25 Donut Recipes To Rival Dunkin
Why settle for a drive-thru dozen when you can whip up donuts that are fresh, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy at home? From fluffy baked classics to indulgent deep-fried showstoppers, these 25 donut recipes go head-to-head with the big chains—and often win.
1. Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts
Imagine biting into a donut with crispy edges and a dense, satisfying crumb. The Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Donut offers just that, with a vanilla glaze that cracks ever so perfectly with each bite. This classic donut conjures up images of a cozy kitchen filled with sweet aromas.
Its texture and flavor are reminiscent of a time when baking was an art passed down from generation to generation. A sprinkle of nostalgia in every bite, these donuts are as much about the experience as they are about taste.
Perfectly paired with a hot cup of coffee, these treats are a timeless indulgence.
2. Yeast-Raised Glazed Donuts
Pillowy-soft and delightfully sweet, Yeast-Raised Glazed Donuts are a staple in any donut lover’s repertoire. Their light texture and sugary glaze make them a go-to option for those seeking a classic treat.
The magic lies in the yeast, which gives them their airy, melt-in-your-mouth quality. As you sink your teeth into one, the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to each bite.
These donuts bring back memories of childhood visits to the local bakery, where anticipation built with every moment until that first delicious bite.
3. Chocolate Glazed Donuts
Deep-fried to perfection, Chocolate Glazed Donuts are a true crowd-pleaser. Dunked in a glossy chocolate glaze, they offer a perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor and satisfying sweetness.
These donuts invite a sense of fun, especially when topped with colorful sprinkles that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Each bite is a trip down memory lane to childhood parties and indulgent treats.
Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee, these donuts are a delightful way to satisfy any chocolate craving.
4. Maple Bar Donuts
Maple Bar Donuts are the essence of indulgence. These long, fluffy yeast-raised treats are generously topped with a rich maple glaze that adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.
The maple aroma wafts through the air, enticing donut enthusiasts with its distinct sweetness. Perfect for breakfast or a midday treat, these donuts are reminiscent of bakery case staples, elevating the homemade experience.
Ideal for those who appreciate the unique flavor of maple, these donuts make every bite feel like a little celebration of comforting sweetness.
5. Powdered Sugar Cake Donuts
Simple yet irresistibly sweet, Powdered Sugar Cake Donuts are a classic choice for those who enjoy a bit of mess with their treat. Coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar, each bite is a delightful blend of sweetness and nostalgia.
These donuts are perfect for those who love the tactile experience of a sugary coating that leaves traces of sweetness behind. Just be careful not to breathe in while biting, or you might end up with a face full of sugar!
Whether paired with a cup of tea or enjoyed on their own, they’re a sweet reminder of simpler times.
6. Boston Cream Donuts
Boston Cream Donuts bring the classic dessert to a handheld form. Filled with smooth, creamy custard and coated in a shiny chocolate glaze, these donuts are a decadent treat.
The contrast between the velvety filling and the rich chocolate exterior provides a delightful taste sensation that fans of the traditional Boston cream pie are sure to love.
Perfect for satisfying those chocolate and custard cravings, these donuts offer a luxurious indulgence that feels both familiar and exciting.
7. Jelly-Filled Donuts (Sufganiyot style)
Soft and round like little pillows, Jelly-Filled Donuts in the Sufganiyot style are a beloved treat around Hanukkah and beyond. Bursting with sweet fruit jam, each donut offers a delightful taste experience.
The dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness, creating a perfect balance with the fruity filling. These donuts are a reminder of festive gatherings and joyful celebrations.
Their appeal extends beyond holiday traditions, making them a year-round favorite for anyone who enjoys a sweet surprise inside their donut.
8. Nutella-Stuffed Donuts
Imagine biting into a warm donut, only to discover a gooey center of delectable Nutella. Nutella-Stuffed Donuts offer this indulgent surprise, wrapped in a fluffy fried shell.
The combination of the rich, chocolate-hazelnut filling with the soft donut exterior creates a luxurious taste sensation that fans of Nutella will adore.
Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a dessert, these donuts are a delightful way to enjoy the beloved spread in a new and exciting form.
9. Lemon Curd Donuts
Brighten your day with Lemon Curd Donuts, a refreshing twist on the traditional donut. Filled with tangy lemon curd, these donuts offer a burst of citrus flavor that cuts through the sweetness in an invigorating way.
The light drizzle of icing adds just the right touch of sweetness while enhancing the overall flavor profile. These donuts are perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and tart.
A refreshing option for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they are sure to awaken your taste buds and bring a smile to your face.
10. Apple Fritter Donuts
Apple Fritter Donuts are a delightful twist on a classic. These golden-brown beauties are packed with chunks of real apple and a hint of cinnamon, all twisted into one glorious fried bite.
The sweet glaze that coats them adds an extra layer of indulgence, making each bite a celebration of flavors and textures. Perfect for fall or any time of year, these donuts are a comforting treat.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of cider or on their own, they offer the perfect combination of fruitiness and sweetness.
11. Baked Vanilla Bean Donuts
Skip the fryer and try Baked Vanilla Bean Donuts for a lighter twist on a classic. These soft, lightly sweet donuts are topped with a dreamy vanilla glaze that enhances their delicate flavor.
Using real vanilla beans adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, making them a perfect option for those looking for a refined treat.
Ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack, these baked beauties capture the essence of vanilla in a delightful, homemade form.
12. Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts
Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts bring the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar to a baked form. Tender and moist, these donuts are rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar while still warm, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
Each bite is akin to enjoying mini churros in donut form, offering a playful twist on traditional churros without the need for frying.
Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these donuts are a warm, comforting choice that can be enjoyed any time of day.
