Recreate the magic of a Krispy Kreme donut recipe right at home with this easy, foolproof version. Light, fluffy, and finished with a sweet glaze, each bite melts in your mouth.
Perfectly golden and gently crisp outside, these homemade donuts offer bakery-quality indulgence with just a few simple ingredients—no yeast required and ready in under 30 minutes.
Star Ingredients That Make This Krispy Kreme Donut Recipe Shine
- Milk – Adds moisture and tenderness for a soft, airy interior.
- Egg – Binds the dough while contributing to that signature rich texture.
- Olive or Coconut Oil – Ensures moistness and a delicate crumb.
- Sugar – Just enough sweetness to balance the glaze.
- Baking Powder – The secret to a quick rise and fluffy, yeast-free donut.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure while keeping the donuts pillowy.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Essential for that iconic, silky-sweet glaze.
Quick & Easy: How to Make Krispy Kreme Donuts
Start by whisking together the wet ingredients with sugar, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Gradually mix in flour to form a soft, pliable dough.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface, then cut it into classic donut shapes. Fry in hot oil until golden on each side, or bake in a donut pan until just done.
Dip each donut in a simple milk-and-powdered-sugar glaze while still warm. Let them sit on a rack until the glaze sets for that perfect finish.
Sweet Tips for Perfect Donuts Every Time
For the fluffiest texture, avoid over-kneading the dough—it should be smooth but not tight. Always check your oil temperature with a thermometer; too hot and the donuts will burn before cooking through.
Baking instead of frying? Don’t overbake—pull them out as soon as a toothpick comes out clean to keep them moist. Customize the glaze by adding a drop of vanilla, maple, or almond extract for a fun twist.
Want filled donuts? Skip the donut hole and pipe in jam or cream after frying or baking.
Keeping That Glazed Goodness: Storing Your Donuts
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To refresh slightly hardened donuts, a few seconds in the microwave works wonders.
To freeze, arrange donuts in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight at room temperature, and lightly warm before serving to bring back that soft, fresh-baked feel.
Homemade Krispy Kremes Doughnuts
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- In a sizable mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, milk, sugar, baking powder, and salt until a uniform mixture is formed. Incorporate one cup of flour and whisk until just combined. Follow with the remaining flour, stirring until a smooth dough is achieved. Knead gently within the bowl until the dough becomes elastic.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough several additional times. Roll the dough out to a thickness of approximately one inch. Utilize a donut or cookie cutter to carve out donut shapes.
- Pour around 2 inches of oil into a deep pot and warm over medium heat until it registers 375°F. Place a few donut rounds in the hot oil, frying each side for two minutes or until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Repeat until all donuts are cooked.
- To prepare the glaze, mix the confectioners’ sugar with milk until a smooth, glossy consistency forms. If needed, add a drop more milk to loosen.
- Dip each donut in the glaze and allow to set on a wire rack until the glaze firms up.
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan with cooking spray.
- Prepare the donut dough as above.
- Distribute evenly among the donut molds and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, glaze the donuts as described.
Notes
Freezing: Donuts may be frozen in a sealed container for up to six months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
