Post Overview: Best donuts in New York City
The debate still stands, is it spelt doughnuts or donuts? Honestly who cares! The only thing that matters is that all the best donut shops in New York City don’t care how you spell it (as long as you’re stopping by daily to get your fix).
I’m going to go out on a whim here and assume you’re sane and like starting your day with a nice, warm cup of coffee. And everyone knows nothing pairs better with coffee than a fresh donut topped with a questionable amount of sugar (that no one needs that early in the morning).
Lucky for you, the Big Apple is home to plenty of bakeries that have mastered the delectable fried treat. And all of the best donuts in NYC have something in common… they’ll have you crawling back for more.
But with hundreds of bakeries and shops sprinkled throughout the city it can be challenging knowing where to go to get the best. This is where I hope to help. I’ve spent my fair share of mornings calling a box of donuts a well-balanced meal and have been able to create a list of the top spots in the city.
So enough of the chit-chat, let’s jump right into where you can find the best donuts in NYC.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Donuts in NYC
#15. Dough Doughnuts
Founded as a passion project in Bedstuy, Brooklyn Dough Doughnuts has been stealing New Yorkers heart’s since 2010.
They now boast seven locations spread across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, each one making some of the best donuts in NYC.
Dough Doughnuts has two menus. One is made up of the donuts available year-round and the other lists the seasonal donuts that are only available for limited times.
The hibiscus donut is one of their signatures, and I’ll be the first to agree that it’s a masterpiece.
The bright fuschia color captures your gaze from behind the counter and once you try it you’ll want to keep coming back for it.
And as a bonus – Dough Doughnuts has vegan donuts available for those with dietary restrictions. As if they needed another reason to crack the list of best donut shops in NYC.
Address: Multiple locations in New York City
#14. Doughnuttery
The Chelsea Market is a popular food hall mixed with unique shops, restaurants, and cafes. The market has 35 vendors waiting to impress you with tasty treats and fare. But the vendor that stands out the most when my sweet tooth comes knocking is Doughnuttery. They sell some of the best donuts in all of NYC.
But what makes this NYC donut shop stand out amongst its competitors is that Doughnuttery has mastered the art of mini donuts.
Offering a variety of different flavored toppings, powders and sugar-coating, this is a place where your inner child gets to run wild.
The menu is made up of four categories; House Favorites, Seasonal/Exotic, Fruity/Nutty/Savory and House Traditional. The concoctions are endless. My husband loves the sugary options like Cookies & Cream or Fruit Cereal while I tend to go with savory options like the Purple Pig (maple, purple potatoes and bacon).
The best part about this sugary confectionary is that they are made fresh in front of you! So you’re guaranteed a warm batch. No matter what you order, you’re in for a treat since this is one of the best spots to grab donuts in NYC.
Address: 425 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011
#13. Mah-Ze-Dahr
Since opening in 2014, Mah-Ze-Dahr has risen to the top of most “best bakeries in NYC lists” within a mere seven years. No easy feat in a city chock-full of bakeries and steep competition.
The owner, Umber Ahmad is a James Beard Award semi-finalist (a huge deal in the culinary world) who left the lofty confines of the financial world to purse her dream of baking.
She’s lovingly called a banker-turned-baker, and let me tell you — we are all better for it, she’s incredibly talented.
The West Village bakery lives up to the name by offering years of world-travel experience that shines through in the various assortments of baked foods, and nowhere is this more evident than in the delectable brioche donut.
The treat is large, fluffy and fried to perfection. You’ll find folks (at least the smart ones) ordering two or more donuts at a time since they know they’re some of the best in NYC. 😉
Address: Multiple locations in New York City
#12. Super Nice
Small and nondescript, Super Nice Coffee and Bakery is just what the doctor ordered. Both their locations (Upper West and Upper East Sides) are friendly neighborhood joints.
They make some of the best donuts in NYC, daily in a variety of flavors (and include vegan options). It’s near impossible not to have a happy day between bites (even the most stoic of people can’t resist).
On occasion you’ll stumble upon a line but they’re not a guarantee – just depends on the day. But even if you do, it moves quickly and waiting is well worth it for some of the best donuts in NYC.
Address: 156 E 117th St, New York, NY 10035
#11. The Dough Club
Mochi is a soft, chewy and delicious Japanese cake that has taken the world by storm. It was only a matter of time before mochi crossovers started happening, infusing the Japanese treat with common, everyday desserts.
And that’s exactly how we got some of the best donuts in NYC! The Dough Club makes mochi donuts that are fluffy and hard to put down.
They’re made in a variety of flavors including matcha, ube and lychee and are not as thick as traditional donuts. In fact they’re small by American donut standards so don’t be afraid to buy two. 😉
The Dough Club has more than just the best donuts in NYC, too. The Japanese bakery also sells milkshakes, ice cream and other tasty pastries.
