12 Must-Visit Donut Shops In Massachusetts That Are Worth The Road Trip
Massachusetts has earned its reputation as a donut lover’s paradise, with shops across the state crafting everything from classic glazed rings to wild flavor experiments that push the boundaries of what a donut can be.
Whether tucked away in a sleepy Cape Cod town or buzzing in a busy Boston suburb, these bakeries share one thing in common: they make donuts so good that people will drive miles out of their way just to grab a box.
From old-school institutions that have been frying dough since the middle of the last century to modern spots dreaming up brioche masterpieces, the Bay State offers a donut adventure for every taste.
Ready to hit the road and discover which shops are truly worth the trip? Buckle up and bring your appetite.
1. Union Square Donuts
Brioche dough changes everything when it comes to donuts, and Union Square Donuts has built its reputation on this rich, buttery foundation that makes each bite feel like a small celebration.
Located at 20 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143, this shop has become a destination for anyone who takes their fried dough seriously.
Flavors rotate with the seasons, but favorites like Maple Bacon and Sea Salted Bourbon Caramel have earned permanent spots in the hearts of regulars.
The Brown Butter Hazelnut Crunch offers a nutty complexity that pairs perfectly with a strong cup of coffee on a chilly New England morning.
Weekends tend to draw crowds, so arriving early means snagging the full selection before the most popular flavors sell out.
The shop’s commitment to quality ingredients shows in every glaze, filling, and topping, making it clear why people drive from neighboring states just to fill a pink box.
Expect to find creative seasonal specials that change throughout the year, keeping repeat visits fresh and exciting.
2. Kane’s Donuts
Some places have been around so long they become part of the local fabric, and Kane’s Donuts has been doing exactly that since 1955, serving massive donuts that defy the trends and stay true to old-fashioned techniques.
You’ll find this beloved institution at 1575 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906, where the aroma of frying dough greets visitors before they even step through the door.
The Honey Dip remains a crowd favorite, with its simple glaze allowing the moist, preservative-free dough to shine through.
Lemon Bismarck delivers a bright citrus punch that cuts through the richness, while rotating specials like Red Velvet and Crème Brûlée keep the menu exciting.
These aren’t dainty pastries – Kane’s donuts are hefty, generous creations that require napkins and maybe even a fork.
Early morning visits guarantee the freshest selection, though the shop keeps frying throughout the day to meet demand.
The no-frills atmosphere and focus on quality over gimmicks make this spot a must for anyone seeking authentic Massachusetts donut culture.
3. Rocco’s Doughnut Company
Walking into Rocco’s feels like stepping into a candy store designed for grown-ups, with towering donuts covered in cereal, candy bars, and glazes that shimmer under the bakery lights.
Located at 238 Millbury Ave, Millbury, MA 01527, this shop has made a name for itself by going big in both size and flavor.
The Cinnamon Toast Crunch donut delivers childhood nostalgia in every bite, while the Peanut Butter Cup creation satisfies serious chocolate cravings.
Fruity Pebbles adds a playful crunch and a rainbow of color that makes for great photos and even better eating.
Holiday specials like Pumpkin Cheesecake in fall and Eggnog Glaze during winter show the shop’s commitment to keeping the menu fresh and seasonal.
These donuts are decadent, unapologetically over-the-top, and absolutely worth the drive for anyone who believes dessert should be an experience.
Weekday mornings offer shorter lines, though weekend crowds are part of the fun when everyone’s buzzing about which wild flavor to try next.
4. Dip 02539 INC
Few donut experiences come with the mystique of showing up after dark and ordering through a back door, but that’s exactly what makes Dip 02539 INC one of the most memorable stops in Massachusetts.
You’ll find it at 241 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Rd, Edgartown, MA 02539, operating as a regular bakery by day and transforming into a late-night donut legend once the sun goes down.
The apple fritters are massive, crispy on the outside, and loaded with chunks of real fruit that make them feel almost wholesome despite their indulgent nature.
Fresh donuts emerge from the kitchen throughout the evening, served warm through a window that has become an island tradition.
Summer nights bring long lines of tourists and locals alike, all willing to wait for a taste of these famous treats.
The Edgartown-Vineyard location adds to the charm, making it a perfect stop after dinner or a beach bonfire.
Arriving closer to opening time means shorter waits and the widest selection before popular flavors disappear into happy customers’ hands.
5. Donut Dip
Some places refuse to change with the times, and that stubborn dedication to tradition is exactly what makes Donut Dip special after nearly seven decades of serving Western Massachusetts.
You’ll find this institution at 1305 Riverdale St, West Springfield, MA 01089, where the old-school charm extends from the signage to the recipes.
The fritters are legendary, large enough to share but so good that most people refuse to split them.
Classic donuts arrive fresh daily, made without shortcuts or modern gimmicks that might compromise the straightforward goodness people have loved since the 1950s.
The shop’s longevity speaks to consistent quality and a loyal customer base that appreciates authenticity over trends.
Weekend mornings bring a steady stream of regulars who know exactly what they want and wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else.
For anyone seeking a taste of Massachusetts donut history, this spot offers a delicious time capsule that proves some things really don’t need improving.
6. Hole In One Bakery & Coffee Shop
Cape Cod mornings call for fresh coffee and even fresher donuts, and Hole in One delivers both with the kind of quality that keeps summer visitors coming back year after year.
Located at 4295 US-6, Eastham, MA 02642, this bakery has become a beloved stop for anyone exploring the Outer Cape.
The powdered jelly donuts are stuffed generously, with sweet filling that doesn’t skimp or leak prematurely.
Classic cake varieties offer a denser, more traditional texture that pairs beautifully with their robust coffee.
