Homemade Krispy Kremes are the ultimate indulgence, offering the same melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet glaze as the iconic donuts from the Krispy Kreme shop, but made right in your own kitchen. These soft, fluffy donuts are fried to golden perfection and coated in a rich, sweet glaze, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving something sweet. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, these easy-to-follow steps will have you enjoying fresh, homemade donuts in no time.
Ingredients:
For the donuts:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Directions:
For the donuts:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the yeast mixture to the milk mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and nutmeg to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Use a donut cutter (or two round cookie cutters) to cut out the donut shapes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
For the glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, coating them evenly, and place them on a wire rack to set.
Notes:
- Frying Tip: Be sure to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for the best results. If the temperature drops too low, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Flavor Variations: You can customize your donuts by adding toppings such as sprinkles, chocolate glaze, or a cinnamon sugar coating after frying.
- Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the donuts and glaze them once thawed.
Conclusion:
Homemade Krispy Kremes are a delicious and satisfying treat that rivals the store-bought version, offering a soft, fluffy texture and a sweet glaze that’s irresistible. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy fresh donuts at home whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a weekend treat, or simply because you love donuts, these homemade Krispy Kremes are sure to delight everyone!