Krispy Kreme x Kit Kat Doughnuts: Recipes, Inspiration, and DIY Guide
Krispy Kreme’s collaborations are legendary, and when they join forces with Kit Kat, the result is pure doughnut magic. These limited-edition treats are a symphony of textures and flavors: the creamy smoothness of Krispy Kreme’s signature glaze, the rich chocolatey goodness of Kit Kat, and the satisfying crunch of the wafer. While getting your hands on the official Krispy Kreme x Kit Kat doughnuts might not always be possible, fear not! This guide will walk you through crafting your own versions at home, inspired by the iconic collaboration. We’ll explore recipe adaptations, decorating techniques, and even some unique variations to satisfy your sweet tooth. Get ready to break off a piece of doughnut heaven!
Understanding the Krispy Kreme x Kit Kat Magic
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s dissect what makes the Krispy Kreme x Kit Kat doughnuts so irresistible. It’s all about the combination of elements:
* **The Doughnut Base:** Krispy Kreme’s signature is their light and airy glazed doughnut. This provides the perfect blank canvas for the Kit Kat elements.
* **Chocolate Coating:** A generous coating of milk chocolate (or dark chocolate, depending on the variation) provides a rich foundation.
* **Kit Kat Pieces:** This is the star! Whether it’s crumbled, chopped, or whole mini Kit Kat bars, the wafer crunch is essential.
* **Chocolate Drizzle:** Often, a contrasting chocolate drizzle (like white chocolate) adds visual appeal and extra sweetness.
* **Additional Decorations:** Some versions incorporate other elements like chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or even edible glitter for a more decadent touch.
Knowing these core components allows us to recreate the essence of the Krispy Kreme x Kit Kat doughnut at home, even without an exact recipe.
Recipe 1: The Classic Kit Kat Glazed Doughnut Recreation
This recipe focuses on recreating the most common version of the Krispy Kreme x Kit Kat doughnut: a glazed doughnut dipped in chocolate and topped with crushed Kit Kat pieces.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Doughnuts (or use store-bought):**
* 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup milk, scalded and cooled
* 1/4 cup shortening
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 large egg
* 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Chocolate Coating:**
* 12 ounces milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, if preferred)
* 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
* **For the Kit Kat Topping:**
* 4-6 Kit Kat bars, crushed
* **For the Glaze (if making doughnuts from scratch):**
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup light corn syrup
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
**Part 1: Making the Doughnuts (if not using store-bought)**
1. **Proof the Yeast:** In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the scalded and cooled milk, remaining sugar, shortening, and salt. Stir until the shortening is melted.
3. **Add Egg and Yeast:** Beat in the egg, then add the proofed yeast mixture.
4. **Gradually Add Flour:** Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook.
5. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.
6. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
7. **Punch Down and Roll Out:** Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
8. **Cut Out Doughnuts:** Use a doughnut cutter (or two different sized round cookie cutters) to cut out doughnuts. Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. **Second Rise:** Cover the doughnuts with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
10. **Fry the Doughnuts:** Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
11. **Drain and Cool:** Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain and cool slightly.
**Part 2: Making the Glaze (if making doughnuts from scratch)**
1. **Whisk Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. **Dip Doughnuts:** While the doughnuts are still slightly warm, dip them into the glaze, coating them evenly. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
**Part 3: Assembling the Kit Kat Doughnuts**
1. **Melt the Chocolate:** In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between), melt the milk chocolate chips and vegetable shortening until smooth.
2. **Dip the Doughnuts:** Dip each glazed doughnut (or store-bought doughnut) into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off.
3. **Add the Kit Kat Topping:** Immediately sprinkle the crushed Kit Kat pieces over the wet chocolate coating. Press lightly to ensure they adhere.
4. **Set the Chocolate:** Place the doughnuts on a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set completely. This can be sped up by placing them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
5. **Enjoy!**
Recipe 2: Kit Kat Chunk Doughnuts (More Chocolate!)
This version incorporates chopped Kit Kat pieces *into* the doughnut batter for an extra layer of chocolate and wafer crunch.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the doughnut recipe above (either homemade or store-bought).
* **For the Chocolate Coating:**
* 12 ounces milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, if preferred)
* 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
* **For the Kit Kat Addition:**
* 4-6 Kit Kat bars, finely chopped (use half in the batter, half for topping)
* **For the White Chocolate Drizzle (Optional):**
* 4 ounces white chocolate chips
* 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening
**Instructions:**
**Part 1: Preparing the Doughnuts**
1. **If making homemade doughnuts:** Follow steps 1-7 of the previous recipe. After the first rise and punching down the dough, gently fold in half of the finely chopped Kit Kat pieces into the dough. Continue with steps 8-11.
2. **If using store-bought doughnuts:** Lightly warm the doughnuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them more receptive to the chocolate coating.
**Part 2: Assembling the Kit Kat Chunk Doughnuts**
1. **Melt the Chocolate:** In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between), melt the milk chocolate chips and vegetable shortening until smooth.
