shanon, can’t really give you a definite answer on this one .Haven’t tried it with baking soda
Mymoona says
I have made this, but going to try yours. Because it’s so much I froze it and later in week thawed a few put in microwave for a few seconds and iced it. It was as if a just baked it. Can I do it with your donuts
Rachel Fuller says
These were SO good! Dough was sticky for me, so I added about 1 1/2 cups more to get the consistency I needed. They were fluffy and fabulous! Thanks for the wonderful recipe. Oh, and glaze was spot on!
Evelyn Solis says
I am in the process. And I see the dough too sticky… im not sure if it will be good to be roll…
I should have read your comment to do the same!
niyah says
hey can i use almond milk instead ?
ImmaculateBites says
Yes you sure can.
mary says
Can you freeze the dough
ImmaculateBites says
Yes you can.Thaw in the fridge over night.
Izzy says
this recipe is so delicious, as long as you follow the directions it should come out perfect! my family loved them and we all agree that they may be better than the actual krispy kreme donuts 🙂 thank you for sharing
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks for sharing Izzy
Melanie says
These turned out perfectly! A huge hit! Will definitely make these again. Thanks for sharing recipe.
David says
Planning to make these for company, can I prepare the dough/donuts the night before, then bake them in the morning? Or is it best to do it all in the morning? Thank you.
ImmaculateBites says
I do it all the time prepare the day before serving and fry or bake in the morning . Enjoy.
Carmy says
This recipe is amazing! I want to try doing it the night before. Do I put it on the fridge? Do I let it rise before putting it in the fridge?
ImmaculateBites says
Yes you let it rise and shape before putting it in the fridge.
cruz joseph says
donuts came out perfectly but i followed the exact recipe for the glazing and it came out like brown water do you know why this hapened please let me know thank you
ImmaculateBites says
Don’t know why for sure . It might be too much liquid?
Kay says
How long should I wait to cool the milk? Should it be warm or completely cooled down to room temperature?
ImmaculateBites says
It should be lukewarm.
Brenda reynolds says
Is it possible to put all the ingredients into a bread maker on dough setting?
ImmaculateBites says
I can’t say for sure . Haven’t tried this yet in a bread maker.
Zarah says
I have always been successful with this recipe. My family and friends loved my donuts.
Thank you so much!
ImmaculateBites says
Yay! Glad to hear they do.
Arin says
My doughnuts tasted yeasty when I finished them, do you have any idea why and how I can fix this? 🙁
ImmaculateBites says
Your dough must have over proofed . Next time punch down the dough as soon as it almost doubles it size.
Kc says
hi, how about my dough was too tough, hard and dry? whats wrong with my mixtures? 🙁 can you send me email about mixtures
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Kc. I am sorry to hear you are having trouble with your dough. It will be hard for me to say what went wrong exactly. Please, if you can, could you try making it again with the exact measurements? Do let me know how it works out this time around.
Anna says
Hi, can you please tell me whether milk will work in the glaze instead of evaporated milk? Thanks
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Anna. If you cannot get a hold of evaporated milk, use regular milk.
Phoebe says
Can this donut be baked?
ImmaculateBites says
Yes it can. However, it would not have the same taste and texture.
Sha says
Amazing Recipe! Next time, I wanna try baking it . Can you recommend at what temp and duration i should bake these for? Thanks!
ImmaculateBites says
Bake at 375 F for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the bottom of the doughnuts are golden brown.
Mark says
Is there a way i could make them with self rising flour?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Mark. Self-rising flour will work just fine.
Fanz says
I followed this recipe to the exact measurements and it was very runny. I had to add an additional 1 and a half cups flour to get a dough consistency . Hope I didn’t waste my time and ingredients
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Fanz. I am so sorry to hear you had trouble with your dough! Normally that shouldn’t happen. Do let me know how it turned out after you added the extra 1 and a half cups of flour.
Melissa Marone says
I followed the recipe exactly my dough is very sticky 🙁 I added even more flour and same thing… what did I do wrong
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Melissa. I am so sorry you had trouble with your dough. Given that you followed the recipe exactly, it will be hard for me to say what exactly went wrong. If this happens to you again next time, try kneading the dough a little longer. You can pop it into the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes so that it hardens up and then continue. I hope you get to try it again. Let me know how it goes.
Abigail David says
Can margarine be used instead of butter?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi David. Margarine will work just fine!
Victoria says
I made doughnut holes instead of regular doughnuts. I was feeling lazy. They turned out perfect and tasted wonderful!
ImmaculateBites says
Hahahah. That happens to me too :)! Glad it turned out great for you, Victoria.
Ij says
Hi So I just tried this recipe but my mixture looks more like puff puff. It’s runny like puff puff. I also do not have the mixer and used my hands instead. Could that be the reason?
ImmaculateBites says
Hello! I am so sorry you had trouble with your dough. Even when mixing by hand, it shouldn’t be that soft. I hope you get to try this recipe again. When you do, please double check your measurements, just to make sure. If it is still too soft, add a little more flour. Do let me know how it works out.
Ij says
Hiiii so i tried the recipe today and the doughnuts turned out perfectly. I think with the first recipe i mistakenly added baking soda! I still used my hands to mix the dough, it seemed sticky but i let it sit to rise and punched out the air threw it into the fridge for about 30mins. Noticed it increased in size again but it was not overly sticky and could work with it. I didn’t even get to glaze them, it was eaten as it was coming out of the oil. Thanks a lot!
