How to Make Original Glazed Donuts (Krispy Kreme Recipe Copycat)

How to Make Original Glazed Donuts (Krispy Kreme Recipe Copycat)

If you’ve ever craved the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Krispy Kreme’s Original Glazed Donuts, you’re in for a treat! This homemade Krispy Kreme copycat recipe will guide you step-by-step to create light, fluffy, and perfectly glazed donuts that rival the iconic original. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Let’s dive into the world of homemade Original Glazed Donuts!

Why You’ll Love This Original Glazed Donuts Recipe

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, freshly glazed donut. The combination of a soft, chewy interior and a sweet, glossy glaze is simply irresistible. This recipe captures the essence of Krispy Kreme’s famous Original Glazed Donuts, allowing you to enjoy them in the comfort of your home.

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

Authentic Taste: The dough is light, airy, and slightly sweet, just like the original.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
Customizable: Make them as thick or thin as you like, and adjust the glaze to your preference.
Fun to Make: Involve the whole family in cutting, frying, and glazing the donuts!

Ingredients for Original Glazed Donuts

To make these delicious donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Donuts

1 ¼ cups whole milk (300 milliliters): Whole milk adds richness to the dough.
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (7 grams): This helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (113 grams): Melted and cooled butter adds flavor and tenderness.
¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams): For a touch of sweetness.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
4 ¼ cups bread flour (535 grams): Bread flour gives the donuts their chewy texture.
Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.

For the Glaze

4 cups powdered sugar (500 grams): Creates the smooth, sweet glaze.
½ cup milk (120 milliliters): Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency.
1 pinch salt: Balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Warm the Milk: Heat the milk in the microwave until it’s warm to the touch (about 45 seconds). Be careful not to overheat it.
Activate the Yeast: Add the yeast to the warm milk and give it a gentle stir. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Mix the Ingredients: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Add the Flour: Gradually add the bread flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

2. Shape the Donuts

Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a well-floured surface and roll it out to ½-inch thickness.
Cut the Donuts: Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large and one small) to cut out the donuts. Save the donut holes for frying!
Let Them Rise Again: Place the cut donuts on parchment paper, leaving space between each one. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 45 minutes until puffed up.

3. Fry the Donuts

Heat the Oil: About 15 minutes before the donuts are done rising, heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
Fry the Donuts: Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry each side for about 45 seconds, or until golden brown. Use tongs to flip them and remove them from the oil.
Drain Excess Oil: Place the fried donuts on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain.

4. Make the Glaze

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt until smooth. For a thinner glaze, add more milk one teaspoon at a time.
Glaze the Donuts: Dip one side of each donut into the glaze, then flip it over using a fork. Transfer the glazed donuts to a cooling rack to let the excess glaze drip off.

The History of Original Glazed Donuts

Original Glazed Donuts have become a beloved treat worldwide, but their origins trace back to the iconic Krispy Kreme brand. Founded in 1937 by Vernon Rudolph in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Krispy Kreme started as a small bakery selling donuts to local grocery stores. The recipe for their Original Glazed Donuts was a closely guarded secret, and the irresistible aroma of freshly fried donuts soon drew customers directly to the bakery.

The hallmark of Krispy Kreme’s Original Glazed Donuts is their light, airy texture and perfectly balanced glaze. The dough is made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, milk, and yeast, which are carefully mixed and proofed to create a soft, chewy interior. The donuts are then fried to golden perfection and dipped in a sweet, glossy glaze that sets into a thin, crackly layer.

Over the decades, Krispy Kreme expanded globally, becoming synonymous with high-quality donuts. Their signature “Hot Now” sign, indicating when fresh batches are ready, has become a cultural icon, drawing donut lovers from all walks of life. The Original Glazed Donut remains the brand’s most popular offering, inspiring countless copycat recipes, including the one shared here.

Making Original Glazed Donuts at home allows you to experience the magic of Krispy Kreme in your own kitchen. While the process requires some time and effort, the result is well worth it. From the first bite, you’ll understand why these donuts have stood the test of time and continue to be a favorite among dessert enthusiasts.

Tips for Perfecting Your Original Glazed Donuts

Creating the perfect Original Glazed Donuts at home requires attention to detail and a few expert tips. Here’s how to ensure your donuts turn out light, fluffy, and delicious every time:

Use Bread Flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps create a chewy, airy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the donuts may be slightly denser.
Proof the Dough Properly: Letting the dough rise is crucial for achieving the right texture. Make sure to proof the dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in the oven with the light on to create a warm environment.
Maintain the Oil Temperature: Frying at the correct temperature (375°F/190°C) ensures that the donuts cook evenly without absorbing too much oil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying too many donuts at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy, unevenly cooked donuts. Fry in small batches for the best results.
Glaze While Warm: Dip the donuts in the glaze while they’re still warm. This helps the glaze adhere better and creates that signature crackly finish.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making Original Glazed Donuts that rival those from your favorite bakery.

Creative Variations of Original Glazed Donuts

While the classic Original Glazed Donut is a timeless treat, there are countless ways to put your own spin on this beloved recipe. Here are a few creative variations to try:

Chocolate Glazed Donuts: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the glaze for a rich, chocolatey twist. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed donuts for an extra indulgent touch.
Stuffed Donuts: Fill the donuts with your favorite fillings, such as pastry cream, fruit jam, or Nutella. Use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to inject the filling into the center of each donut.
Sprinkles and Toppings: After glazing the donuts, immediately add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut for a fun and colorful finish.
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the glaze and toss the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a simple yet delicious alternative.
Matcha Glazed Donuts: Add 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder to the glaze for a unique, earthy flavor and vibrant green color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
While frying gives the donuts their classic texture, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. However, they won’t be as light and fluffy as the fried version.

How do I store leftover donuts?
Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting.

Nutritional Information

Each Original Glazed Donut contains approximately 292 calories. While these donuts are a delightful treat, they’re best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Making Original Glazed Donuts at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With this Krispy Kreme copycat recipe, you can enjoy the same light, fluffy, and sweet donuts without leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion, these donuts are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of irresistible Original Glazed Donuts!