9 Minnesota Donut Shops That Make Mornings Extra Sweet
On crisp Minnesota mornings, there’s nothing more comforting than the smell of fresh donuts drifting through the air.
Whether it’s a perfectly glazed classic that melts in your mouth or a quirky creation piled high with bold flavors, the North Star State has mastered the art of fried dough.
From small-town bakeries that feel like a step back in time to trendy shops serving Instagram-worthy treats, these nine donut spots prove that in Minnesota, mornings aren’t complete without something sweet.
1. Donut Hut: Small-Town Charm In Every Bite
Last summer, I stumbled upon this unassuming gem while taking the scenic route through Minnesota. The line of locals stretching out the door should’ve been my first clue I’d struck gold.
Family-owned since 1973, Donut Hut crafts everything by hand daily, starting at 2 AM when most of us are still dreaming. Their old-fashioned sour cream donuts have this perfect crackly exterior that gives way to a cake-like center that’ll make you weak in the knees.
What really sets them apart? The owners remember regulars by name AND their usual order. My personal addiction is their apple fritter – roughly the size of my face and packed with cinnamon-laced apple chunks. Cash only, folks, but trust me, you’ll want to hit that ATM.
2. Thirsty Whale Bakery: Instagram-Worthy Creations
Holy moly, you guys – the first time I bit into a Thirsty Whale creation, I nearly fell off my chair! This Minneapolis hotspot has transformed the humble donut into an art form that would make Picasso jealous.
Founded by two friends with a passion for pushing pastry boundaries, their donuts aren’t just food – they’re conversation pieces. Rainbow-colored glazes, breakfast cereal toppings, and even edible glitter make these treats pop both in person and on your social feeds.
My personal favorite? Their maple bacon long john topped with an entire strip of perfectly crispy bacon. The sweet-savory combo is mind-blowing. Pro tip: arrive early because they frequently sell out before noon, and I’ve witnessed grown adults nearly crying when faced with empty display cases.
3. UFFDA Donuts: Scandinavian Twists On Classic Favorites
My Norwegian grandmother would’ve approved of UFFDA Donuts! Named after the classic Nordic expression of surprise, this charming bakery blends Minnesota’s Scandinavian heritage with donut artistry in the most delightful way.
Cardamom-spiced cake donuts dusted with pearl sugar transported me straight to my childhood visits to my grandparents’ farm. Their signature lingonberry-filled bismarks offer the perfect sweet-tart balance that cuts through the richness of the fried dough.
The owners, a husband-wife team with roots in Sweden, greet everyone with genuine warmth that feels like a hug. They’ve decorated the space with traditional Scandinavian folk art and wooden dala horses. Grab their seasonal aquavit-glazed donut holes during the holidays – they’re dangerously poppable!
4. YoYo Donuts: Family-Friendly Fun In Every Dozen
Remember Saturday morning cartoons with a box of donuts? YoYo Donuts captures that exact childhood magic! My kids practically drag me here weekly, and honestly, I’m not putting up much of a fight.
Located in a sunny Minnetonka storefront, YoYo’s specialty is their “build-your-own” donut bar where kiddos can unleash their inner pastry chef. My daughter once created a monstrosity with gummy bears, chocolate drizzle, AND sprinkles that somehow tasted amazing.
Beyond the DIY options, their cake donuts have this incredible crisp exterior that shatters when you bite into it. The owner, a former elementary school teacher, designed the space to be welcoming for families with a small play area in the corner. Their seasonal pumpkin spice old-fashioned in fall is worth marking your calendar for!
5. Bloedow Bakery: Century-Old Recipes Worth The Drive
You know a place is special when people willingly drive three hours for a donut! Bloedow’s (pronounced “Blay-doh’s”) has been a Winona institution since 1924, and after one bite, I understood why they’ve survived nearly a century.
Their maple long johns are the stuff of Minnesota legend – perfectly yeasted rectangles topped with maple frosting so authentic you’d swear they tapped the trees out back. The bakery still uses the original recipes and methods passed down through four generations of bakers.
Walking in feels like time travel with the vintage counters and the aroma of fresh dough hitting you like a delicious wave. Cash only and closed by early afternoon, Bloedow’s operates on small-town rules. My recommendation: the raised glazed – deceptively simple but absolutely perfect in execution.
6. Hanisch Bakery & Coffee Shop: Award-Winning Donuts In Red Wing
Crowned “Minnesota’s Best Donut” three years running, Hanisch Bakery sent my expectations soaring – and then somehow exceeded them! On a fall leaf-peeping trip to Red Wing, I followed my nose to this Main Street treasure.
Owner Bill Hanisch (affectionately known as “The Bread Man”) creates donuts that balance old-school technique with creative flair. Their raised donuts have this ethereal lightness that seems to defy physics. The secret, I learned, is a 24-hour cold fermentation process that develops flavor complexity you just can’t rush.
Don’t miss their “Red Wing Special” – a raspberry-filled bismark with chocolate frosting and a decorative boot design honoring the town’s famous footwear heritage. The coffee is locally roasted and perfect for washing down these heavenly creations. Weekend mornings get busy with tourists and locals alike vying for fresh batches.
7. Moon Donuts And Cafe: Space-Themed Treats That Are Out Of This World
My sci-fi-loving heart nearly exploded when I discovered Moon Donuts! This quirky shop in St. Paul embraces a full cosmic theme that would make NASA jealous, complete with galaxy-swirled glazes and star-shaped sprinkles.
The owner, a former aerospace engineer (seriously!), applies scientific precision to her donut recipes. The result? Perfectly balanced treats that achieve the golden ratio of fluff-to-substance. Their signature “Moonwalk” – a raised donut with vanilla-lavender glaze and edible silver dust – tastes like what I imagine eating clouds would be like.
Kids go nuts for the glow-in-the-dark sprinkle options available on weekends. The café portion serves excellent coffee in beaker-shaped mugs, completing the scientific vibe. Even the bathroom is decorated with vintage space mission posters – talk about attention to thematic detail!
8. Nelson Bros.: Gas Station Donuts That Defy Expectations
Picture this: I’m on a road trip up north, running on empty (both my car and my stomach), when I stop at what looks like a regular gas station. Little did I know I was about to experience donut enlightenment at Nelson Bros.!
Tucked inside an unassuming Clearwater truck stop sits a bakery cranking out some of Minnesota’s most underrated donuts. Their apple fritters are roughly the size of dinner plates – craggly, crisp exteriors giving way to tender, cinnamon-laced interiors studded with real fruit.
The bakers start at midnight, ensuring everything’s fresh for early travelers. Their raised donuts have this incredible chew that’s downright addictive. Pro tip from a frequent I-94 traveler: their chocolate old-fashioneds pair perfectly with gas station coffee for that quintessential Minnesota road trip experience.
9. World’s Best Donuts: Grand Marais’ Not-So-Secret North Shore Treasure
Despite the bold name, World’s Best Donuts actually lives up to the hype! During my annual North Shore pilgrimage, I always schedule an extra day in Grand Marais just so I can visit this lakeside institution twice.
Five generations of the same family have been frying up these beauties since 1969. The line often stretches down the block in summer, with tourists and locals mingling as they await sugary perfection. Their cake donuts achieve that mythical balance – crisp exterior giving way to tender, not-too-sweet interior.
Grab a dozen assorted and a coffee, then snag one of the picnic tables overlooking Lake Superior for a quintessential Minnesota morning. My personal ritual includes their signature “skizzle” – a flat, irregular piece of fried dough that’s crispy, chewy, and completely addictive. Cash only, seasonal hours – plan accordingly!