Donuts are always a win! Loved by kids and adults alike, good for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, or dessert. Birthdays, showers, and other celebrations can be donut-themed and even folks getting married are opting for donuts rather than cake.
Donuts are here to stay and Des Moines has lots of options to explore! From popular chains to local favorites, you’re never too far from a delightful treat.
10 Great Places To Get Donuts
Best Apple Fritter
What: Donut Hut
Where: Douglas Ave, Des Moines
Why: This longtime staple of Des Moines donut shops is a favorite of folks who grew up here. All of their donuts are crave-worthy, but the apple fritter can not be beat!
Best Place To Visit On The Weekend
What: Donut King
Where: E. University, Des Moines and Bauder’s Pharmacy 3802 Ingersoll Avenue
Why: While daily they offer 40 different kinds of donuts, rolls, muffins, long johns, and baked rolls, on Fridays and Saturdays they offer the best pecan rolls ever. On Sundays, there are even more baked rolls and sticky rolls.
Best Specialty Donuts
What: Hiland Bakery
Where: 6th Ave, Des Moines
Why: All the donuts are delicious at this stalwart bakery, but make sure you check out their champagne donuts (and cakes and cupcakes!) as well the rosebud and fried cinnamon rolls.
Most Fun Donuts
What: Hurts Donut Co
Where: West Des Moines
Why: With donut names like Grape Balls of Fire, Dirt Worm, and Little Timmy and up to 70 flavors you may need extra time to decide what you want. Also, these donuts are huge so get the family together to try a dozen.
Best Place To Customize
What: Ambrosia Donuts
Where: Ankeny
Why: Another local winner! Grab almost any donut and make it your own by getting it filled with your choice of bavarian cream, fluffy white whipped cream, strawberry, raspberry, or lemon fillings.
When You Need Coffee And Donuts Quick
What: Dunkin’ Donuts
Where: Multiple
Why: With multiple locations, a drive-up, and coffee that people have come to love, this is an easy stop to grab a dozen of their classic donuts.
Best Mini Donuts
What: Mahalo Mini Donuts
Where: West Des Moines and Norwalk
Why: Mini donuts hot out of the fryer are truly great, but Mahalo’s takes them to the next level by topping them with delights like maple and bacon, honey and graham crackers, and strawberry glaze with whipped cream and nilla wafers. Make sure you order at least a dozen, these one-bite wonders disappear quickly!
Need A Peanut-Free Shop?
What: Chu Chu Donuts
Where: SW 9th, Des Moines
Why: All donuts are made fresh every day and are 100% peanut-free! They have an amazing cronut (croissant donut), the fluffiest fried donuts you’ll ever taste, soft airy cake donuts, and even long johns!
When You Need A Donut While Deciding Which Donuts You Want
What: Krispy Kreme
Where: Clive
Why: If you visit us while their “Hot Light” is lit up, you can receive one free Original Glazed doughnut per person, with any purchase made. And let’s be honest, that’s absolutely the best time to eat a donut, so warm they melt in your mouth.
Great Smaller Chain
What: Daylight Donuts
Where: Ankeny and Norwalk
Why: Daylight is doing it old school. Their glazed donuts have a sweet almond taste much like homemade donuts grandma used to make. Find Daylight donuts in Ankeny and a little kiosk at Villagio’s Restaurant in Norwalk.
National Donut Day is June 4, 2021. Where will YOU celebrate?
