Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts

These melt-in-your-mouth, perfectly golden yeast donuts are gooey and chewy with a fluffy interior and a light vanilla glaze, perfect for an on-the-go breakfast.

Krispy Kreme Donuts (right) with Chocolate Oreo donuts (center) and Toasted Coconut (left) donuts

Makes 12 donuts

Ingredients

Donut Dough

• 1 (¼ oz) package active dry yeast

• ⅛ cup warm water

• ¾ cup warm whole milk

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk

• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• Vegetable or canola oil for frying

Vanilla Glaze

• 3 Tbsp butter, melted

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted

• ¾ tsp pure vanilla extract

• 2-3 Tbsp hot water

Directions

Donut Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add the milk, sugar, salt, egg, egg yolk, butter, vanilla, and 1 cup of flour. Using the dough hook, knead on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl constantly. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 2 more minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. Stir in the remaining flour until smooth and incorporated, and a soft, tacky dough forms.

2. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until the dough is double in size, about 1 ½ hours. (Dough is ready when an indentation remains when touched.)

3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and roll out to ½-inch thickness with a floured rolling pin. Cut the dough with a floured donut cutter. (Alternatively, you can use two round cutters, one large and one small.) Gather any scraps or leftover dough and roll into donut holes. Place the donuts on a parchment lined baking sheet, cover with a dish towel, and let rest until double in size, about 45-60 minutes.

4. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or wide pot to 350°F. Slide the donuts into the hot oil with a wide spatula being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Flip the donuts as they rise to the surface to cook both sides. Fry until the donuts are golden brown, about 1 minute on each side. Carefully remove the donuts from the oil and place on a cooling rack.

Vanilla Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whisk in the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

2. Dip each donut into the glaze and return to the cooling rack. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Donuts are perfect for a weekend treat, special occasion, or celebrating National Donut Day! Donuts come in so many indulgent flavors and types, including glazed, cake, filled, yeast, fried, baked, and frosted. Check out this tasty collection of homemade donut creations for bakery-style donuts made from scratch in the comfort of your own home.

Toasted Coconut Donuts

Chocolate Oreo Donuts

Apple Cider Donuts