11 Arkansas’ Best Donuts To Satisfy Every Craving

The smell of fresh dough and warm sugar has a way of making any morning better. Golden, airy, and perfectly sweet, these pastries are more than just breakfast – they’re a tradition.

Across Arkansas, small-town bakeries and family-run shops have turned donut-making into an art form. Each bite carries a mix of nostalgia and creativity, proving that the state’s sweetest treasures are found right behind the counter.

1. Mark’s Do-Nut Shop – North Little Rock

Family-owned since 1989, this North Little Rock gem serves up donuts that have kept neighbors coming back for decades. The glazed varieties arrive warm from the fryer, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to beat.

Apple fritters here are massive and loaded with cinnamon-spiced fruit chunks. Early birds get the best selection, though the shop keeps baking throughout the morning to ensure freshness.

2. Dale’s Donut Shop – Benton

Benton locals know that Dale’s opens before sunrise, making it the perfect stop for shift workers and early risers. The chocolate iced donuts feature a rich ganache that stays glossy even hours after cooling.

Cake donuts here have a tender crumb that pairs beautifully with coffee. The shop maintains old-school charm with straightforward flavors done exceptionally well, proving simplicity often wins.

3. Fresh Donuts – Conway

College students and families alike flock to this Conway favorite for its impressive variety and generous portions. Maple bacon bars combine sweet and savory in a way that surprises first-timers but creates instant fans.

The filled donuts burst with real fruit jams and cream fillings that taste homemade. Weekend mornings can get busy, so arriving before 9 AM ensures you’ll snag your favorites.

4. Spudnut Shoppe – El Dorado

Ever tried a donut made with potato flour? Spudnuts have a uniquely light, airy texture that sets them apart from traditional recipes. This El Dorado shop keeps the vintage tradition alive with recipes dating back generations.

The potato flour creates donuts that stay fresher longer without becoming dense. Regulars swear the cinnamon sugar spudnuts are addictive, with a tender interior that practically dissolves on your tongue.

5. Cinnamon Crème Bakery – Little Rock

Little Rock’s Cinnamon Crème elevates donuts into edible art with creative flavors and beautiful presentations. Seasonal offerings rotate regularly, featuring ingredients like lavender glaze, lemon curd, and toasted coconut.

The signature cinnamon rolls could easily be mistaken for donuts with their pillowy layers and cream cheese frosting. Perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests at brunch gatherings.

6. Lybrand’s Bakery & Deli – Pine Bluff

Operating since the 1950s, Lybrand’s combines bakery excellence with deli service, making it a community gathering spot. The glazed twists showcase perfect lamination, creating layers that pull apart satisfyingly.

Buttermilk cake donuts here have a slight tang that balances their sweetness beautifully. Grab a dozen for the office, and you’ll become everyone’s favorite coworker instantly.

7. Country Village Oven & Bakery – Star City

Star City’s charming bakery feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, with the sweet aroma of baking filling the air. Homemade kolaches sit alongside classic donuts, offering savory alternatives for those seeking variety.

The old-fashioned sour cream donuts have a subtle tang and dense texture that coffee lovers appreciate. Small-town hospitality shines through with friendly service that remembers your name.

8. Shimmery Donuts – Conway

Conway’s newest donut destination brings Instagram-worthy creations to central Arkansas with eye-catching designs. Shimmery glazes catch the light beautifully, though the flavors beneath the sparkle deliver substance too.

Unique combinations like cookies and cream or strawberry champagne push boundaries while maintaining balance. Perfect for birthday celebrations or when you want something beyond the traditional donut experience.

9. Cronuts-Donuts – Fayetteville

Fayetteville’s answer to the cronut craze delivers flaky, buttery layers wrapped in donut form. The laminated dough requires hours of preparation, resulting in pastries that shatter delicately with each bite.

Traditional donuts share menu space with these hybrid creations, offering something for purists and adventurers alike. Weekend lines form early, especially when limited-edition flavors debut seasonally.

10. Red Barn Donuts – Rogers

Rogers residents treasure this spot for its consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere that feels authentically Arkansas. Blueberry cake donuts pack real fruit throughout, not just in the glaze.

The red velvet donuts with cream cheese icing taste like eating cake for breakfast – which is exactly the point. Reasonable prices mean you can afford to try several varieties without breaking the budget.

11. Love’s Donuts Of Cabot – Cabot

With a name that makes a bold promise, this Cabot shop backs it up with consistently excellent donuts at unbeatable prices. The raised glazed donuts achieve that perfect balance between crispy exterior and soft interior.

Chocolate bars with chocolate icing satisfy serious cocoa cravings without overwhelming sweetness. Families appreciate the value, often leaving with multiple dozens for weekend gatherings and school events.