Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: This recipe closely mimics the iconic Krispy Kreme donuts, with a light, airy texture and a sweet glaze.
Simple Ingredients: Made with basic ingredients that you probably already have at home.
Fried to Perfection: These donuts are fried in Crisco for that crispy, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Irresistible Glaze: The homemade glaze adds the perfect amount of sweetness to each donut.

Ingredients

For the dough:

2½ tsp active dry yeast
2 Tbsp warm water
½ tsp granulated sugar
3¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm whole milk
2 oz shortening
3 large egg yolks
2 Tbsp granulated sugar

For the glaze:

2½ cups confectioners’ sugar
¼ cup milk
¼ cup light corn syrup

For frying:

4-5 cups Crisco shortening or vegetable oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Proof the Yeast: Stir 2 tbsp of warm water, ½ tsp of sugar, and the yeast in a tall glass. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. If it doesn’t foam, use fresh yeast.
Make the Dough: Combine the flour, warm milk, shortening, egg yolks, sugar, and the yeast mixture in a stand mixer with a dough hook. Mix on low speed until the dough is smooth and tacky.
First Proof: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it’s doubled in size.
Shape the Donuts: Punch down the dough, roll it out, and cut out donuts using a donut cutter. Let the shaped donuts rise for about 1 hour.
Fry the Donuts: Heat Crisco or oil in a pan to 350°F. Fry the donuts until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side.
Make the Glaze: Mix together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and light corn syrup until smooth.
Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip them in the glaze and let them dry on a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 18 donuts

Variations

Flavored Glaze: Add vanilla or almond extract to the glaze for a twist.
Chocolate Donuts: Dip the donuts in a chocolate glaze for a richer flavor.
Filled Donuts: Add jam or cream filling inside the donuts for a different take.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Reheat by placing them in the microwave for a few seconds or by lightly toasting them in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use oil instead of Crisco?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil, but Crisco gives a closer match to the Krispy Kreme taste.

Can I make these donuts without a donut cutter?

Yes, you can use a glass to cut out the donuts and a smaller cutter for the center hole.

How do I prevent the donuts from getting soggy?

Ensure the oil temperature stays around 350°F, and let the donuts cool slightly before glazing.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, freeze the unglazed donuts and thaw them before glazing.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, prepare the dough, refrigerate it overnight, and then shape and fry the donuts the next day.

Conclusion

These Krispy Kreme Copycat Donuts are incredibly light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With a homemade glaze that’s perfectly sweet and simple to make, these donuts are sure to become your go-to recipe for a special treat!

Krispy Kreme Copycat Donut Recipe

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These Krispy Kreme Copycat Donuts are irresistibly light, fluffy, and sweet, just like the originals! Fried to perfection and topped with a homemade glaze, these donuts will melt in your mouth and are perfect for any occasion. Homemade and simple to make with basic ingredients.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 18 donuts
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Proof the Yeast: Stir 2 tbsp of warm water, ½ tsp of sugar, and the yeast in a tall glass. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. If it doesn’t foam, use fresh yeast.
Make the Dough: Combine the flour, warm milk, shortening, egg yolks, sugar, and the yeast mixture in a stand mixer with a dough hook. Mix on low speed until the dough is smooth and tacky.
First Proof: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it’s doubled in size.
Shape the Donuts: Punch down the dough, roll it out, and cut out donuts using a donut cutter. Let the shaped donuts rise for about 1 hour.
Fry the Donuts: Heat Crisco or oil in a pan to 350°F. Fry the donuts until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side.
Make the Glaze: Mix together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and light corn syrup until smooth.
Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip them in the glaze and let them dry on a wire rack.

Notes

Flavored Glaze: Add vanilla or almond extract to the glaze for a twist.

Chocolate Donuts: Dip the donuts in a chocolate glaze for a richer flavor.

Filled Donuts: Add jam or cream filling inside the donuts for a different take.