Copycat Krispy Kreme Snoopy Donuts Recipe

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Going out to snag one of these precious limited-edition delights during the crazy holiday rush can be a challenge. So, why not bring the Krispy Kreme magic home and try baking your own Snoopy-inspired donuts? Trust me, with a little creativity, some simple ingredients, and a fun afternoon in the kitchen, you can whip up these Krispy Kreme Snoopy Donuts that are a guaranteed hit for family, friends, or even as a solo indulgence (no judgment here!).

How to make Krispy Kreme Snoopy Donuts

Krispy Kreme Snoopy Donuts are limited-edition, Peanuts-themed donuts made by Krispy Kreme for the holiday season, featuring Snoopy and other Peanuts characters.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Canola or vegetable oil (for frying, about 4-5 cups)

For the Decoration:

• 1 cup white chocolate or vanilla candy melts
• Black gel icing (to draw Snoopy’s facial features)
• Red candy (for Snoopy’s collar or decoration)
• Edible sugar eyes (optional, or use black icing)
• Mini chocolate chips (optional for eyes/nose if not using icing)
• Cookies & cream filling (recipe below)

For the Cookies & Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6–8 crushed Oreo cookies (cream removed)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Donut Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it starts to foam. This shows your yeast is activated.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl (or a stand mixer with a dough hook), mix the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, egg yolks, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with the mixer until it’s soft, smooth, and slightly tacky.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Cut and Fry the Donuts

1. Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out large oval shapes for Snoopy’s face using an oval-shaped cutter (or freehand with a knife).
2. Heat the Oil: Heat canola or vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
3. Fry: Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil and fry each side for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and let them drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Cookies & Cream Filling

1. Whip the Filling: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it forms stiff peaks. Gently fold in the crushed Oreos.
2. Fill the Donuts: Once the donuts cool, fill a piping bag with the cookies & cream mixture. Insert the tip into one end of the donut and squeeze the filling inside.

Step 4: Decorate the Snoopy Donuts

1. Prepare the Base: Melt white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth.
2. Dip the Donuts: Dip the top of each donut in the melted white chocolate and let any excess drip off. Place on a sheet of parchment paper to set.
3. Add Snoopy’s Face: Use black gel or icing to draw Snoopy’s eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Attach mini chocolate chips for the nose, if preferred, and use edible sugar eyes or black icing to make his eyes.
5. Use red candy to create a small collar.
6. Finish and Set: Let the decorated donuts set at room temperature until the chocolate hardens.

Tips for Making Perfect Snoopy Donuts

• Work with Soft Dough: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not overly sticky. If it’s too dry, your donuts will be dense.
• Consistency is Key: Ensure your oil is always at 350°F to ensure the donuts cook evenly and don’t absorb too much oil.
• Get Creative: Don’t stress about perfection! Even if Snoopy’s face isn’t exact, your donuts will still be adorable and delicious. Kids especially love helping with the decorating step.
• Don’t Overfill: When adding the cookies & cream filling, don’t overstuff, or the donuts can become challenging to handle during decoration.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since they’re simple donuts, the quality of your ingredients—especially the chocolate and filling—makes a big difference.

What to serve with

Krispy Kreme Snoopy Donuts are undeniably cute and sweet, making them the ultimate treat for any holiday gathering, themed party, or cozy evening at home.

1. Hot Chocolate: Nothing pairs better with festive Krispy Kreme Snoopy Donuts than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Go the extra mile by adding whipped cream, marshmallows, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a wintery flair. For adults, consider spiking the hot chocolate with a splash of Baileys or peppermint schnapps.

2. Coffee or Lattes: For the grown-ups, a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or espresso goes excellently with Krispy Kreme Snoopy Donuts. You can also prepare fun flavored lattes like caramel, vanilla, or peppermint mocha—all reminiscent of the festive season.

3. Milk: Milk is the ultimate classic donut pairing. Serve chilled, warm, or even as a flavored milk (e.g., vanilla almond milk or chocolate milk). This pairing is especially perfect for kids who might enjoy dipping their Snoopy donuts into the milk for extra fun.

4. Fruit Smoothies: A fruity smoothie can bring a refreshing balance to the rich sweetness of the donuts. Try berry-based options (strawberry or mixed berry) or even a banana-peanut butter smoothie. The vibrant colors also add visual appeal when paired with the donuts on a serving table.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Krispy Kreme’s Snoopy Donuts at home can be fun, but sometimes you might not have all the ingredients on hand or need alternatives due to dietary restrictions or preferences.

Active Dry Yeast

Substitute: Instant yeast (use the same amount as active dry yeast; no need to bloom it in warm milk).

Tip: Skip the blooming step (where you dissolve the yeast in warm milk), and instead mix instant yeast directly with the dry ingredients.

Alternative: Baking powder (for non-yeast donuts; see “non-yeast donut variation” below). While it eliminates the yeast rise, the donuts will become more cake-like.

All-Purpose Flour

Substitute: Bread flour (results in chewier donuts due to higher protein content).

Gluten-Free Substitute: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend made for baking or try almond flour with a mixture of tapioca starch for better structure (note: donuts may turn out slightly more crumbly).

Milk

Substitute: Any plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.

Tip: For richer donuts, use full-fat coconut milk or cashew milk. If using unsweetened plant milk, consider adding 1-2 teaspoons of sugar for sweetness to mimic regular milk.

Granulated Sugar

Substitute:

• Brown sugar (results in donuts with a slightly richer flavor and darker color).
• Coconut sugar (for a more caramel-like flavor).
• Monk fruit sweetener or erythritol (for sugar-free versions). Use a 1:1 sugar substitute like Lakanto Classic Sweetener.

Unsalted Butter

Substitute:

• Margarine or vegan butter (works perfectly for vegan donuts).
• Coconut oil (use at room temperature, replacing butter at a 1:1 ratio).
• Olive oil or vegetable oil for a lighter texture (use 80% of the amount called for, since liquid oils can overhydrate the dough).

Egg Yolks

Substitute:

• Flax Eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg yolk; let sit for 5 minutes until gel-like).
• Applesauce (2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce for every egg yolk).
• Mashed banana (use 1 tablespoon for each egg yolk, though it may slightly affect flavor).
• Yogurt (2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt per egg yolk adds richness).

Vegetable/Canola Oil (For Frying)

Substitute:

• Peanut oil (imparts a neutral flavor and handles high heat).
• Coconut oil (add a mild coconut flavor to the donuts).
• Air-frying method: Skip frying altogether and use an air fryer for lower calorie donuts. Brush the donuts lightly with oil before air frying to maintain crispness.

Final Thoughts

When pairing Krispy Kreme Snoopy donuts with complementary drinks, snacks, and decorations, you elevate their charm beyond just a tasty treat.

More Donut Recipes:

• Copycat Krispy Kreme Peanuts Donuts Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin Donuts Christmas Donuts Recipe