There’s something magical about homemade treats that transport you back to cherished moments with family and friends. I remember my first encounter with making donuts vividly. I was at my grandmother’s house for a summer visit, and she decided we would spend the day making donuts from scratch. The kitchen smelled of warm yeast and frying dough, and the sense of anticipation was palpable. Fast forward to today, and I still find myself gravitating toward those moments when I want to recreate that nostalgic feeling. This homemade Krispy Kreme recipe is a delightful way to bring that comforting sweetness into your home.
One thing I love about this recipe is its simplicity. Despite its straightforward nature, the results are spectacular—fluffy, golden donuts with a perfectly sweet glaze. These homemade Krispy Kremes can rival any store-bought version, and there’s a special satisfaction in knowing you made them yourself.
When preparing these donuts, you have some flexibility to make the recipe your own. For instance, you can add a touch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for a subtle spice that complements the sweetness of the glaze. Alternatively, for those who love a bit of a twist, you can fill these donuts with your favorite jam or custard before frying. Simply cut a small hole in each dough ball, pipe in the filling, and then seal it back up before frying. This little addition elevates the donuts to a new level of deliciousness.
For the glaze, you can experiment with flavors too. Adding a bit of cocoa powder can transform it into a chocolate glaze, or you can mix in some lemon zest for a refreshing citrus twist. The key is to keep the glaze warm and thin enough to easily coat the donuts, ensuring each bite is as delectable as the last.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or decide to experiment with variations, these homemade Krispy Kremes are sure to be a hit. Share them with family, friends, or savor them as a special treat for yourself. Happy baking!
Making a Homemade Krispy Kremes
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (8 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ounce cold butter
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons of boiling water
- 1 teaspoon dry active yeast
- Vegetable oil (enough to fill a few inches in a wok or deep fryer)
For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons hot water (additional water may be needed)
Directions
- Mix the boiling water and milk in a large measuring jug. Add a teaspoon of the sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit in a warm place for the yeast to foam.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like crumbs.
- Lightly beat the egg and add it to the flour mixture along with the yeast mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms, about 5 minutes.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes until it feels springy and bubbles form under the surface. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise for about an hour until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, place it on the counter and cut it into 4 pieces. Stretch each piece into a long rope about an inch to an inch and a half wide. Cut strips about an inch long, roll them into balls with your hands, and place them on a baking tray or wire rack.
- Cover the dough balls with a cloth to rise while you heat the oil to 375°F.
- Place the dough balls into the oil and fry until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side. Fry only a few at a time to prevent overcrowding and sticking together.
- Drain on a paper towel or wire rack before glazing them. Make sure to glaze them while they are still warm to ensure even coverage.
- To make the glaze, melt the butter and mix in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Add hot water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Storing Suggestions:
Store your homemade Krispy Kremes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a microwave or oven before serving to enjoy them warm.
FAQs:
Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?
Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough. Mix on low speed for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
What type of oil is best for frying the doughnuts?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great choices for frying doughnuts. They have high smoke points and neutral flavors.
How can I tell if the doughnuts are cooked through?
The doughnuts should be golden brown on the outside and should sound hollow when tapped. You can also use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches around 190°F.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and frying.
Why did my doughnuts turn out greasy?
If your doughnuts are greasy, it could be because the oil temperature was too low. Ensure the oil is at 375°F before frying to get crispy, non-greasy doughnuts.
How do I prevent the glaze from becoming too runny?
To prevent runny glaze, add the hot water gradually and stir continuously until you reach the desired consistency. If the glaze becomes too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar to thicken it.
Homemade Krispy Kremes
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of boiling water
- 1 teaspoon dry active yeast
- 1 large egg
- 8 ounces all-purpose flour approximately 2 cups; precise measurement and weighing are advised
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ounce cold butter
- Pinch of salt
- Sufficient vegetable oil to fill the bottom few inches of a wok or deep fryer for frying
Instructions
For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons hot water (additional water may be required to achieve desired consistency)
How to Prepare:
- In a large measuring jug, mix the boiling water with milk. Add a teaspoon of the sugar and yeast. Stir gently, then set aside in a warm place for the yeast to foam.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles crumbs.
- Lightly beat the egg and add it to the flour mixture along with the yeast mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms, about 5 minutes.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes until it feels springy and bubbles form under the surface. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise for about an hour until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, place it on the counter and cut it into 4 pieces. Stretch each piece into a long rope about an inch to an inch and a half wide. Cut strips about an inch long, roll them into balls with your hands, and place them on a baking tray or wire rack.
- Cover the dough balls with a cloth to rise while you heat the oil to 375°F.
- Place the dough balls into the oil and fry until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side. Fry only a few at a time to prevent overcrowding and sticking together.
- Drain on a paper towel or wire rack before glazing them. Make sure to glaze them while they are still warm to ensure even coverage.
- To make the glaze, melt the butter and mix in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract. Add hot water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Enjoy your homemade Krispy Kremes!
