There’s nothing quite like biting into a soft, pillowy doughnut coated in a glossy, sweet glaze. These homemade Krispy Kremes are as close to the real thing as you can get—light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

I remember the first time I tried making these at home. I was skeptical that I could recreate that signature Krispy Kreme texture, but after a few tweaks and plenty of taste tests, I landed on a recipe that’s just right. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a little patience and a love for doughnuts!

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Krispy Kremes

Get ready to experience the magic of warm, freshly glazed doughnuts from your own kitchen. These homemade Krispy Kremes are everything you love about the store-bought version, but even better.

First off, they’re incredibly light and fluffy. The secret is in the yeast-based dough, which rises to perfection and creates that signature airy bite.

They’re also made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry—flour, sugar, butter, and yeast. No preservatives or artificial flavors, just pure homemade goodness.

Another bonus? You can customize them to your liking. Love extra glaze? Dunk them twice! Want a fun twist? Add a cinnamon sugar coating or a chocolate drizzle.

And let’s not forget the satisfaction of making your own doughnuts from scratch. There’s something so rewarding about watching them puff up in the fryer, knowing you created these little bites of heaven yourself.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these doughnuts comes from a handful of carefully selected ingredients, each playing a key role in achieving that perfect Krispy Kreme texture and taste.

All-purpose flour provides the structure of the doughnuts. A higher protein flour, like bread flour, can also be used for a slightly chewier bite.

Yeast is what gives these doughnuts their airy, fluffy texture. Instant yeast works best for a quicker rise, but active dry yeast will also do the trick—just make sure to activate it in warm milk first.

Whole milk adds richness and moisture to the dough. You’ll want it warm (not hot) to help activate the yeast and create a smooth, elastic dough.

Butter contributes a soft, tender crumb. Melted butter works best, as it blends seamlessly into the dough for a rich, buttery flavor.

Sugar is used both in the dough and the glaze. In the dough, it helps activate the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness, while in the glaze, it creates that signature glossy finish.

Special Equipment: You’ll need a rolling pin, round doughnut cutter (or two differently sized round cutters), and a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot for frying. A kitchen thermometer is also helpful for keeping the oil at the perfect temperature.

How To Make Homemade Krispy Kremes

Making these doughnuts is easier than you think, and the process is as fun as it is rewarding.

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, eggs, butter, and yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic—this takes about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Cover and let it rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter (or a round cookie cutter and a smaller cutter for the hole) to shape the doughnuts. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

While the doughnuts are proofing, heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the doughnuts into the hot oil, frying for about 1 minute per side, until golden brown. Drain them on a paper towel-lined tray.

For the signature Krispy Kreme glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. While the doughnuts are still warm, dip them in the glaze, making sure they’re fully coated. Let the excess drip off, then place them on a wire rack to set.

These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, with that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Storage Options

If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), you can keep them fresh with the right storage methods.

Room Temperature: Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. A quick zap in the microwave for 5-10 seconds will bring them back to life.

Refrigeration: While refrigeration can dry out doughnuts, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just warm them up before serving.

Freezing: To freeze, place unglazed doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat before glazing.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about homemade doughnuts is how easy they are to customize!

Chocolate Glazed Doughnuts – Swap the classic glaze for a rich chocolate one by melting chocolate chips with a splash of milk and a little butter.

Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts – Instead of glazing, toss the warm doughnuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a crunchy, spiced coating.

Filled Doughnuts – Skip the hole and inject the doughnuts with your favorite filling, like custard, jam, or Nutella.

Baked Instead of Fried – If you prefer a lighter option, bake the doughnuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. They won’t be as airy, but they’ll still taste amazing!

Don’t be afraid to get creative—these doughnuts are a blank canvas for all kinds of flavors and toppings. Whether you stick with the classic glaze or put your own twist on them, you’re in for a treat.

Now that you know how to make homemade Krispy Kremes, there’s only one thing left to do—grab your ingredients and start frying!