Address: 119 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013
#10. Supermoon Bakehouse
Supermoon Bakehouse is the brainchild of Ry Stephen, the mastermind behind L.A. and San Francisco’s Mr. Holmes Bakehouse.
Today Supermoon Bakehouse is home to the best desserts in the Big Apple, including some of the best donuts in NYC. And with one visit you’ll understand why.
Renowned for its creativity and innovation, the baked goods have folks waiting in line for 1+ hours. The star of the show is the Nutella Cruffin, a mixture between a muffin and croissant which tastes as good as it sounds.
Intricate layers of airy doughy goodness entangled with a soft and creamy nutella center. Sheer perfection. But while you’re there you might as well get your fill on all the other tantalizing treats staring you straight in the face.
A group favorite is (and will always be) the curd filled donuts, they’re some of the best in NYC. The passionfruit flavor is tangy, creamy and perfectly pairs with the fried dough.
The next time you find yourself wandering the Lower East Side in need of a treat, make a beeline to Supermoon Bakehouse and load up on some of the best donuts New York City has to offer.
Address: 120 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
#9. Moe’s Dough
Old fashioned donuts never tasted so, fun. Moe’s Dough is reminiscent of an old-school bakery that opened when TV’s were still black and white, but surprisingly they opened in 2014.
These are some of the best donuts in NYC, especially for those who like dense, rich flavors. They’re not as fluffy as modern, mainstream donuts but they’ll satisfy regardless.
With stools lining the counter you might be tempted to rest your legs. Speaking from first hand experience, once you sit down, you won’t get back up. It’s hard to walk away from the sweets!
There’s a plethora of chocolate forward, caramel drizzled, sweet cream infused treats to choose from. Some of the most popular include the maple bacon, samoa and pistachio donuts.
But fair warning – this Greenpoint bakery is one of the most popular donut shops in NYC and they’re prone to running out. I suggest arriving early to avoid missing out.
Address: 126 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
#8. Fan Fan Doughnuts
Baked in small batches throughout the day Fan Fan makes some of the freshest donuts in NYC. More times than not my donut has still felt warm, keeping it nice and soft.
It makes sense too, their shop is bare bones. It feels like you’re walking right onto the factory floor, with a single cash register amid racks and ingredients.
The flavors are nothing to scoff at, they’re unique and expertly, taking inspiration from global cuisines. The guava & cheese donut (a fan favorite) for example, is a donut you won’t find elsewhere.
And though I admit I do enjoy a guava & cheese donut, La Donna has my heart. Made with a raspberry currant glaze it has a tarte introduction with a sweet aftertaste.
And one last thing – Fan Fan has their closing time listed at 4PM but don’t be surprised if they’re closed when you arrive. They’ll shutter the shop for the day when they sell out, and because they’re some of the best donuts in NYC it happens more often than you’d like.
Address: 448 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
#7. The Donut Pub
Opened in 1964, The Donut Pub has spent decades as one of the best donut shops in NYC. Upon entry the bright lights illuminate a wall of donuts like a masterpiece at a museum.
And as you giddily walk up to the counter good luck trying to pick just one. Seriously, you have to take a lap to see all the options.
They’re open 24/7 so there’s no rush on making a decision. The overwhelming options help make the Donut Pub one of the best donut shops in NYC.
I will just mention a word to the wise – the more popular donuts will be the freshest, because they’re constantly being replenished. I’ve ordered unique donuts before that have been a (tiny bit) stale.
Also worth noting – Donut Pub is a peanut and tree-nut free facility, so folks with allergies need not fret when enjoying the best donuts in NYC
Address: 740 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
#6. Cloudy Donut
If you’re in search of the best vegan donuts in NYC, Cloudy Donut has your back. Their 44 flavors are completely vegan, too. The days of vegans having slim-pickings are in the rearview.
The donuts are baked in small batches to preserve freshness, and it’s a benefit you can taste. The donuts are still fluffy and soft even without the dairy ingredients.
And lastly, Cloudy Donut also makes some of the best donuts for your dog! Indeed, they have two puppy-friendly donuts in case your pooch joins you on a coffee date in the morning.
Address: 14 Columbia Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11201
#5. The Doughnut Project
The Doughnut Project is one of the few bakeries in the West Village that always seems to have a line out the door. Trust me when I tell you, it is 100% worth waiting for!
Tucked between Bleecker and 7th Ave. this unpretentious bakery churns out some of the best (and unique) donuts in New York City.
All donuts are hand-crafted and made in small batches, so chances of you getting a fresh donut are high. You can find innovative options like “Those Beetz Are Dope” which is made up of a beet glaze and filled with ricotta whip.
The Doughnut Project is also one of the best spots to grab donuts in NYC if you have dietary restrictions. There’s a handful of vegan options available (that non-vegan eaters love just as much!).
Local’s Tip: The Doughnut Project is a 3 minute walk from the famous “Friends” TV show, apartment building. Make sure to grab a box of the best donuts in NYC and swing by for a photo. Here is the official address: 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014.