2. **Dip the Doughnuts:** Dip each doughnut into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off.
3. **Add the Kit Kat Topping:** Immediately sprinkle the remaining finely chopped Kit Kat pieces over the wet chocolate coating. Press lightly to ensure they adhere.
4. **White Chocolate Drizzle (Optional):** Melt the white chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in a separate heatproof bowl using the same method as above. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the doughnuts in a zigzag pattern.
5. **Set the Chocolate:** Place the doughnuts on a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set completely. This can be sped up by placing them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
6. **Enjoy!**
Recipe 3: Mini Kit Kat Bar Doughnuts (Presentation is Key!)
This recipe focuses on presentation, using mini Kit Kat bars to create a visually stunning doughnut.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the doughnut recipe above (either homemade or store-bought).
* **For the Chocolate Coating:**
* 12 ounces milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, if preferred)
* 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
* **For the Kit Kat Topping:**
* 12-18 Mini Kit Kat bars (depending on the size of your doughnuts)
* **For the Chocolate Ganache “Glue”:**
* 4 ounces milk chocolate chips
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
**Instructions:**
**Part 1: Preparing the Doughnuts**
1. Follow the doughnut recipe above (either homemade or store-bought). Ideally, use smaller doughnuts for this recipe to make the mini Kit Kat bars proportional.
**Part 2: Assembling the Mini Kit Kat Bar Doughnuts**
1. **Make the Chocolate Ganache:** In a heatproof bowl, heat the heavy cream until simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 1 minute. Then, whisk until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly so it thickens a bit.
2. **Dip the Doughnuts:** Dip each doughnut into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off.
3. **Attach the Mini Kit Kat Bars:** While the chocolate coating is still wet, carefully attach the mini Kit Kat bars around the perimeter of the doughnut, using a small dab of the chocolate ganache on the back of each bar to help them adhere. Position the bars so they are standing upright, creating a fence-like effect around the doughnut.
4. **Set the Chocolate:** Place the doughnuts on a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set completely. This can be sped up by placing them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
5. **Enjoy!**
Tips and Tricks for Doughnut Perfection
* **Temperature is Key:** When frying doughnuts, maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for even cooking. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer:** Fry doughnuts in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much. Overcrowding can result in greasy doughnuts.
* **Use Fresh Oil:** Fresh vegetable oil will give your doughnuts the best flavor. Discard used oil properly after frying.
* **Crush Kit Kats Evenly:** For the crushed Kit Kat toppings, try using a food processor or placing the Kit Kat bars in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Aim for a mix of fine and coarse crumbs for a more interesting texture.
* **Experiment with Chocolate:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of chocolate for the coating and drizzle. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate can add a unique twist.
* **Add a Touch of Salt:** A pinch of salt in the doughnut dough can enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
* **Donut Holes:** Don’t throw away the centers you cut out when making doughnuts! Fry them up for some delicious doughnut holes.
* **Make it Vegan:** Substitute the milk with plant-based milk, the egg with an egg replacer, and use vegan chocolate chips to make a vegan version of these doughnuts.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use a gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking to make gluten-free doughnuts. You may need to adjust the liquid content depending on the flour blend.
Variations and Customizations
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your Krispy Kreme x Kit Kat-inspired doughnuts. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Kit Kat Flavors:** Use different Kit Kat flavors for the topping, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even limited-edition flavors like mint or birthday cake.
* **Chocolate Drizzle Variations:** Use different colored candy melts for the drizzle to add a pop of color. You can also create patterns or designs with the drizzle.
* **Nutty Additions:** Add chopped nuts to the Kit Kat topping for extra crunch and flavor. Consider using almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
* **Caramel Drizzle:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the doughnuts for a sweet and salty combination.
* **Sprinkles:** Add sprinkles to the chocolate coating for a festive touch.
* **Edible Glitter:** Dust the doughnuts with edible glitter for a shimmering effect.
* **Coffee Infusion:** Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the doughnut dough or the glaze for a coffee-flavored kick.
* **Spiced Doughnuts:** Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the doughnut dough for a warm and comforting flavor.
Serving and Storing Your Homemade Masterpieces
* **Serving:** These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few hours of making them. Serve them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of ice cream for an extra-indulgent treat.
* **Storing:** If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the chocolate and Kit Kat topping may soften slightly over time.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze the plain doughnuts (without the chocolate and Kit Kat topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them completely before adding the chocolate and Kit Kat topping.
Conclusion: Break Off a Piece of Doughnut Happiness
Recreating the Krispy Kreme x Kit Kat doughnut at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With a little effort and creativity, you can enjoy these delightful treats whenever you crave them. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, the combination of Krispy Kreme’s signature doughnuts and Kit Kat’s irresistible crunch is sure to bring a smile to your face. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oil, and get ready to break off a piece of doughnut happiness!