I Road-Tripped Across Small-Town Oklahoma To Visit 13 Donut Shops (And Found 5 That Totally Stole The Show)
Small-town Oklahoma really surprised me with how many great donut shops are still going strong. I spent a week driving across the state, stopping anywhere that smelled like fresh dough and sugar.
Some places were packed with locals grabbing coffee before work, while others were run by families who’ve been frying donuts for generations. I lost count of how many maple bars and glazed twists I tried, but a handful of shops stood out instantly.
Oklahoma has a real thing for keeping traditions alive, and you can taste it in every warm, perfectly sweet bite.
1. Munchies Donuts & Brunch, Durant
Walking into this place felt like stepping into someone’s cozy kitchen, except the smells were even better. The maple bacon long john was perfectly crispy on top, and the glaze had just the right amount of sweetness without being too much.
They make everything fresh every morning, and you can tell by the way the donuts practically melt in your mouth. The staff remembered my order by day two, which says a lot about how they treat their customers.
I ended up going back three times during my trip because I couldn’t stop thinking about their cinnamon rolls. This spot really stood out from the rest.
2. Turtle’s Donut Shoppe, Ponca City
This little shop has a quirky name and an even quirkier charm that makes it impossible to forget. The apple fritters here are massive, crispy on the edges, and packed with real chunks of apple that taste homemade.
I sat at one of their small tables and watched them pull fresh trays out of the back every few minutes. The old-fashioned buttermilk donut was dense in the best way, with a slight tang that balanced the sweetness perfectly.
Turtle’s has that rare combination of quality and personality that makes it worth the drive. It’s one of the five that truly stole the show.
3. Donut Palace, Ponca City
Another solid option in Ponca City, this shop offers a wide range of flavors and styles. The blueberry cake donut I tried was moist and had real blueberry pieces mixed in, which was a nice surprise.
They also do a good job with their raised donuts, keeping them light and airy without being greasy. The shop itself is clean and well-organized, making it easy to see all your options at a glance.
It’s a dependable choice if you’re passing through town. The quality is consistent, and the staff keeps things moving even when it’s crowded.
4. Bryant’s Daylight Donuts, Tahlequah
Tahlequah has a couple of donut spots, and Bryant’s is the one locals seem to prefer. The glazed twist here is light and flaky, with a nice crunch on the outside that gives way to a soft center.
They also make a solid chocolate iced donut that’s not too sweet, which is harder to find than you’d think. The shop has a straightforward setup, and the people working there are quick and efficient.
It’s a good stop if you’re exploring the area. The donuts are fresh, the prices are reasonable, and you won’t leave disappointed.
5. Sunrise Donuts, Tahlequah
Just a few blocks from Bryant’s, Sunrise Donuts offers a slightly different vibe. The jelly-filled donuts here are generous with the filling, and the dough is soft without being too airy.
I tried their cinnamon sugar donut holes, and they were warm, perfectly coated, and disappeared way too fast. The shop opens early, so it’s a great option if you’re starting your day before most places are even awake.
It’s a solid choice with friendly service. The donuts are good, and the shop has a comfortable, no-fuss atmosphere that makes it easy to relax.
6. Grayson’s Donut Hole, Bartlesville
Bartlesville surprised me with how good this place was. Grayson’s makes their donuts with care, and you can taste the difference in every bite.
The sour cream donut here is rich, tender, and has a subtle flavor that makes it stand out from the usual suspects. I also tried their chocolate cake donut, which was moist and had a deep cocoa flavor that wasn’t artificial at all.
The shop is small, but the quality is huge. This was easily one of my top five stops. Everything felt homemade, and the attention to detail was obvious.
7. Sal’s Daylight Donuts, Bartlesville
Sal’s is another popular spot in Bartlesville, and it’s easy to see why. The raised glazed donuts here are fluffy and light, with just enough sweetness to keep you reaching for another.
They also have a good selection of specialty donuts, including a maple bar that’s long, soft, and topped with a smooth glaze. The shop gets busy in the mornings, but the line moves quickly thanks to the efficient staff.
It’s a reliable stop with consistent quality. The donuts are fresh, and the atmosphere is welcoming without being overly fancy.
8. Paradise Donuts, Claremore
Claremore has a couple of donut shops, and Paradise Donuts is the one with the most variety. The strawberry-filled donut I tried was packed with filling and had a light, fluffy dough that didn’t overpower the fruit flavor.
They also make a good glazed buttermilk bar that’s dense and satisfying. The shop is bright and clean, and the staff is happy to help you pick out what you want if you’re not sure.
It’s a solid choice if you’re in the area. The donuts are well-made, and the selection is broad enough to keep everyone happy.
9. Daylight Donuts, Claremore
This Daylight Donuts location in Claremore is straightforward and does what it does well. The plain glazed donut here is classic, with a light sweetness and a soft texture that makes it a perfect morning treat.
They also have a good selection of cake donuts, and the one I tried was dense and flavorful. The shop is no-frills, but that’s part of its charm.
It’s a dependable stop with fair prices. The donuts are fresh, and the service is quick, making it a good choice if you’re in a hurry.
10. Yummy Donuts, Shawnee
Shawnee’s Yummy Donuts lives up to its name with a solid lineup of fresh donuts. The glazed twist here is crispy and light, with a nice balance of sweetness that doesn’t feel heavy.
I also tried their chocolate iced cake donut, which was moist and had a good chocolate flavor. The shop is small but clean, and the staff is friendly and quick with your order.
It’s a good stop if you’re passing through Shawnee. The donuts are fresh, the prices are fair, and the quality is consistent.
11. Daylight Donuts, Weatherford
Weatherford’s Daylight Donuts is one of those hidden gems that you wouldn’t expect to be so good. The cinnamon roll here is massive, gooey, and covered in thick icing that’s sweet but not overwhelming.
I also tried their old-fashioned glazed donut, and it had that perfect crispy exterior with a tender inside. The shop has a loyal local crowd, and after one visit, I understood why.
Everything tasted homemade, and the quality was top-notch. This was definitely one of the five standouts. It’s worth the drive just for that cinnamon roll alone.
12. Donut Palace, Guymon
All the way out in Guymon, this Donut Palace was the final stop on my trip, and it ended things on a high note. The apple fritter here was crispy, sweet, and loaded with apple chunks that tasted fresh.
I also grabbed a glazed donut for the road, and it was soft, light, and perfectly sweet. The staff was welcoming, and the shop had a warm, friendly feel that made me want to stay longer.
It’s a long drive to get there, but the quality makes it worthwhile. This was the fifth shop that truly stole the show.
13. Dandy Donuts, Durant
Right down the road from Munchies, this shop has been a local favorite for years. The glazed donuts here are simple but solid, with a light texture that doesn’t feel too heavy after eating a couple.
They have a good variety of filled donuts, and the chocolate cream-filled one I tried was smooth and not overly sweet. The place gets busy on weekends, so getting there early is a smart move if you want the best selection.
It’s a reliable stop if you’re in Durant and need a quick breakfast. The prices are fair, and the service is friendly without being over the top.