Address: 10 Morton St, New York, NY 10014
#4. Dominique Ansel
No list of best donuts in NYC can be complete without mentioning the iconic Dominique Ansel Bakery!
Dominique Ansel is a must for the famous, cult-following cronut. The cronut is a mix between a croissant and donut. Run don’t walk.
The popularity of the cronut is so extreme, the bakery runs out within hours. But surprisingly the line doesn’t stop, folks wrap around the block waiting to get a treat (any treat) from this acclaimed bakery.
The reason why the cronut is among the best donuts in NYC (aside from the obvious) the flavors rotate every month and never repeat.
That’s right! For the past 9 years, Dominique Ansel (the genius behind this innovative treat) creates a new flavor every month to keep New Yorkers and visitors on their toes.
Address: 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
#3. Daily Provisions
Daily Provisions was opened by Danny Meyer, the mastermind behind Shake Shack, and now proudly boasts multiple locations throughout New York City. Most folks come to this charming bakery after catching wind that they sell some of the best donuts in NYC.
Don’t panic when you notice the word donut is omitted from the menu. Instead, Daily Provisions calls their fried golden delights “crullers”, which is an Australian donut.
With two year-round flavors (cinnamon and maple) Daily Provisions will often have a 3rd option which typically pays an ode to the season. In the past they’ve had gingerbread during the holidays and lemon poppyseed during the spring.
Your first visit to Daily Provisions might be to try one of the best donuts in NYC but you’ll definitely find yourself returning to try everything else on the menu!
Address: Multiple locations in New York City
#2. Doughnut Plant
Every great foodie city has their go-to spots for amazing fried treats and Doughnut Plant is at the top of our list for best donuts in NYC!
Customization is the name of the game here. There are vegan and gluten free options and everybody is sure to find something to satiate their sweet teeth.
With multiple locations in NYC, make sure prioritize these golden goodies in your quest for the best donuts in New York City. Their case is overflowing with stunning options like the seasonal fresh blueberry Sourdoughnut and the ever classic chocolate sprinkle.
However we recommend trying their signature crème brûlée donut so you can taste for yourself what put them on the map for the best donuts in NYC. Each donut is filled with vanilla bean custard and individually torched to caramelize the sugar topping. Save a bite for us!
Address: 5 shops in New York City
#1. Peter Pan
Peter Pan might look like a familiar place to fans of the Marvel movies. That’s because this is the bakery MJ (played by Zendaya) works at in Spider-Man: No Way Home!
And you know what Aunt May says, “with great power there must also come great responsibility”.
Luckily they make some of the best donuts in NYC. I’ll be the first to say it’s a good thing Spidey was in the dark of how good they are, because between the donuts and Mary Jane he’d never leave the shop or save the world.
Greenpoint Brooklyn is lucky to have them, and I know I’m not the only one who has made the trek for one of their old school sour cream donuts.
And speaking of old school, Peter Pan is a cash only establishment. Swing by an ATM before stopping for some of the best donuts in NYC.
Address: 727 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Honorable Mentions:
Balthazar’s
Getting a reservation at Balthazar’s takes nothing short of a miracle. The popular New York City restaurant has had plenty of hype (for good reason) and eating here is high on many peoples bucket list.
However, if you can’t get in for brunch, I learned a trick – visit the bakery next door! They make the BEST chocolate donuts in NYC – perfectly dense and chocolatey. Oh, and the chai latte from this joint can’t be missed.
Orwasher’s
Originally founded in 1916, Orwashers is one of the longest running businesses on the Upper East Side and they recently branched out with a second location in the Upper West Side.
This classic Upper East Side bakery has been serving New Yorkers for more than 105 years. Their success can be attributed to traditional baking methods that have been perfected over time.
Most folks swing by with the intention of just grabbing a bagel but true New Yorkers know the hand-filled jelly donuts are true hidden gems and some of the best in NYC.
I suggest showing up early for the best selection because the most popular items sell out quickly.
Local Farmers Market
Is there anything better than fresh apple cider and donuts during fall-time in NYC? I think not! Home to 48 farmers markets throughout the Big Apple, there is not shortage of fresh fall treats.
My personal favorite market for apple cider goodies is Union Square Farmers Market. Although you can get treats year-round from any farmers market, some of the best donuts in NYC are the seasonal flavors found during the holidays!
Quick recap of the best donuts in New York City
- Peter Pan
- Doughnut Plant
- Daily Provisions
- Dominque Ansel
- The Doughnut Project
- Cloudy Donut
- Doughnut Pub
- Fan Fan
- Moe’s Dough
- Supermoon Bakehouse
- The Dough Club
- Super Nice
- Mah-Ze-Dahr
- Doughnuttery
- Dough Doughnuts
- Balthazar’s
- Orwashers
- Farmers Market
Best Donuts NYC (Helpful Map)
And there you have it friends, my round-up of the best donuts in NYC. As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything.
Cheers!
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