We may all hate to admit it, but the call of the donut is an undeniable and insatiable craving. From flaky glazed perfection to chocolate dipped dough balls, we can’t deny the donut’s allure. For us on the East Coast where Dunkin’ Donuts is a staple, we all know how important these tiny golden confections are in our morning routine. In fact, Massachusetts is home to a plethora of donut shops that will have your mouth watering at the door:
1. Union Square Donuts
Located in Somerville, Union Square Donuts offers handmade donuts that range from the traditional to the unique. For the customer with an adventurous palette, try one of Union Square’s many exotic flavors, including maple bacon, brown butter hazelnut crunch, sea-salted bourbon caramel, or peanut butter and jelly.
Location: 20 Bow Street, Somerville, MA 02143
2. The Downyflake
While many people may come to The Downyflake for breakfast, they stay for the donuts. The Downyflake’s favorite is the Coconut Glazed flavor, which consists of a glazed cake donut sprinkled with mounds of fresh coconut shavings. The best part? Each breakfast entree is served with a donut of your choice.
Location: 18 Sparks Avenue, Nantucket, MA 02554
3. Demet’s Donuts
With its old-fashioned feel and savory treats, Demet’s is a hotspot for donut lovers. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Demet’s signature “blueberry nugget,” which is as rich and chewy as a muffin, or the chocolate honey-dipped.
Location: 199 Mystic Ave # 199, Medford, MA 02155
4. Flour Bakery + Cafe
Flour Bakery + Cafe offers some of the creamiest and “posh” donuts around. Prepared only on Sundays, these specialty donuts have a hard crunchy exterior that gives way to a smooth, creamy center for a heavenly contrast. Donuts contain either a vanilla or raspberry jam filling.
Locations: Fort Point – 12 Farnsworth St., Boston, MA 02210; South end – 1595 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118; Central Square – 190 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139; Back Bay – 131 Clarendon St., Boston, MA 02116
5. Kane’s Donuts
Established in 1955, Kane’s has earned itself a respectable reputation and a spot on Bon Appetite Magazine’s “Nation’s Top 10 Donut Places” list. Kane’s donuts are quite massive and sold for only $1.35 a piece. From exquisite honey-dipped lemons to sweet butternuts, Kane’s will not disappoint.
Location: 120 Lincoln Ave, Saugus, MA 01906
6. Verna’s Coffee and Donut Shop
This quaint, unassuming shop has a lot to offer once you pass through its doors. Famous for its legendary donuts, Verna’s is home to the iconic “The Honey Tip,” named after its most prominent one-time regular US Speaker of the House Thomas P. “Tip’’ O’Neill. The donuts here have a slightly stiffer feel than the typical doughy confection, but they are no less satisfying.
Locations: 2344 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
7. Ohlin’s Bakery
Feast your eyes (and taste buds) on Ohlin’s array of freshly baked donuts. Hot out of the oven, Ohlin’s best include the exceptionally creamy chocolate donut, the honey-dipped invitingly warm at 8 a.m., and the maple replete with a beautifully crafted chocolate drizzle design.
Location: 456 Common St, Belmont, MA 02478
8. Ziggy’s and Sons
With 45 years of business under its belt, Ziggy’s and Sons boasts a homemade feel. While orders are available for walk-ins, Ziggy’s will cook up custom “hot dog” or “cheeseburger” style donuts for orders placed a day in advance. These deceptively sweet creations pack a punch with extra dough, glaze, and sugary toppings. Yes, please.
Location: 2 Essex St, Salem 01970
9. Anna’s Hand Cut Donuts
Made fresh every morning, the donuts at Anna’s are simply delectable. The shop, which has been owned by the same couple for 46 years, offers a familial atmosphere and some of the tastiest treats in town, including black raspberry twists, marble crullers, and sumptuous cake doughnut holes.
Location: 2056 Centre St., West Roxbury MA 02132