New York Donuts Everyone Wants to Try
New York City is famous for its bagels and pizza, but the donut scene deserves just as much attention. From classic shops that have been around for decades to innovative newcomers pushing the boundaries of what a donut can be, the Big Apple offers something for every sweet tooth.
Let me take you on a tour of the most crave-worthy donuts that have New Yorkers and tourists alike standing in line for a taste.
1. The Cronut
Half croissant, half donut, and completely irresistible. This flaky, layered creation sparked a global phenomenon when it first appeared in 2013, with people lining up for hours just to taste one.
What makes the Cronut special is its perfect balance of textures – crisp exterior giving way to tender, buttery layers inside. Each month features a new flavor, keeping fans coming back for more.
2. Maple Bacon Bar
Sweet meets savory in this rectangular delight. A fluffy yeast donut bar gets topped with maple glaze and crowned with crispy bacon pieces for an unforgettable flavor combination.
The smoky, salty bacon plays perfectly against the sweet maple, creating that crave-worthy contrast that makes it impossible to eat just one. Some places even mix bacon bits into the dough for an extra porky punch throughout each bite.
3. Blackout Chocolate Donut
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! This indulgent treat is the stuff of dreams – a rich chocolate cake donut dipped in dark chocolate glaze and covered with chocolate cookie crumbs. Every bite delivers an intense chocolate experience that’s somehow not overwhelmingly sweet.
The contrast between the moist donut interior and the slight crunch from the cookie crumbs creates a textural masterpiece that’s worth every calorie.
4. Birthday Cake Donut
Bringing childlike joy to adults and kids alike, this festive treat captures the essence of birthday celebrations. A vanilla cake donut serves as the perfect canvas for colorful sprinkles and sweet vanilla glaze.
Many versions feature sprinkles both in the batter and on top for maximum fun. Some shops even add a dollop of buttercream frosting on top, making it truly cake-like. The nostalgic flavor takes you right back to childhood birthday parties.
5. Toasted Coconut Donut
Tropical vibes come to the city with this island-inspired creation. Golden brown toasted coconut flakes coat the outside of a perfectly fried donut, creating a delightful textural contrast with each bite.
The coconut flavor isn’t just on the outside – many versions incorporate coconut milk into the dough for a fully immersive experience. A light coconut glaze underneath those toasty flakes adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the nutty flavor.
6. Carrot Cake Donut
Imagine your favorite carrot cake transformed into donut form. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each bite, while real carrot gives it authentic flavor and moisture.
The cream cheese glaze on top provides that perfect tangy contrast that makes carrot cake so beloved. Some versions even include little bits of walnut for extra crunch and flavor depth. It’s breakfast and dessert rolled into one delicious package.
7. Matcha Green Tea Donut
For something less sweet but equally satisfying, the matcha donut offers a sophisticated alternative. The earthy, slightly bitter notes of high-quality matcha powder give this donut its distinctive pale green color and unique flavor profile.
Often paired with white chocolate drizzle or a light vanilla glaze for balance, this Japanese-inspired treat appeals to those who appreciate subtle flavors. The cake-style base provides the perfect density to complement the delicate matcha taste.
8. Apple Cider Donut
Fall in New York wouldn’t be complete without these seasonal treasures. Made with real apple cider reduced to concentrate the flavor, these cake donuts capture autumn in every bite.
Rolled in cinnamon sugar while still warm from the fryer, they create that irresistible crispy-sweet exterior that gives way to tender, apple-scented interior. The best versions use local New York apples and cider, connecting city dwellers to upstate orchards through flavor.
9. Peanut Butter and Jelly Donut
Childhood lunch box favorites meet sophisticated pastry techniques in this nostalgic creation. A pillowy yeasted donut gets filled with real fruit jam – often grape or raspberry – and topped with a smooth peanut butter glaze.
Some artisan versions include crushed peanuts on top for added crunch. The combination of creamy, nutty peanut butter with sweet-tart jam creates that perfect balance that made the sandwich version an American classic in the first place.
10. S’mores Donut
Campfire memories come alive in this creative confection. Graham cracker crumbs coat the outside of a chocolate cake donut, while a torched marshmallow topping adds that distinctive smoky sweetness.
The combination of textures – from the cakey donut base to the gooey marshmallow and the crunchy graham bits – makes each bite an adventure. Some versions even include a chocolate ganache layer underneath the marshmallow for the full s’mores experience.
