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My Krispy Kreme donut recipe yields golden brown donuts with a light and fluffy center, all covered in a delicate sugar glaze. They can be fried or baked.
I love the original glazed Krispy Kreme donuts, so making a homemade version just had to happen. Contrary to popular belief, making homemade donuts is so easy (hello, donut holes or mochi donuts).
This recipe uses simple pantry staple ingredients and skips the yeast altogether. The donuts are soft and pillowy, but they have a slight chewiness that balances them out. The glaze is crisp and sweet, making it hard to stop at just one.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Everyday ingredients. Krispy Kreme may make some delicious doughnuts, but this recipe uses basic ingredients you probably have on hand already.
- Quick and easy. There is no yeast, so there is no resting time.
- Multiple cooking methods. While I prefer to fry the donuts, I’ve also tested them in the oven, giving you options.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Just made these this morning for a treat for family and friends. They were giving so much praise. Thank you.” – Amber
Key Ingredients
- Eggs. I tested this recipe with and without an egg and found adding one egg made the batter fluffier and cakier.
- Oil. A little oil is needed to keep the batter lighter, moist, and to give the donuts a tender crumb. I like to use melted coconut oil or olive oil.
- Milk. Any milk works. I typically use whole milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- Salt. Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
- Sugar. White sugar is added to the dough to give it sweetness. Please do not skip the sugar, otherwise the unglazed donuts will not be remotely sweet.
- Baking powder. Leavening agent for some rise.
- All-purpose flour. Nothing fancy, just simple white all-purpose flour.
- Oil (to fry). Use oil with a high smoking point, such as peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. If you opt for the baked option, you can skip this altogether.
- Glaze. A simple combination of powdered sugar and milk.
How to make Krispy Kreme doughnuts
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Make the base. Whisk the egg, oil, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
Step 2- Add flour. Add one cup of flour, mix, then add the remaining flour.
Step 3- Mix. Gently mix the dough until smooth.
Step 4- Knead. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead several times.
Step 5- Shape. Flatten the dough, then cut out portions of donuts (using a donut or cookie cutter).
Step 6- Fry or bake. Fry the donuts in oil or bake them in the oven until golden.
Step 7- Make the glaze. Whisk the powdered sugar with milk.
Step 8- Glaze. Dip each donut in the glaze and place on a wire rack until set.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Avoid overmixing the dough. If you mix it too much, then too much gluten will develop, and you’ll be left with dense, chewy donuts. Only mix until the ingredients are fully combined.
- Use a standing mixer with a dough hook attachment to save some time making the dough.
- Don’t overfill the doughnut pan, as the donuts will rise as they bake. I find 2/3 full to be plenty.
- Let your donuts cool before glazing them. This ensures the glaze doesn’t drip off as it sets.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be kept fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. They can be refrigerated for up to one week, though I find they become dense and chewy afterward.
To freeze: Freeze leftover donuts in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Let them thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.
More donut recipes to try
If you tried this Krispy Kreme Donut Recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Krispy Kreme Donut Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Glaze
- 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Whisk the egg, oil, milk, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add the first cup of flour and whisk until combined. Add the remaining flour and whisk until a smooth dough remains. Gently knead the dough in the bowl until smooth.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead several more times.
- Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough until it is an inch thick. Using a donut or cookie cutter, cut out portions of dough in the donut shape.
- Add about 2 inches of oil to a deep pot and place it over medium heat. Once it reaches 375F, add a few of the donuts to the hot oil. Fry for two minutes per side.
- Drain the donuts on a paper towel and repeat the process until all the donuts are fried.
- Make the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar with milk. if the glaze is too thick, add an extra drop of milk until glossy.
- Dip the donuts in the glaze, then transfer them onto a wire rack until firm.
Oven instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Coat a 12-count donut pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- Prep the donuts as instructed.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until just done, and a skewer comes out just clean. Allow cooling in the pan for 5 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, dip each donut in the glaze.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published August 2022, updated and republished April 2025
So little ingredients. How much time I need to make?
Donuts are actually so easy to make. I just dont have donut maker like aparature for it.
I need to learn finally how to make donuts. This must be very good!
These were sensational!
Love your recipes and was excited when I saw this recipe but then disappointed when I realized it isn’t keto or low carb 🙁
A lot of your recipes call for maple syrup. I don’t like maple syrup. Are there any recmmended substitutions?
Try honey or agave.
Aloha love!
My three year old has been asking me for doughnuts for days now and I want to make her dreams come true. If I don’t have self rising flour how else can I achieve the vegan recipe?
Here we go 🙂 https://thebigmansworld.com/how-to-make-self-rising-flour/
Just made these this morning for a treat for family and friends. They were giving so many praises. Thank you.
You are so welcome, Amber!
YES, Krispy Kreme! Childhood! It’s by far the best donut fast food place. Nobody, absolutely NOBODY, can go wrong with a classic glazed donut. I have to try your vegan version! I am so excited!