13. Baked Strawberry Shortcake Donuts
A fresh twist on a classic, Baked Strawberry Shortcake Donuts bring the flavors of a beloved dessert to the donut world. Featuring a berry glaze and a hint of vanilla, these donuts offer a delightful burst of summer sweetness.
The baked method keeps them light and airy, making them a perfect choice for spring mornings or any time you crave a fruity treat.
Paired with fresh strawberries, these donuts provide a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of a classic shortcake in a new form.
14. Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts
Embrace the flavors of fall with Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts. Moist and spiced to perfection, these donuts are coated in either a maple glaze or cinnamon sugar, offering a taste of autumn in every bite.
The warm spices and pumpkin flavor evoke the cozy feeling of fall, making these donuts a favorite during the cooler months.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, they provide a comforting and delicious way to celebrate the season’s flavors.
15. Chocolate Baked Donuts with Espresso Glaze
For those who love a grown-up indulgence, Chocolate Baked Donuts with Espresso Glaze offer a sophisticated twist. Rich cocoa flavor meets a lightly bitter espresso glaze, creating a luxurious combination.
These donuts are perfect for chocolate and coffee lovers alike, offering a refined taste experience that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
Ideal for a morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up, they are sure to appeal to those who appreciate the finer things in life.
16. Vegan Chocolate Glazed Donuts
No eggs, no dairy, just pure chocolate bliss: Vegan Chocolate Glazed Donuts are a triumph in plant-based baking. Rich, moist, and deliciously chocolaty, these donuts boast a shiny glaze that adds a touch of elegance.
Perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle, they offer all the indulgence without any animal products. Each bite is a testament to the power of simple ingredients working in harmony.
Serve them to friends and family, and watch these donuts disappear in moments, leaving behind satisfied smiles and chocolatey fingers.
17. Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts
Bright and citrusy, Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts are a burst of sunshine in every bite. So fluffy you won’t believe they’re gluten-free, these donuts combine the zesty flavor of lemon with the delightful crunch of poppy seeds.
Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, they offer a satisfying taste experience that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Enjoy them as a delightful breakfast treat or a refreshing afternoon snack, and savor the lightness and brightness they bring to your day.
18. Vegan Maple-Bacon Donuts (With Coconut Bacon)
Sweet, salty, and utterly unique, Vegan Maple-Bacon Donuts are a playful, plant-based spin on a classic favorite. Topped with smoky coconut bacon bits, these donuts bring a delightful contrast of flavors.
The maple glaze adds a sweet touch, while the coconut bacon provides a satisfying crunch and a hint of smokiness. Perfect for those seeking a vegan alternative with bold tastes.
Serve them at breakfast or brunch, and enjoy the surprised delight of those discovering this innovative twist on a beloved flavor combination.
19. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Donuts
Experience a breakfast mash-up success with Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Donuts. Swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with icing, these donuts capture the essence of a cinnamon roll in donut form.
Perfect for those avoiding gluten, they offer a delightful alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor or indulgence. Each bite is a satisfying blend of sweetness and spice.
Enjoy them as a morning treat or a cozy afternoon snack, and savor the comforting taste that brings a touch of warmth to any day.
20. Vegan Blueberry Donuts
Bursting with juicy blueberries, Vegan Blueberry Donuts are a delightful plant-based treat. Topped with a zesty lemon glaze, they offer a refreshing combination of flavors.
These donuts are perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle, offering a light and fruity option that’s still satisfyingly sweet.
Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a sweet snack, they bring a taste of summer to any time of year, with their vibrant colors and delicious taste.
21. Samoa-Inspired Donuts
Inspired by the beloved Girl Scout cookie, Samoa-Inspired Donuts bring together caramel, toasted coconut, and chocolate stripes in a delightful donut form.
The combination of flavors is both familiar and exciting, offering a nostalgic nod to a favorite treat. Perfect for those who love the classic cookie, these donuts offer a new way to enjoy those beloved flavors.
Ideal for a sweet snack or dessert, they are sure to bring smiles to the faces of those who try them.
22. S’mores Donuts
Bring the campfire to your kitchen with S’mores Donuts. Chocolate-glazed and graham-crusted, these donuts are topped with toasted marshmallow, capturing the essence of the classic campfire treat.
Perfect for those who love the combination of chocolate, graham, and marshmallow, these donuts offer a warm, gooey delight that’s reminiscent of summer nights under the stars.
Enjoy them as a fun dessert or a whimsical breakfast treat, and let the flavors transport you to your favorite camping memories.
23. Churro Donuts
Churro Donuts offer a playful twist on a traditional favorite. Piped, fried, and rolled in cinnamon sugar, these donuts bring the delightful flavors of churros to a new form.
Serve them with a chocolate dipping sauce for added drama and indulgence, making them perfect for a fun dessert or a special treat.
Their unique shape and texture make them a standout option for parties or gatherings, offering a taste of something familiar with a twist of creativity.
24. Matcha Glazed Donuts
Trend meets tradition with Matcha Glazed Donuts. The earthy green tea glaze offers a subtly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft donut base.
Perfect for those who enjoy unique and trendy flavors, these donuts bring a taste of the exotic to a familiar form.
Ideal for an afternoon tea or a sophisticated dessert, they offer a delightful way to explore the world of matcha in a new and delicious way.
25. Cookies and Cream Donuts
For both kids and adults, Cookies and Cream Donuts are a delightful treat. Crushed Oreos are mixed into the dough and sprinkled on top of a creamy glaze, creating a deliciously fun combination.
These donuts bring the beloved flavor of cookies and cream to a new form, offering a playful twist on a classic taste.
Perfect for parties or a sweet indulgence, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the classic cookie flavor in a donut form.