10 Texas Donut Shops Locals Swear Are Among America’s Best

Everything really is bigger in Texas, including the love for donuts. From fluffy glazed rings to creative flavor combinations, the Lone Star State has some seriously amazing donut shops that rival any bakery in the country.

I’m taking you on a sweet tour of the best spots where locals line up before dawn for their favorite treats.

1. Round Rock Donuts

People drive from all over central Texas just to taste these legendary donuts. Round Rock Donuts opened in 1926 and has been perfecting their recipe for nearly a century.

Their signature glazed donuts are massive, weighing almost a pound each, and they practically melt in your mouth. The shop operates 24 hours a day, so you can satisfy your craving anytime.

Locals recommend trying the original glazed first, then branching out to chocolate or cinnamon twists on your next visit.

2. Hypnotic Donuts & Biscuits (closed 2025)

Wild flavor combinations make this Dallas shop a must-visit for adventurous eaters. Hypnotic opened in 2010 and immediately changed the donut game with creations nobody had seen before.

Their maple bacon donut gets tons of attention, but the seasonal flavors are where things get really interesting. Think s’mores, birthday cake, and even savory options that challenge your expectations.

The shop also serves killer breakfast biscuits if you want something more substantial alongside your sweet treat.

3. Glazed Donut Works (currently closed)

San Antonio locals guard this gem like a precious secret. Glazed Donut Works focuses on small-batch production, ensuring every single donut meets their high standards before it hits the display case.

The owners use premium ingredients and change their menu based on what’s fresh and seasonal. You might find lavender honey one week and Mexican hot chocolate the next.

Getting there early is smart because they sell out by mid-morning most days.

4. Holey Moley Coffee + Donuts

Austin’s food truck culture inspired this mobile-turned-brick-and-mortar success story. Holey Moley started serving donuts from a trailer before demand forced them to open permanent locations around the city.

They pair their handmade donuts with exceptional coffee, creating the ultimate breakfast combination. The blueberry cake donut has a devoted following, but their rotating specials keep regulars coming back weekly.

Weekend mornings get busy, so weekday visits offer a more relaxed experience.

5. Hurts Donut Company

Over-the-top decorations and outrageous flavors define this Fort Worth favorite. Hurts Donut Company doesn’t believe in boring, plain donuts when you could have ones topped with cereal, candy bars, or even entire cookies.

Kids absolutely love picking out donuts here because each one looks like a work of art. The shop stays open late, making it perfect for late-night sweet tooth emergencies.

Their delivery service brings the party straight to your door when you need it most.

6. Sublime Doughnuts

Elegance meets comfort food at this El Paso establishment that treats donuts like fine pastries. Sublime Doughnuts elevates the humble donut with careful attention to texture, flavor balance, and presentation.

Their red velvet cake donut tastes exactly like the classic dessert but in handheld form. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and happy to recommend flavors based on your preferences.

Pairing suggestions with their specialty drinks make each visit feel like a curated tasting experience.

7. Shipley Do-Nuts

Hot glazed donuts fresh off the line are what made this Houston institution famous back in 1936. Watching the donuts travel through the glaze waterfall never gets old, no matter how many times you visit.

The texture is incredibly light and airy, with a sweet glaze that sets perfectly as it cools. You’ll find Shipley locations scattered across Texas, each maintaining the same quality standards.

Early morning is prime time when the “Hot Now” sign lights up.

8. Southern Maid Donuts

Classic Texas donut tradition lives on at this beloved regional chain with roots going back to 1937. Southern Maid Donuts represents what many Texans grew up eating, with recipes passed down through generations.

Their buttermilk bars have a devoted cult following, and the chocolate iced donuts hit that perfect balance between rich and sweet. Multiple locations across the state mean you’re never too far from a fix.

The pink boxes have become iconic symbols of Texas donut culture.

9. Gourdough’s Public House

Donuts as big as your head piled high with toppings sound impossible until you see them in person. Gourdough’s started as an Austin food trailer serving donuts that double as full meals, not just breakfast treats.

The Flying Pig features maple icing and bacon, while the Mother Clucker adds fried chicken and honey butter. These creations blur the line between donut and main course.

Come hungry because finishing one of these monsters is a legitimate accomplishment worth celebrating.

10. Lone Star Kolaches

Texas donut culture includes kolaches, and this shop masters both Czech pastries and American donuts beautifully. Lone Star Kolaches honors the state’s Czech heritage while serving up fantastic traditional donuts that keep customers satisfied.

Their savory kolaches stuffed with sausage or brisket make incredible breakfast options alongside sweet donuts. The combination of both items in one shop reflects true Texas food culture.

Grab a mixed dozen to experience the full range of what they offer.