13 Colorado Donut Shops That Prove Waking Up Early Is Worth It
Colorado mornings are sweeter when you know where to find the best donuts.
From fluffy classics and decadent glazes to inventive flavors that surprise your taste buds, these shops reward early risers with treats that make the alarm clock worthwhile.
Locals flock to these spots for fresh, mouthwatering creations that start the day on a high note. Each donut promises flavor, fun, and a reason to embrace mornings with excitement.
1. Yummy’s Donut House — Lakewood, CO
Family-owned since 1988, this Lakewood institution cranks out over 40 varieties of hand-cut donuts daily.
The apple fritters here are legendary – almost plate-sized and packed with cinnamon-laced chunks of real apple. Early birds catch the freshest batch around 5:30 AM.
The no-frills shop focuses on perfecting classics rather than chasing trends, which explains their fiercely loyal customer base and weekend lines that stretch out the door.
2. The Donut Mill — Woodland Park, CO
Mountain adventurers have been fueling up at this roadside bakery since 1977. Their signature Texas-sized donuts are roughly the circumference of a dinner plate – perfect for sharing, though you might not want to!
Located at 8,500 feet elevation, high-altitude baking gives these treats a uniquely light texture.
The cinnamon rolls, weighing nearly a pound each, have sustained generations of hikers, skiers, and travelers heading through Ute Pass.
3. City Donuts — Denver, CO
Tucked along East Colfax, this neighborhood gem balances traditional recipes with modern creativity.
Their maple bacon long john deserves its cult following – the perfect sweet-savory balance topped with a thick-cut strip of caramelized bacon.
Unlike many donut shops, City keeps frying throughout the morning, ensuring fresh treats for late risers.
The owners know regulars by name and often throw in a free donut hole for first-timers, creating instant loyalty among Denver’s donut enthusiasts.
4. Amy’s Donuts — Colorado Springs, CO
Rainbow sprinkles, breakfast cereals, and candy toppings transform donuts into edible art at this Springs hotspot.
The shop’s kaleidoscopic interior matches its wildly decorated offerings – including the fan-favorite Cookie Monster donut covered in blue frosting and cookie pieces.
Amy’s opens at 5 AM, but the Instagram-worthy creations often sell out by mid-morning.
Weekend visitors should prepare for a line, but the cheerful staff keeps things moving while offering samples to hungry customers awaiting their turn.
5. LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee — Aurora, CO
Presidential-approved donuts? LaMar’s gained fame when their donuts were flown to the White House for President Obama.
Their old-fashioned sour cream donut achieves the perfect balance – crispy exterior giving way to a tender, cake-like interior.
Founded by Ray LaMar in Kansas City, this chain maintains small-batch quality despite its growth.
The Aurora location on East Iliff draws loyal fans who appreciate consistent excellence and the signature pink boxes that signal a sweet morning ahead.
6. Voodoo Doughnut — Denver, CO
Portland’s famous pink box phenomenon brought its quirky creations to Colfax Avenue in 2014.
The Memphis Mafia – fried dough topped with banana chunks, cinnamon, chocolate, peanut butter and nuts – pays tribute to Elvis’s favorite flavors in one decadent package.
Voodoo stays open until midnight or later, but morning visitors get first crack at the full selection.
Their signature voodoo doll-shaped donuts, complete with pretzel stake and raspberry “blood,” remain a rite of passage for Denver donut pilgrims.
7. Winchell’s Donut House — Denver, CO
Sometimes nostalgia tastes like a glazed buttermilk bar from this no-frills chain that’s been serving Denver since 1948.
The West 1st Avenue location maintains that classic donut shop atmosphere – counter seating, paper cups, and donuts displayed in simple rows.
Open 24 hours, Winchell’s serves fresh-made donuts around 4 AM daily.
Old-school prices make this spot a favorite for families and donut traditionalists who appreciate substance over style. Their apple fritters remain among the city’s best-kept breakfast secrets.
8. Horseshoe Donuts — Monument, CO
Small-batch artisanal donuts arrive daily at this Monument treasure, where everything’s made from scratch using locally-sourced ingredients.
Their sourdough-based donuts offer a subtle tang that balances perfectly with sweet glazes and fillings.
The shop’s namesake horseshoe-shaped donuts bring luck to early risers who make it before the daily sellout.
Seasonal offerings rotate throughout the year, featuring Colorado fruits and flavor combinations that reflect the passing months – from summer peach to autumn pumpkin spice.
9. We Knead Donut — Littleton, CO
Brioche-style dough elevates every creation at this Littleton gem that opened in 2019.
The extra egg and butter content creates donuts with an almost croissant-like texture – rich, airy, and substantial enough to justify the calories.
Lines form before their 7 AM opening, especially for the brown butter sea salt donut.
The owners’ commitment to quality means they make only what they can sell fresh each day. When they’re out, they’re out – usually by noon on weekends.
10. The Donut House — Aurora, CO
Cash-only and proudly old-school, this South Parker Road institution serves up no-nonsense donuts that have remained unchanged for decades.
Their blueberry cake donut packs more fruit flavor than seems possible in something so simple. Doors open at 4:30 AM for shift workers and early risers.
The owners, a husband-wife team, still handle most operations themselves, maintaining quality through hands-on attention. Regulars know to ask for donuts “off the rack” to get them still warm from frying.
11. Parlor Doughnuts — Denver, CO
Layered dough creates a croissant-donut hybrid that’s taken Denver by storm since this shop opened on Lincoln Street.
Each bite shatters into buttery shards before melting away – a textural experience worth setting an alarm for.
The French Toast donut, dusted with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with maple glaze, tastes uncannily like its namesake breakfast.
Parlor also offers gluten-free and vegan options that don’t feel like compromises, expanding donut joy to those with dietary restrictions.
12. Donut Haus — Loveland, CO
German baking traditions influence every recipe at this Loveland landmark that’s been family-owned since 1970.
The apple strudel donut contains hand-diced fruit and warming spices that would make any Bavarian baker proud. The shop’s vintage sign and cozy interior transport visitors to simpler times.
Recipes passed down through generations create donuts with distinctive European touches – less sweet than American counterparts but more complex in flavor.
Worth the drive north from Denver for serious donut aficionados.
13. Tasty Donuts — Commerce City, CO
Unpretentious excellence defines this Commerce City hidden gem where donuts are still under $1.50 each.
Their raised glazed – the benchmark of donut quality – achieves ideal lightness while maintaining enough substance to satisfy.
The shop caters to working folks, opening at 4 AM for early shifts. Filled donuts here deserve special mention – the ratio of cream or jelly to dough is consistently generous.
Regulars swear by the maple bars, which strike the perfect balance between airy dough and sweet topping.