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+ servings
Close-up of a freshly fried treat being dipped into glossy glaze.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Soft, fluffy, and glazed to perfection, these Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are made with simple ingredients and fried until golden brown.
60 Servings

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar divided
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 2¾ to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • Neutral oil for frying (e.g., vegetable or canola)

For the Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons hot water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • cup unsalted butter melted

Instructions
 

Activate the yeast.

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the boiling water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, the active dry yeast, and the milk. Stir gently, then allow the mixture to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, or until foamy.

Prepare the dough base.

  1. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, 2¾ cups of the flour, and the remaining granulated sugar. Add the egg and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated and a sticky dough begins to form.

Adjust and knead the dough.

  1. Gradually add additional flour, as needed, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is soft but still slightly tacky. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes, adding small amounts of flour as necessary, until the dough becomes smooth and no longer sticky.

Let the dough rise.

  1. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape the doughnuts.

  1. After the dough has risen, divide it into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Cut each log into 15 even pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball to create doughnut holes.

Heat the oil and fry.

  1. Pour several inches of oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot and heat to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, carefully lower the dough balls into the oil and fry for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Turn as needed to ensure even cooking.

Drain the doughnuts.

  1. Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Allow to cool slightly before glazing.

Prepare the glaze.

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, hot water, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and fully combined.

Glaze and serve.

  1. Dip the warm doughnut holes into the glaze and place on a wire rack or parchment paper to set for several minutes before serving.

Notes

To prepare a gluten-free version of this recipe, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking. Ensure all other ingredients, including the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free. Frying and glazing instructions remain the same. Note that dough texture may vary slightly, and additional flour may be needed during kneading.
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