While Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme have been duking it out for years, it’s time to move past their debate and onto more important things like figuring out how to actually spell doughnut (or is it donut?) and upping your Insta game. While I can’t rewrite the dictionary, I can help with the latter. What are you waiting for? Treat yo self.
1. DK’s Donuts
Photo courtesy of @cookeatlift on Instagram
If there were a doughnut heaven on earth, it would be DK’s Donuts. Their regular doughnuts are delicious but their most impressive offerings are its Double Decker O-Nuts and its wide variety of flavors like Nutella strawberry, coconut paradise, and ube.
2. Donut Friend
Photo courtesy of @losangeleseater on Instagram
Just remember, even when you’re at Donut Friend, slow and steady wins the race. Their stuffed donut creations are made to order but the delectable results are definitely worth the wait. With so many customizable options, be glad that you have the time to let your creativity flow before making a final decision.
3. Poqet Donuts
Photo courtesy of @poqetdonuts on Instagram
Much like number three on our list, this Orange County newcomer also lets you have your doughnut, your way. But whereas Donut Friends concentrates most of its customizable efforts in the filling, Poqet Donuts diverts most of its attention to customizing the toppings. Doughnuts have never looked this fancy.
4. California Donuts
Photo courtesy of @devourjaay on Instagram
California Donuts is unquestionably one of the most iconic doughnut shops out here in the golden state. Luckily for us, and our midnight munchies, it’s open 24/7 so there are no excuses not to go pick up a cookies & cream or a blueberry toast crunch.
5. U Jelly
Photo courtesy of @foodwithmichel on Instagram
The masterminds behind Afters Ice Cream brought to SoCal the ice cream stuffed milky bun and are now gracing those lucky enough to live in OC with some pretty dope doughnuts. Just to name off a few, their doughnuts are topped with mini caramel flan and chocolate-dipped strawberries while some are stuffed with taro and pandan. U Jelly yet?
6. Donut Snob
Photo courtesy of @maggiehuangg on Instagram
Bring out the champagne because milk won’t do for these #fancyAF doughnuts from Donut Snob. These elegant beauties are crafted from exclusively high-quality ingredients like Belgian chocolate and Madagascar vanilla and undoubtedly look the part.
7. Baker’s Donuts
Photo courtesy of @hungrygirl325 on Instagram
While Sacramento may not achieve the same recognition as San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego, it is our state’s capital and home to these tasty treats at Baker’s Donuts. After trying the red velvet cronut, you’ll definitely be making more trips out to the 916.
8. Colorado Donuts
Photo courtesy of @lafoodieguy on Instagram
Sorry, Colorado, but these seriously stuffed doughnuts from Colorado Donuts are actually located in the heart of Los Angeles. Where else would we ever get to tell our dentists that we had a Twix, an Oreo, a Reese’s, or ube fried inside a pillow of dough?
9. Psycho Donuts
Photo courtesy of @happyloklokk on Instagram
If you’re not going crazy for Psycho Donuts, I recommend you seriously reevaluate your doughnut criteria. They incorporate a lot of extravagant designs and Asian flares but my favorites would have to be the Strawberry Fields for its Pocky stick or the Fung Shui for its green tea icing.
10. The Donut Hole
Photo courtesy of @hillaryadkins_ on Instagram
Consider this an opportunity as a two for one. Not only are the doughnuts Instagrammable but the fact that you have to drive through a building shaped like two giant doughnuts just to place your order is too.
11. Donut Savant
Photo courtesy of @breadbunnie on Instagram
While I’m still waiting for the day that I will be back in New York and not have to wait over an hour for one of Dominique Ansel’s cronuts, Donut Savant has got my back with their “Cron’ts.” The best part? Despite the dough needing to be prepared for sixteen hours, you can usually go in and get one whenever you want. #WestCoastBestCoast
12. Donut Bar
Photo courtesy of @donutbar on Instagram
This San Diego icon may be famous for its Pop-tart stuffed delights but its newest and most revolutionary contribution to the dessert world is its soon-to-be-released doughnut ice cream cone.
