14 Best Texas Donut Shops To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Texans take their donuts seriously, and the Lone Star State boasts some truly spectacular spots for these sweet treats.

From family-owned bakeries with decades of history to innovative artisanal newcomers, Texas offers donut experiences for every taste.

So let’s explore the absolute best places to grab these delicious rings of joy across the state.

1. Round Rock Donuts (Round Rock, TX)

The iconic orange-yellow glow of these legendary donuts has been drawing crowds since 1926. Made with a secret recipe that creates an unforgettable eggy texture, these treats have earned worldwide recognition.

What makes them special? Their “Texas-sized” donut could feed a small family! Featured in numerous food publications and TV shows, Round Rock remains a must-visit pilgrimage site for serious donut enthusiasts.

2. Shipley Do-Nuts (Houston-based chain)

Born in Houston’s heart during the Great Depression, Shipley’s warm glazed donuts have comforted Texans for generations. The melt-in-your-mouth texture creates an almost transcendent experience when enjoyed fresh.

Beyond donuts, their kolaches – savory pastries filled with cheese and sausage – have become breakfast legends. With over 300 locations, Shipley’s continues its tradition of serving hot, fresh treats made the old-fashioned way.

3. Southern Maid Donuts (Garland & regional)

How many donut shops can boast that Elvis Presley recorded their jingle? Southern Maid claims this unique honor, adding to its legendary status across Texas since 1937.

Their perfectly crisp exterior gives way to cloud-like interiors that practically dissolve on your tongue. With over 100 locations across the South, these donuts maintain remarkable consistency while offering dozens of classic flavors that transport fans back to simpler times.

4. Donut Palace (Dallas)

Royal treatment awaits at this Dallas institution, where maple-iced cinnamon rolls reign supreme. Morning regulars form lines before dawn, eager to snag these treasures while they’re still warm.

Family-owned and fiercely independent, Donut Palace crafts each pastry with remarkable attention to detail. Their apple fritters – massive, craggy masterpieces loaded with cinnamon and chunks of real fruit – have developed an almost cult-like following among Dallas donut aficionados.

5. Urban Donut & Coffee (Dallas)

Sleek minimalist design meets maximum flavor at this Dallas hotspot. Unlike mass-produced competitors, Urban creates small batches throughout the day, ensuring peak freshness regardless of when you visit.

Their signature move? Perfectly balanced sweetness that never overwhelms. The maple bacon donut achieves the impossible – simultaneously satisfying sweet and savory cravings.

Pair with their meticulously crafted coffee for the ultimate breakfast indulgence that locals can’t stop raving about.

6. Plaza Donuts (Dallas)

Hidden gem alert! This unassuming strip mall treasure produces donuts with a cloud-like texture that defies physics. Regulars swear by the blueberry cake donut – dense yet tender with bursts of real fruit. The owners greet repeat customers by name, often remembering their usual orders.

Their maple bacon creation strikes perfect harmony between sweet and savory, while chocolate lovers rave about the old-fashioned devil’s food donut that packs intense cocoa flavor without overwhelming sweetness.

7. Twinkle Donuts (The Colony)

This unassuming shop sparkles with unexpected creativity. Named among Yelp’s Elite Top 50 donut shops nationwide in 2023, Twinkle has earned fierce loyalty from locals who guard their secret spot jealously.

Their strawberry cream cheese donut – filled with house-made strawberry jam and topped with cream cheese frosting – creates flavor fireworks.

Early birds catch their apple fritters, massive creations with crispy edges and tender, cinnamon-spiced interiors that frequently sell out before 9 AM.

8. A&H Donuts (Fort Worth)

Cowboys and college students unite in appreciation for this Fort Worth landmark. Making Yelp’s coveted Top 50 list wasn’t luck – it’s the result of decades perfecting old-school donut craftsmanship.

Their glazed twist defies gravity with its feather-light texture. Morning visitors might catch glimpses of multi-generational families working side-by-side in the kitchen.

The jalapeño cheese kolache delivers a Texas-sized flavor punch that keeps locals coming back despite the inevitable lines.

9. The Art of Donut (San Antonio)

Gallery-worthy creations emerge from this San Antonio hotspot where donuts transform into edible masterpieces. Their blackberry-lime masterpiece combines tangy fruit glaze with zesty citrus for an unexpected flavor adventure.

Watching the artisans pipe intricate designs feels like witnessing culinary performance art. These denser, brioche-style donuts provide substantial satisfaction rather than airy fluff.

While slightly pricier than traditional shops, the Instagram-worthy creations justify every penny for those seeking donut experiences beyond the ordinary.

10. Duck Donuts (San Antonio)

Freshness fanatics, rejoice! Duck Donuts doesn’t make anything until you order it, guaranteeing warm, made-to-order perfection every time. The vanilla cake donut base emerges hot from the fryer before your eyes.

The interactive topping bar lets you play donut designer. Combinations range from classic (chocolate glaze with sprinkles) to adventurous (maple glaze with bacon and caramel drizzle).

Since arriving in Texas in 2018, this East Coast transplant has won over San Antonians with its customizable approach.

11. The Original Donut Shop (San Antonio)

Time travel to simpler days at this no-frills San Antonio institution. Pink boxes tied with string contain donuts made the same way for generations – proof that perfection needs no updating.

Their apple fritters achieve mythical status among locals – massive, craggy creations loaded with cinnamon and fresh apple chunks.

Cash-only policies and early closing times (when they sell out) haven’t deterred loyal customers who’ve been making pilgrimages here for decades, often introducing the tradition to younger generations.

12. Snowflake Donuts (San Antonio)

Every neighborhood deserves a reliable donut sanctuary, and Snowflake fulfills this role perfectly across San Antonio. Impossibly light glazed donuts practically float off the tray, while their cream-filled varieties burst with genuine vanilla custard.

Early risers catch the show as bakers hand-cut each donut. Their kolaches – pillowy bread stuffed with cheese and sausage – offer savory balance to sweet treats.

Friendly staff often slip an extra donut hole into regulars’ bags, creating the warm community feeling that defines truly great local bakeries.

13. Instant Donuts (San Antonio)

Speed doesn’t sacrifice quality at this San Antonio favorite, where donuts appear almost magically fast. Their filled varieties – especially Bavarian cream and raspberry – have earned devoted followers who arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Daily specialty flavors keep regulars guessing what they’ll discover next. The croissant-donut hybrid combines flaky layers with sweet glazes for a textural paradise.

Family-owned for decades, the owners’ commitment to quality ingredients shines through in every bite of their consistently excellent creations.

14. Salty Donut (Dallas)

Miami’s gift to Dallas brings artisanal swagger to the donut scene. Their Brown Butter & Salt creation – a 24-hour brioche dough masterpiece – delivers complex flavors that dance between sweet and savory with sophisticated balance.

Seasonal specials incorporate unexpected ingredients like locally-sourced honey or Texas whiskey. Vegan and gluten-free options don’t feel like compromises – they’re spectacular in their own right.

The industrial-chic space invites lingering over their meticulously crafted coffee program that rivals any specialty café.