Sarah C says
Can you use GF all purpose flour? I have the King Arthur brand.
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Sarah! I have never tried Gluten-Free flour before with this recipe so I am not sure how that will work. It would probably have a good taste but it will be heavy and dense since GF flour does not rise. Do let me know how it works out for you.
Nancy says
GF flour does rise if you are using yeast in your recipe. I make GF yeast bread and donuts and other baked goodies. After mixing all ingredients, I place in a warm, dry place for 2 hours and it doubles and triples in size. I then refrigerate over night and make my goodies the next day.
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Mildred says
Hi…..
Thanks for the recipe….
Please can I use salted butter??
ImmaculateBites says
Yes you can.
Dorothy says
How long are you supposed to mix the dough after putting the 3cups
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Dorothy! Mix for about 5 minutes or until well combined.
Cruz Joseph says
Hi I tried to leave it out but it is still sofft
ImmaculateBites says
Let it rest it rest in the fridge for it to firm up , before cutting it out.
Adam says
Hello! Really exited to try this today!! I don’t have evaporated milk, is it very important for the glaze or is there a substitute I can use?
ImmaculateBites says
it’s not that important . Milk or water would do just fine.
Maahi says
Hi,
I need only 10-12 donuts.
Can the recipe be halved in proportion.?
ImmaculateBites says
Hello there,
Yes it sure can.
Drhajjo86 says
Hi, nice recipe. Thank you for sharing. Will give it a try soonest and give you a feedback
Barbara says
Do you have a chocolate glaze recipe
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Barbara! For an easy chocolate glaze you will need;
½ cup butter melted
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons evaporated milk
4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
The procedure is the same as the regular glaze. Enjoy!
Casey says
Viewing the ingredients in metric, there butter says 95g or 75g of butter. Which is it?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Casey! It is 75g of butter.
Jaime says
So good and so easy!! I was so shocked how simple this was. Will definitely make these again!
ImmaculateBites says
Fantastic!! I am so glad this was a hit with you, Jaime!
mons says
hello! planning to follow this, glaze half with your recipe, and the other half w/ strawberry icing (i’m obsessed with kk’s strawberry iced doughnuts) but not sure what recipe to follow. i have a fresh batch of strawberries and was really hoping to use them. dyou maybe have a recipe for that? thanks in advance!
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Mons! For a simple strawberPuree about 7 strawberries, then add 5 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar. Whisk them together and you are good to go :).
Sameera says
Can u please tell me the cup measurement? Is it 200ml cup or 240ml cup?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Sameera! It is a 240 ml cup.
Kerin says
Do you ice while the donut is warm Or completely cooled to room temperature?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Kerin. Glaze the donut while it is still warm.
Hannah says
Can I make the dough and put in fridge after rise step?
Roll and cut in the morning?
ImmaculateBites says
Yes, you can :).
Christine says
Hi, I’ve not got a mixer, could you please recommend any other way?? Thank you x
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Christine. Yes, you could do this by hand. But it will require a bit of a workout because you will have to properly knead the dough. Do not be tempted to add any more flour if it is sticky. Just put it in the fridge for a while and then get back to it. Hope this helps :).
Mar says
Hi, I just saw this, I accidentally added more flour to the dough by default because it was too sticky. What will this do to my donuts? They just finished rising.
ImmaculateBites says
Too much dough would make it dense. Not as light as doughnuts should be.
Candy says
How many doughnuts does this recipe make
ImmaculateBites says
About 24 doughnuts :).
Sue says
Can i use a handheld mixer?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Sue! Yes, you can :).
Chari says
Hello! Planning to do this. 🙂 can I use sterilized milk?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Chari. Yes, you can.
Patricia Di Nardo says
Could these be baked ?
ImmaculateBites says
Yes they could. However, there will be a difference in texture.
Chari says
Good Day! Can I use Sterilized milk? Thank you in advance!
Kera says
Amazing recipe
ImmaculateBites says
Thank you, Kera!
Rsimone says
Thank you: these were delicious!!!
ImmaculateBites says
Fantastic! Glad you loved it :).
Jenson says
My dough is really sticky. Right now it is rising. Any suggestions if it’s still sticky after it rises?
ImmaculateBites says
Let it rest in the fridge for it to firm up.
Ste says
Can you put this mixture into a doughnut maker? Is there a difference in the type of mixture you’d deep fry and one you’d put in a doughnut maker?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Stephanie! I haven’t tried making these doughnuts in a doughnut maker but I do not see why it won’t work out. Do let me know how it turns out for you.
Jolee Abello says
Do you use the hook attachment on the mixer? I dont have a dough hook but I have the paddle attachment.Will this work? Thank you.
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Jolee! You could start the mixing process with the paddle and then take out the dough and knead it for about 5 minutes.
Andrew says
Is it better to fry with Canola oil or vegetable? You say Canola in ingredients list but say vegetable in directions.
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Andrew! You can use either one of them, they both work fine 🙂 .
Nisu says
Salted butter or unsalted butter? For this recipe
ImmaculateBites says
Unsalted butter 🙂
Sarah says
Can I use 2% milk for this recipe?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Sarah. Yes, you can.