Krispy Kreme donuts are renowned for their light, fluffy texture and irresistible glaze. If you’ve ever wished to recreate that iconic taste at home, you’re in for a treat. In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of making donuts like Krispy Kreme from scratch, covering everything from the ingredients and equipment you’ll need to the step-by-step preparation and frying methods.
Ingredients and Equipment
To achieve that signature Krispy Kreme donut flavor and texture, you’ll need a few key ingredients and some essential equipment:
Ingredients:
For the Donut Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
- ¼ cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup warm water
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying:
Vegetable oil (enough to fill your frying pot or pan to about 2 inches)
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional, but helpful)
- Rolling pin
- Donut cutter (or round cookie cutters if you don’t have a donut cutter)
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
- Candy thermometer
- Cooling rack
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Activate the Yeast:
Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it doesn’t foam up, your yeast might be old or the milk too hot or too cold; start over with fresh yeast and properly warmed milk.
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until the ingredients begin to come together.
Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of flour, mixing until the dough forms. If you’re using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. If you’re kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Roll Out and Cut the Donuts:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large and one small), cut out the donut shapes. Place the cut donuts and holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, covering them with a clean towel. Let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Heat the Oil:
While the donuts are rising, heat your oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for perfect donuts: too hot, and they’ll cook too quickly on the outside; too cool, and they’ll be greasy.
6. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding. Fry each side for about 1 minute or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Allow them to cool slightly before glazing.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the donuts are cooling, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
8. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, dip them into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them on a cooling rack to let the glaze set.
Tips for Perfect Donuts
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Don’t Overheat the Oil: Keeping the oil at the right temperature ensures that the donuts cook evenly and avoid excessive oil absorption.
Fry in Batches: Frying too many donuts at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking.
Allow Dough to Rise Properly: Proper rising is essential for light, airy donuts. Don’t rush this step.
Serve Fresh: Donuts are best enjoyed fresh. While they can be stored for a day or two in an airtight container, they lose their signature texture over time.
see also: How Thick Are Krispy Kreme Donuts?
Conclusion
Making donuts like Krispy Kreme at home involves a few steps and some patience, but the result is well worth the effort. By following these detailed instructions, you’ll create light, fluffy donuts with a sweet, glossy glaze that rivals the famous Krispy Kreme treat. Enjoy the process, savor the results, and impress your family and friends with your homemade donut skills!