Krispy Kreme Dupes (Homemade Glazed Doughnuts)
Everyone loves a warm, freshly made glazed doughnut with a melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture—and these Krispy Kreme‑style dupes deliver just that. Light, airy, pillowy soft on the inside, gently crisp on the outside, and coated in sweet glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat.
Unlike some fried doughnuts that are heavy and dense, these mimic the classic Krispy Kreme texture with a sweet yeast dough and a signature shiny glaze that crackles slightly as it cools.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Doughnuts
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Soft, airy, and tender crumb
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Sweet, glossy glaze just like the originals
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Easy enough for beginners
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No special doughnut maker required
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Perfect for sharing, gifting, or celebrations
Ingredients
For the Dough
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2¼ tsp (1 packet / 7 g) active dry yeast
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¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (120 ml) warm milk (about 43–46°C / 110–115°F)
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1 large egg, room temperature
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2½–3 cups (310–375 g) all‑purpose flour
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
For Frying
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Vegetable oil (or canola oil), enough for a deep skillet or fryer
For the Signature Glaze
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2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
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¼ cup (60 ml) milk or water
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
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In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
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Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Tip: If mixture doesn’t foam, the yeast may be inactive—try again with fresher yeast.
Step 2: Make the Dough
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2½ cups flour and salt.
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Add the yeast mixture and egg; mix until a soft dough begins to form.
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Add softened butter and knead 8–10 minutes (by hand or stand mixer) until dough is smooth and elastic.
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If too sticky, add up to ½ cup additional flour in small increments.
Step 3: First Rise
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Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts
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Punch down the dough and roll to about ½‑cm (⅛‑inch) thickness.
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Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out doughnuts and holes.
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Place on a lined baking sheet and cover lightly; let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 5: Fry
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Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
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Fry doughnuts a few at a time, flipping halfway, until light golden brown (about 1–1½ minutes per side).
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Transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain.
Step 6: Make the Classic Glaze
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Whisk powdered sugar, milk (or water), vanilla, and salt until smooth.
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Dip warm doughnuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
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Place on a wire rack so the glaze sets with a shiny, crackly finish.
Tips for Perfect Krispy Kreme Dupes
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Oil temp matters: Too hot = burned outside, raw inside; too cool = greasy doughnuts
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Warm environment: Helps yeast rise better (try oven with just the light on)
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Don’t overcrowd: Fry in small batches so oil temp stays consistent
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Drain well: Place doughnuts on a rack so bottoms stay crisp
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Glaze while warm: For that signature thin, shiny crackle
Flavor Variations
Try these sweet spins once you’ve mastered the original:
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Chocolate Glaze: Add 2 tbsp melted chocolate to the glaze
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Cinnamon Sugar: Roll warm doughnuts in cinnamon sugar
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Maple Glaze: Replace milk with maple syrup (use less liquid)
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Filled Doughnuts: Pipe jam, custard, or Nutella into cooled doughnuts
Make‑Ahead & Storage
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Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 1 day
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Refrigerator: Up to 3 days; reheat briefly
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Freeze: Dough can be frozen before frying; or freeze glazed doughnuts up to 1 month
Tip: Reheat in an air fryer at low temp to refresh texture.
Troubleshooting
Dense doughnuts?
→ Dough didn’t rise enough — give it more time in a warm spot.
Greasy?
→ Oil too cool — ensure 175–180°C (350°F) before frying.
No glaze shine?
→ Glaze too thick — add a little extra liquid; dip warm doughnuts.
Final Thoughts
These Krispy Kreme dupes bring bakery‑style glazed doughnuts home without specialty tools. With a soft, airy interior and sweet, glossy glaze, they satisfy doughnut cravings and make an unforgettable treat.