Making Krispy Kreme Glazed Donuts At Home | But Better

Donuts:

1. Combine the milk and water in a microwave safe container and microwave until it is approximately 95-98℉ (35-37℃). 
2. Whisk in the yeast and let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. 
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer add half the flour and the sugar and salt. Whisk to combine. 
4. Place the stand mixer bowl on the machine and add the dough hook. With the mixer running on low speed add the yeast mixture followed by the eggs. Let that mix until evenly combined, about 2-3 minutes. 
5. Add in the shortening and continue to mix, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the shortening is incorporated. Add the remaining flour, and continue to mix until all of the flour is incorporated. 
6. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour and scrape the dough out of the bowl; its ok that the dough is slightly sticky right now. Knead the dough, by slapping and folding it, a few times until it just holds together. Form the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour or until doubled in size. 
7. Gently press the dough down to release the gas. Generously flour a clean work surface with flour and turn the dough out of the bowl. 
8. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Roll the dough out until it is ½” (12mm) thick. Using a 4” (10cm) round cutter, cut the dough into rounds.  Use a smaller round cutter, at least half the size of the original, to cut out the center donut hole. 
9. Repeat rolling and cutting the second piece of dough.  
10. Add the oil to a large cast iron pan, filling it just about halfway up the sides. Heat to 375℉ (190℃). Line a baking sheet with a cooling rack and place that next to the hot oil.
11. Gently lay the donuts, in batches, in the hot oil, dropping them away from you, and fry for about 1.5 minutes. Flip and fry again for about 1.5 minutes or until golden brown, puffed and cooked through. Remove to the prepared cooling rack and repeat with the remaining donuts. Let the donuts cool completely 
12. Once cooled, dip the donuts into the glaze making sure each is fully coated. Place back on the cooling rack lined baking sheet to allow the glaze to set and excess to drip off. Repeat with the remaining donuts. 
13. Serve after the glaze is completely set. Enjoy! 

Glaze: 

1. In a medium bowl add the powdered sugar. While whisking constantly, add the milk, 1 Tbsp at a time until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a thick glaze. 
2. Whisk in the corn syrup and vanilla extract, if using, until everything is evenly combined. Set aside until ready to use.