Sweet Savings: Celebrate Tax Day with Krispy Kreme’s Doughnut Deals and Delicious Homemade Alternatives
Tax Day. For many, it’s a day dreaded for its association with paperwork, calculations, and the potential for owing money. However, Krispy Kreme has traditionally offered a sweet way to soften the blow: Tax Day deals! While the specifics of their promotions may vary each year, they often involve discounted doughnuts or even a free treat to help you cope with the financial sting. But what if you want to extend the sweetness beyond a single doughnut, or if you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your family while reflecting on your fiscal responsibilities? Then, we will delve into what you can generally expect from Krispy Kreme’s Tax Day deals and provide some mouthwatering homemade doughnut recipes to help you celebrate (or commiserate!) in style.
## Understanding Krispy Kreme’s Tax Day Tradition
Krispy Kreme has become known for its fun and often quirky promotional offers, especially around holidays and significant events. Tax Day is no exception. In past years, they’ve offered deals such as a free Original Glazed doughnut, a dozen for a specific price, or a percentage discount on your purchase. These deals are typically designed to bring a smile to customers’ faces during a potentially stressful time.
**Important Note:** Tax Day deals and their specifics change annually, and may vary by location. It’s crucial to check Krispy Kreme’s official website, social media channels, or contact your local store to confirm the details of the current year’s offer before heading out. These deals are usually heavily advertised, so staying informed is relatively easy.
**Why Krispy Kreme?**
Krispy Kreme has successfully positioned itself as a brand synonymous with joy and indulgence. Their iconic Original Glazed doughnut is a comfort food staple, and offering deals on Tax Day aligns perfectly with their brand image of providing moments of happiness. The appeal of a free or discounted treat is undeniable, especially when dealing with financial matters that can cause anxiety. The simplicity and ease of access to a Krispy Kreme doughnut contribute to its popularity during this time.
## When Krispy Kreme Doesn’t Have a Deal: DIY Doughnuts!
Even if Krispy Kreme doesn’t have a Tax Day promotion, or you’re just feeling inspired to create your own doughnut masterpiece, these homemade recipes are the perfect solution. Doughnuts may seem intimidating to make at home, but with the right guidance, they’re surprisingly achievable and incredibly rewarding.
### Recipe 1: Classic Glazed Doughnuts (Inspired by Krispy Kreme)
This recipe aims to recreate the light, airy, and perfectly glazed goodness of Krispy Kreme’s Original Glazed doughnut.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Doughnuts:**
* 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
* 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs
* ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
* 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Glaze:**
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* ½ cup hot milk
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. **Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until a shaggy dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a dough hook in a stand mixer for 5 minutes.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. **Roll and Cut:** Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter (or two different sized round cookie cutters) to cut out the doughnuts.
7. **Second Rise:** Place the cut doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
8. **Fry the Doughnuts:** Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep 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.
9. **Drain and Cool:** Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before glazing.
10. **Make the Glaze:** While the doughnuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, hot milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more hot milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
11. **Glaze the Doughnuts:** Dip each doughnut into the glaze, coating it evenly. Place the glazed doughnuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
12. **Enjoy:** Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade glazed doughnuts!
**Tips for Success:**
* **Temperature is Key:** Ensure the milk is warm but not hot when activating the yeast. Hot milk can kill the yeast.
* **Don’t Over-Knead:** Over-kneading can result in tough doughnuts. Stop kneading when the dough is smooth and elastic.
* **Fry at the Right Temperature:** Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) is crucial for even cooking and preventing greasy doughnuts. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer:** Fry the doughnuts in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
* **Adjust Glaze Consistency:** Adjust the amount of hot milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency. A thinner glaze will result in a more translucent coating, while a thicker glaze will create a more opaque coating.
### Recipe 2: Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
For those who prefer a richer, more decadent doughnut, these chocolate cake doughnuts are a perfect choice. They’re denser than glazed doughnuts and packed with chocolate flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup buttermilk
* ¼ cup vegetable oil
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup hot coffee
* **For the Chocolate Glaze (Optional):**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 3-4 tablespoons milk
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Add Hot Coffee:** Slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until the batter is smooth.
6. **Fill Doughnut Pan:** Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the greased doughnut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool:** Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Make the Glaze (Optional):** While the doughnuts are cooling, prepare the chocolate glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
10. **Glaze (Optional):** Dip each doughnut into the chocolate glaze, coating it evenly. Place the glazed doughnuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
11. **Enjoy:** Serve and enjoy your homemade chocolate cake doughnuts!
**Tips for Success:**
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter will result in tough doughnuts. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Hot Coffee:** The hot coffee helps to bloom the cocoa powder and enhance the chocolate flavor.
* **Grease the Doughnut Pan Well:** Ensure the doughnut pan is well-greased to prevent the doughnuts from sticking.
* **Optional Toppings:** Feel free to add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts to the glazed doughnuts for added flavor and visual appeal.
### Recipe 3: Vegan Doughnuts
For a plant-based option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture, these vegan doughnuts are a fantastic choice. They’re surprisingly light and airy, and can be customized with your favorite vegan glazes and toppings.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Doughnuts:**
* 1 cup warm plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk)
* 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
* 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Vegan Glaze (Optional):**
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* ¼ cup plant-based milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the remaining sugar, salt, and melted vegan butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. **Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until a shaggy dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a dough hook in a stand mixer for 5 minutes.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. **Roll and Cut:** Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter (or two different sized round cookie cutters) to cut out the doughnuts.
7. **Second Rise:** Place the cut doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
8. **Fry the Doughnuts:** Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep 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.
9. **Drain and Cool:** Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before glazing.
10. **Make the Glaze (Optional):** While the doughnuts are cooling, prepare the vegan glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more plant-based milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
11. **Glaze (Optional):** Dip each doughnut into the vegan glaze, coating it evenly. Place the glazed doughnuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
12. **Enjoy:** Serve and enjoy your homemade vegan doughnuts!
**Tips for Success:**
* **Use Quality Vegan Butter:** Choose a vegan butter that is specifically designed for baking, as some brands may not perform as well as dairy butter.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer:** Fry the doughnuts in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor. You can also use different extracts, such as almond or lemon, in the glaze.
* **Other Glaze Options:** Instead of a simple glaze, try making a vegan chocolate ganache or a fruit-based glaze using pureed berries.
## Beyond the Doughnut: Tax Day Celebration Ideas
Making doughnuts is a fantastic activity, but here are some other ideas to make Tax Day a little more enjoyable:
* **Game Night:** Gather your family or friends for a fun game night. Choose board games, card games, or video games that everyone will enjoy.
* **Movie Marathon:** Relax and unwind with a movie marathon. Pick a theme, such as comedies, action movies, or classic films.
* **Spa Day:** Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at home. Take a bubble bath, give yourself a facial, or paint your nails.
* **Volunteer:** Give back to your community by volunteering at a local charity or organization.
* **Plan a Future Trip:** Take your mind off taxes by planning a future vacation. Research destinations, book flights, and make reservations.
* **Financial Planning Session:** After all the fun, take some time to review your finances and plan for the future. This could involve setting up a budget, investing in stocks or bonds, or meeting with a financial advisor.
## Conclusion
Tax Day may not be the most exciting day of the year, but it doesn’t have to be a drag. Whether you take advantage of Krispy Kreme’s Tax Day deals or create your own delicious doughnuts at home, there are plenty of ways to make the day a little sweeter. Remember to stay informed about any Krispy Kreme promotions and, most importantly, have fun! And while you’re indulging in your sweet treats, consider using the opportunity to reflect on your financial goals and plan for a brighter future. Happy Tax Day (and happy baking)!