Early morning visits during summer months reward early risers with donuts still warm from the fryer, though the shop maintains quality throughout the day.
The friendly atmosphere and Cape Cod charm make this more than just a donut stop – it’s a chance to slow down and enjoy a simple pleasure done right.
Grabbing a box to bring to the beach has become a tradition for many families, turning breakfast into a sandy, sweet adventure that defines summer on the Cape.
7. Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts
Rustic charm and reliable quality define Mrs. Murphy’s, where classic flavors take center stage and fancy experimentation takes a back seat to perfecting the basics.
Located at 538 College Hwy, Southwick, MA 01077, this shop has built a following among those who appreciate traditional donut craftsmanship.
The honey-dipped donuts achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and dough, with a glaze that doesn’t overpower but enhances the tender crumb underneath.
Chocolate glazed varieties deliver rich cocoa flavor without being cloying, making them surprisingly easy to eat multiples of in one sitting.
The atmosphere feels welcoming and unpretentious, like visiting a favorite aunt who happens to make exceptional baked goods.
Locals know to arrive before mid-morning on weekends when the selection is fullest and the donuts are at their peak freshness.
This isn’t the place for Instagram-worthy creations covered in candy – it’s where you go when you want a genuinely good donut made with care and consistency.
8. Donuts With A Difference
Serving the same community since 1984 creates a special kind of relationship between a shop and its customers, and Donuts With A Difference has mastered that connection through consistent quality and genuine hospitality.
You’ll find this beloved spot at 35 Riverside Ave, Medford, MA 02155, where generations of families have shared the tradition of weekend donut runs.
The signature honey-dipped donuts showcase the beauty of simplicity, with a delicate sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm.
Chocolate frosted varieties deliver deep cocoa richness that satisfies without being too heavy, making them perfect for morning or afternoon treats.
The shop’s longevity in a competitive market speaks volumes about the quality and care that goes into every batch.
Regulars appreciate the familiar faces behind the counter and the knowledge that their favorite flavors will taste exactly as remembered.
Early birds get the widest selection, though the shop keeps producing throughout the morning to ensure freshness for later visitors who can’t make it at dawn.
9. Donut Express
Worcester’s donut scene wouldn’t be complete without Verna’s, a neighborhood fixture that has earned its reputation through decades of early mornings and consistently delicious offerings.
Located at 221 Webster St, Worcester, MA 01603, this shop represents the kind of local business that becomes woven into the daily routines of entire communities.
The glazed donuts achieve that ideal texture – crispy on the outside while remaining tender and fluffy within.
Filled varieties burst with real fruit preserves and cream that taste homemade rather than factory-produced.
The shop opens early to serve shift workers and early risers, creating a diverse crowd that ranges from construction crews to office workers grabbing breakfast before meetings.
Prices remain reasonable, making it easy to grab a dozen for the office or a weekend family gathering.
The no-frills approach focuses attention where it belongs – on the quality of the donuts themselves rather than elaborate décor or trendy marketing.
For authentic Worcester flavor and reliable morning fuel, Verna’s delivers without pretense or disappointment.
10. Peipei’s Bakery & Mister Monut
Family-owned bakeries carry a special magic, and Peipei’s has been casting that spell over Belmont residents since 1932, making it one of the oldest continuously operating bakeries in the region.
You’ll find this treasure at 873 Main St, Waltham, MA 02451, where generations have learned that great donuts come from time-tested recipes and genuine care.
The old-fashioned cake donuts deliver that dense, satisfying crumb that holds up perfectly when dunked in coffee.
Raised donuts offer a lighter, airier alternative, with glazes that crack delicately when you bite through to the soft interior.
Beyond donuts, the bakery produces a full range of pastries and breads, but the morning donut selection remains a primary draw for loyal customers.
The vintage atmosphere feels authentic rather than manufactured, with display cases and décor that speak to nearly a century of continuous operation.
Arriving on weekend mornings means joining a cheerful crowd of neighbors catching up while selecting their favorites from the day’s fresh batch.
11. Dunkin’ Donuts Original Location
Before Dunkin’ became a global empire, it started as a single shop in Quincy, making this location a pilgrimage site for anyone interested in donut history and American business success stories.
The original shop opened at 543 Southern Artery, Quincy, MA 02169, where founder William Rosenberg changed the coffee and donut game forever starting in 1950.
While the location has been modernized over the decades, visiting the birthplace of such an iconic brand adds historical context to every glazed ring.
The menu has expanded far beyond the original offerings, but classic donuts remain central to the experience that launched thousands of locations.
This isn’t necessarily the best donut in Massachusetts from a gourmet perspective, but the historical significance makes it worth a stop for enthusiasts.
Grabbing coffee and a donut where it all began feels like participating in a small piece of Massachusetts business history.
The location serves as a reminder that every massive success starts somewhere small, with someone willing to perfect a simple idea and share it with the world.
12. Donna’s Donuts
Tewksbury’s diverse community has embraced Donna’s Donuts as a reliable spot where college students, families, and early-morning workers all converge for affordable, satisfying treats.
Located at 2106 Main St, Tewksbury, MA 01876, this shop has become part of the neighborhood fabric through consistent quality and welcoming service.
The selection spans classic American donuts alongside some creative variations that reflect the area’s eclectic tastes.
Prices remain budget-friendly, making it easy for students to grab breakfast without breaking the bank.
The shop maintains long hours, serving night owls and early birds alike with the same fresh offerings.
Regulars appreciate the generous sizing and the fact that quality hasn’t declined despite the shop’s popularity.
Weekend mornings bring a lively mix of customers, from families with small children to groups of friends recovering from late nights out.
The unpretentious atmosphere and solid donuts make this a neighborhood gem that doesn’t need fancy marketing to keep people coming back day after day.