13. (fōnuts)
Photo courtesy of @sierrafurtado on Instagram
No need to worry about ruining all of those long hours spent at the gym trying to achieve that perfect beach body because, (fōnuts) doesn’t fry their doughnuts, they bake them. For the extra dietary conscious folks out there, if you need any more reasons to indulge, they also offer vegan and gluten-free options.
14. Spudnuts Donuts
Photo courtesy of @roberymusic on Instagram
Remember back in elementary school when everyone was obsessed with potato bread? Well, after one bite of Spudnuts Donuts, your newest obsession is going to be potato flour doughnuts. Compared to other doughnuts, these ones are much lighter, more fluffy, and will literally leave you feeling like you’re on cloud nine.
15. Danny’s Mini Donuts
Photo courtesy of @chlo_rose on Instagram
What do puppies, babies, and Danny’s Mini Donuts all have in common? Well besides being so darn adorable and photogenic, they are all so small. Not only is Danny’s Mini Donuts great for portion control, but it will also leave you more room to try out some of their other flavors and goodies.
16. The Donut Man
Photo courtesy of @theirregularlens on Instagram
Mom always said to finish your fruits and vegetables before dessert, right? Well the Donut Man is appealing to kids and moms everywhere in California right now by eliminating that wait because they’re stuffing seasonal, fresh fruit into their freshly-made doughnuts.
17. Twisted Donuts & Coffee
Photo courtesy of @itsrichstagram on Instagram
No, your eyes are not deceiving you, those are in fact, real, jalapeños on the maple bacon doughnut from Twisted Donuts & Coffee. According to the adventurous souls who have tried this crazy combination, the freshness of the jalapeños actually cut through the sweetness and richness of the dessert.
18. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Photo courtesy of @catsinplicity on Instagram
Don’t tell your significant other but I think I may have found you a sidebae in the form of of doughnuts at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee. Not only are their flavors upscale (where else have you ever had huckleberry-flavored anything in your life?), but they also look the part with their fruit, flower, and sometimes cheese garnishes.
19. Peterson’s Donut Corner
Photo courtesy of @biancafood on Instagram
The flavors and options at Peterson’s Donut Corner epitomize your favorite mom and pop doughnut store but what makes them so special is that they also serve up some artisanal-looking cronuts.
20. VG Donut & Bakery
Photo courtesy of @youstayhungrysd on Instagram
Some may argue that this deep-fried cinnamon roll doesn’t actually constitute a doughnut but I contend that it fits the definition – a fried dough confectionary – perfectly fine. Besides the point, its aesthetics are definitely on fleek.
21. Blue Star Donuts
Photo courtesy of @markonthewestcoast on Instagram
Want another reason why California is better than the rest? This Portland bakery decided to expand its European-inspired, brioche doughnuts in just two locations – Tokyo and Japan. We’re just waiting on you now, Voodoo Doughnuts.
22. Dynamo Donut + Coffee
Photo courtesy of @jgmagic on Instagram
If this maple-glazed bacon apple doughnut from Dynamo Donut + Coffee doesn’t already impress you enough, check out their other upscale flavors like Apricot Cardamom, Hibiscus Heart Beat, and Cornmeal Rosemary Cherry.
23. Dunlaps Donuts
Photo courtesy of @dunlaps_donuts on Instagram
After visiting Dunlap Donuts, you’ll be left craving s’more of their deep fried deliciousness. So skip the overpriced boardwalk fare and check out this local Santa Cruz spot for their pretty doughnuts and sometimes even cronuts.
24. SLO Donut Company
Photo courtesy of @slodonutcompany on Instagram
No, these are not oversized Fruit Loops. At SLO Donut Company, their bakers individually separate out the different Fruit Loop colors for these pretty little things. If only we could find someone to do that for our Lucky Charms marshmallows.