Calories: Approx. 220–250 calories per doughnut (with glaze)
Best time to enjoy: These doughnuts are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an occasional afternoon treat.

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, homemade doughnut with that perfect balance of fluffiness, light crispiness, and sweet glaze. If you’ve ever craved the iconic Krispy Kreme doughnut but didn’t want to run to the store, this copycat recipe is your ticket to doughnut heaven — straight from your kitchen.

Unlike many online versions that turn out dense or cakey, this recipe delivers that light, airy texture you expect from a true raised doughnut. While it may not have the industrial extruders used in commercial bakeries, the results are still impressively close — and made with love.

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Ingredients for Homemade Krispy Kreme-Style Doughnuts

Dough:

• 3 tbsp boiling water

• 3 tbsp milk

• 1 tsp active dry yeast

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for yeast activation)

• 2 cups minus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 pinch salt

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (remaining)

• Shortening or oil for frying

Glaze:

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• ⅓ cup butter

• 3–4 tbsp hot water (adjust to desired consistency)

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Krispy Kreme Copycat Doughnuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a measuring cup, mix boiling water and milk. Stir in 1 tbsp of sugar and then add the yeast. Let it sit in a warm place for 10 minutes until foamy — this indicates the yeast is active.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Mix

In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Cut in butter using a pastry cutter until crumbly.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Beat the egg separately, then mix it into the flour mixture along with the activated yeast. Stir until a sticky dough forms (about 5 minutes).

Step 4: Knead and Let It Rise

Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–10 minutes until smooth and springy. Return to a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Doughnuts

Roll out the dough to ½ inch thickness. Cut out doughnut shapes using a doughnut cutter or two different-sized round cutters. Place on a parchment-lined tray and let rise again for 30 minutes while heating oil.

Step 6: Fry and Glaze

Heat shortening or oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry each doughnut for 1–2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain on a rack.

Mix glaze ingredients, adjusting the water until smooth and pourable. While doughnuts are still warm, dip or drizzle the glaze to achieve that classic shiny finish.

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Who Should and Shouldn’t Eat These Doughnuts

Good for:

• Active individuals or athletes needing quick energy

• Kids and teens as an occasional treat

• Baking enthusiasts looking to recreate nostalgic comfort food

Not recommended for:

• People with diabetes, due to the high sugar content

• Those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease

• Individuals on a low-calorie or low-fat diet

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Best Appliance for Energy Efficiency

To reduce electricity usage, consider using an induction cooktop or an energy-efficient deep fryer with automatic temperature control. These appliances heat faster and retain consistent temperature, using significantly less energy than traditional stovetops or fryers.

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Final Thoughts

These homemade Krispy Kreme-style doughnuts are as close as you can get to the real deal without stepping foot in a store. With careful attention to the rising and frying process, you’ll enjoy a bakery-quality treat at home — and possibly never go back to store-bought again.

Ready to impress your taste buds? Grab your apron and start frying!