These Vermont Donut Shops Make Mornings Feel Old-Fashioned (In The Best Way)
Vermont mornings have a special kind of magic, especially when they start with a warm donut and a friendly smile. Scattered across the Green Mountain State are charming donut shops that remind us of simpler times, when bakeries were the heart of every community.
These beloved spots serve up handmade treats that taste like childhood memories and smell like happiness. Get ready to discover the sweetest places where tradition meets frosting in the most delightful way possible.
1. North Country Donuts
Walking into this beloved bakery feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen on a Saturday morning. The aroma of fresh-fried dough greets you before the door even closes behind you. North Country Donuts has perfected the art of the classic raised donut, with a pillowy texture that practically melts on your tongue.
Their maple-glazed beauties showcase Vermont’s famous syrup in every sticky-sweet bite. Local families have been starting their days here for generations, and the friendly staff remembers your usual order after just a few visits. The old-fashioned cake donuts have that perfect crispy edge that crumbles just right.
Pro tip: arrive early because these handmade treasures disappear faster than morning fog on Lake Champlain.
2. Mad River Donuts
Tucked in the Mad River Valley, this donut haven serves up creativity alongside tradition. Each batch gets made by hand before the sun rises, ensuring maximum freshness for early birds and late risers alike. The glazes here shine like jewels under the bakery lights, tempting you to try just one more flavor.
Their signature cinnamon sugar variety tastes like a warm hug from an old friend. What makes this spot extra special is the way they balance innovation with nostalgia, offering wild flavors without abandoning the classics. The owners clearly understand that donuts are serious business in Vermont.
Weekend mornings see lines stretching out the door, but the wait moves quickly and the payoff is absolutely worth it.
3. Madeleine’s Bakery
Blending French elegance with Vermont comfort, Madeleine’s brings a touch of sophistication to the donut game. Their pastries look almost too pretty to eat, but your taste buds will never forgive you if you don’t take that first bite. The texture here is something special—light yet satisfying, delicate yet memorable.
Chocolate lovers practically worship their rich cocoa-dusted creations that pack serious flavor without overwhelming sweetness. The bakery’s vintage charm makes you want to linger over coffee and conversation, turning a quick breakfast into a proper morning ritual. Everything gets baked with obvious care and attention to detail.
Their seasonal specials rotate throughout the year, giving regulars fresh reasons to keep coming back for more sweet discoveries.
4. Jones’ Donuts & Bakery
Step through the doors and suddenly it’s 1955 again, complete with counter seating and that unmistakable old-school bakery vibe. Jones’ has been feeding Vermont communities for decades, and they’ve never felt the need to mess with perfection. Their plain cake donut is a masterclass in simplicity—proving that sometimes the basics are best.
Regulars swear by the Boston cream, which features custard so smooth it should probably be illegal. The staff treats everyone like family, whether you’re a daily customer or a first-time visitor passing through town. Coffee here tastes exactly how coffee should taste at a proper donut shop.
Kids press their noses against the display case while parents reminisce about doing the exact same thing decades earlier.
5. Quality Bake Shop
The name says it all—quality comes first, second, and third at this no-nonsense establishment. They’ve been perfecting their recipes since before Instagram made food photography a thing, and their donuts photograph beautifully without even trying. Every bite delivers honest flavor without fancy gimmicks or trendy toppings.
Their jelly-filled donuts explode with real fruit filling that tastes homemade because it actually is. The crispy exterior gives way to tender insides, creating that perfect textural contrast donut enthusiasts dream about. Prices remain surprisingly reasonable, reflecting small-town values in an increasingly expensive world.
Locals know to grab a baker’s dozen on Friday mornings to fuel weekend adventures across Vermont’s stunning landscape.
6. The Farmer & The Bell
Farm-fresh ingredients meet donut artistry at this uniquely Vermont establishment that takes locavore seriously. They source everything possible from nearby farms, creating flavors that taste distinctly of the Green Mountain State. Their apple cider donuts in fall are practically a religious experience for foliage tourists and locals alike.
The rustic-chic atmosphere feels both trendy and timeless, like your cool aunt’s renovated barn. What sets this place apart is their commitment to sustainability without sacrificing taste or tradition. Each donut tells a story about Vermont agriculture and the dedicated farmers who make it possible.
Seasonal offerings change with the harvest, so visiting in different months brings entirely new flavor adventures worth planning trips around.
7. New England Cider Donuts
There’s something almost magical about biting into a warm cider donut on a crisp Vermont morning, and New England Cider Donuts has perfected that experience. Nestled right on Main Street in Ludlow, this cozy spot fills the air with the comforting aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and freshly pressed cider.
Their donuts strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, with just enough sugary crunch on the outside to make every bite feel nostalgic.
Locals swing by before work, skiers fuel up before hitting Okemo, and travelers make special detours just to snag a box before they sell out. It’s old-fashioned Vermont sweetness at its finest—simple, homemade, and impossibly satisfying.
8. Willoughby’s Depot Eatery
Housed in an actual historic train depot, this spot serves breakfast with a side of Vermont history. The building itself tells stories of a bygone era when railroads connected mountain communities and morning treats fueled long journeys. Their donuts honor that heritage with recipes that haven’t changed in generations.
Buttermilk donuts here have that tangy richness that modern shortcuts simply cannot replicate. Eating breakfast in a converted station adds extra flavor to your morning routine, making ordinary Tuesdays feel somehow special. The owners clearly love preserving both architectural and culinary traditions.
Train enthusiasts and donut lovers unite here, finding common ground over coffee and conversation about simpler times that still taste delicious today.
9. Middlebury Bagel & Deli
While bagels get top billing, the donuts here deserve equal applause and attention. This college-town favorite feeds hungry students and longtime residents with equal enthusiasm and generosity. Their powdered sugar donuts create little clouds of sweetness with every bite, leaving telltale white traces on shirts and satisfied smiles on faces.
The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over newspapers and friendly debates about everything from football to philosophy. Prices stay student-budget-friendly, which means everyone can afford a mid-morning pick-me-up. Despite the crowds during semester, service remains quick and genuinely warm.
Professors and pupils agree that some of life’s best ideas arrive right after that first perfect bite of fresh-made donut goodness.