Des Moines Best Hot Spots for Donut Lovers
Where are my donut lovers!? Our family definitely loves a good, over-the-top donut. I can tell you I do not remember donuts being so extreme when I was little. Whether it be long johns, donut holes, cinnamon rolls, honey buns, bear claws, an apple fritter, or cake donuts, I am here for the donut craze. We have gathered all of the best donuts in Greater Des Moines (I am not talking Krispy Kreme) you need to check out. How many Des Moines, Iowa donut places have you crossed off? Bookmark this page and see if you doughnut lovers can cross them off. Your taste buds will thank you.
Save the date! National Donut Day is Friday, June 2, 2023, this year.
Ambrosia Donuts
106 SW State St, Ankeny
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LocallyMadeFresh/
Make sure you set your alarms and visit Ambrosia Donuts early while they are still warm. They offer all your favorites and pride themselves in having the softest glazed donuts you can eat with just your tongue.
Bricktown Bakery
1105 Sixth Street, Nevada
Website: https ://www.bricktown-bakery.com/
Okay, this one is a bit out of the Greater Des Moines area but I have heard so many great things about Bricktown Bakery! Not only do they offer delicious donuts, but other great baked goods as well. Jump in the car and give it a try.
Chu Chu Donuts
580 SW 9th St, Des Moines
Website: https://chuchudonuts.com/
ChuChu Donuts are made fresh daily and you can customize your donut with different kinds of cream or jelly such as my favorite lemon filling. Also, if you or a family member have a peanut allergy they are peanut-free. They do not use any peanut products in any of their ingredients or toppings. We have recently used Chu Chu Donuts and were impressed by their friendly service. Make sure you grab a hot coffee or hot chocolate while you are there!
Daylight Donuts
502 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny
Website: https://daylightdonuts.com/
Travel to the Northern part of Greater Des Moines to Ankeny and visit Daylight Donuts. Daylight Donuts has been around since 1954 and has several locations. What makes their donuts unique? The unique donut mix they created!
Dough & Joe
114 N Elm St, Cresco
Website: https://www.facebook.com/DoughandJoe/
Road trip! If you are traveling our beautiful state make sure you make a stop at Dough & Joe. They are a local bakery and coffee shop serving donuts and a bunch of other yummy baked goods.
Donut Hut
4941 Douglas Ave, Des Moines
Website: https://www.facebook.com/DonutHut
All your favorite and classic donuts under one hut. A small, local donut shop that will not disappoint with its tasty donuts. Make sure you grab a cherry glaze donut!
Donutland
4820 100th Street in Urbandale
Website: https://www.thedonutland.com/
Donutland has come to Des Moines! Donutland has been around since 1971. When you enter their shop you are taken back to a fun retro vibe and of course some amazing donuts.
Donut King
Bauders on Ingersoll Avenue, or 3304 E University Ave
Website: https://www.facebook.com/thedonutking/
Donut King is a local favorite and a Des Moines area classic. Many years ago they had their own location but shut down. Now, you can grab some traditional favorites in various locations including sometimes at Bauder’s Pharmacy on Ingersoll Avenue. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for announcements and updates.
Golden Delight Bakery
2289 Johnson-Washington Rd, Kalona
Website: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=202003323171870
Another great bakery with tons of baked goods options including donuts. The good news, it’s not far from Des Moines!
Hiland Bakery
3615 6th Ave, Des Moines
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/hilandbakery/home
Oh boy! Hiland Bakery is definitely a favorite and should probably be your first stop. Not only do they offer incredible donuts and seasonal favorites, but they also offer delicious pastries that are to die for. Make sure you try the famous champagne donut while you are there. Hiland Bakery is a must-visit for a wide selection and is a Des Moines staple. A perfect spot to curb your sweet tooth.
Hurts Donut Company
5513 Mills Civic Parkway Suite 105, West Des Moines
Website: https://www.wannahurts.com/
We have all seen these crazy, sugar-loaded donuts before. They definitely take the classic donut to the next level. Make sure you check out their maple bacon donut! There are no wrong or right flavors, but it will be hard to pick one as they sit under the hot light. Hurts Donut Co. has locations throughout the Midwest including right here in the Des Moines area. They are the 24-hour West Des Moines shop that always has a sweet treat ready for you. Grab a dozen for your next party! They also deliver straight to your door for a delivery fee.
Mahalo Donuts
4800 Mills Civic Pkwy #105, West Des Moines, or 1850 Sunset Dr. #106, Norwalk
Website: https://mahaloscoffee.com/
Mahalo Donuts offers delicious Hawaiian coffee and mini donuts with a variety of flavors that are to die for. There are some huge flavors to choose from such as cinnamon sugar, hula honey, coconut cove, apple tiki, and more. You can easily pop twenty of them without even realizing it. The kids love watching the donut robot spit out the mini goodness. Make sure you carve out some extra time for these gems! They also sell breakfast sandwiches if donuts are not your thing.
Van Hemert’s Dutch Oven Bakery
219 Duff Avenue, Ames, or 605 Story Street, Boone
Website: https://dutchovenbakeryiowa.com/
A donut place a little outside of the city of Des Moines that also sells great donuts! They also sell Dutch Letters, Almond Horns, muffins, bagels, and so much more. A great way to explore a couple of small towns in Iowa.
Where is your favorite spot to grab a fresh, warm donut in the Des Moines area?
