10 Massachusetts Donut Shops That Locals Swear Are Worth The Sugar Rush
New England winters are long, and frankly, some days the only thing that gets us out of bed is the promise of something sweet. Specifically, a perfectly crafted doughnut.
Forget your basic glazed, we’re talking about artisanal creations, old-school classics done right, and flavors that will make your taste buds sing. If you consider yourself a serious doughnut connoisseur, or just someone who appreciates a truly transcendent fried dough experience, then listen up.
We’ve scoured the Commonwealth, consulted the locals (and their rumbling stomachs!), and compiled a list of 10 Massachusetts doughnut shops that are absolutely, unequivocally, worth the sugar rush. Get ready to drool.
1. Kane’s Donuts (Saugus & Boston)
Family-owned since 1955, Kane’s has perfected the art of the fluffy, oversized donut that demands to be savored. Their honey-dipped variety remains the undisputed champion among regulars who’ve been known to drive hours just for a taste.
The maple bacon donut combines sweet maple frosting with crispy bacon bits for a heavenly sweet-savory combo that sells out daily. Their Boston cream fills a pillowy yeast donut with vanilla custard that puts other versions to shame.
The Saugus location maintains its charming retro vibe while their Boston outposts bring the same quality to city dwellers.
2. Union Square Donuts (Somerville & Boston)
Creative flavor combinations elevate these artisanal treats beyond ordinary donuts. The brioche-style dough creates an airy, tender interior with a satisfying chew that perfectly balances their inventive toppings.
The brown butter hazelnut crunch remains their signature offering, with a nutty glaze and crunchy topping that keeps devotees coming back. Seasonal specials showcase local ingredients, from summer berry glazes to autumn apple cider variations.
Lines form early at their Somerville flagship, but patient customers know the maple bacon, sea salt caramel, and Vietnamese coffee varieties justify the wait.
3. Blackbird Doughnuts (Multiple Boston Locations)
Blackbird revolutionized Boston’s donut scene with their gourmet approach to the humble pastry. Their kitchen crafts everything from scratch daily, including fillings, glazes, and toppings that transform simple donuts into culinary experiences.
I still remember my first bite of their blackberry lavender bismark-the perfect balance of floral notes and berry sweetness had me questioning everything I thought I knew about donuts. My weekend ritual now includes a coffee and their everything bagel donut, a savory-sweet masterpiece topped with cream cheese glaze.
Their rotating menu keeps regulars guessing what inventive flavor will appear next.
4. Donut King (West Quincy)
This unassuming shop might lack fancy decor, but locals know it delivers donut perfection without pretension. The classic honey-dipped remains their bestseller, with a golden exterior giving way to a tender, yeasty interior that melts in your mouth.
Open since 1968, Donut King represents old-school Massachusetts baking traditions with hand-cut donuts made fresh throughout the morning. The Boston cream features real pastry cream, while their jelly donuts burst with generous fruit filling.
Regulars advise arriving early-especially on weekends-as favorites sell out quickly. The shop often closes once they’ve sold their daily batch.
5. Donuts With A Difference (Medford)
Medford’s beloved institution has been serving exceptional donuts since 1984, earning generations of loyal customers. Their signature honey-dipped donut achieves the perfect balance of sweetness with a distinctive light crunch that regulars crave.
When I was growing up, my grandfather would take me here every Sunday morning. We’d split a cinnamon sugar twist while he told stories about old Medford.
Those donuts tasted like childhood itself-warm, comforting, and gone too quickly. Their chocolate frosted donuts feature a rich, not-too-sweet topping that complements rather than overwhelms the freshly fried dough underneath.
6. Red Apple Farm Donut Shack (Boston Public Market)
Farm-fresh cider donuts made with apples grown just miles away define this rustic stand inside Boston Public Market. Unlike many cider donuts that disappoint outside autumn, these maintain exceptional quality year-round.
With distinctive apple flavor and cinnamon-sugar coating that creates the perfect crunch. The donut-making process happens right before your eyes, allowing visitors to watch as batter transforms into golden rings.
Their apple cider slush paired with a warm donut creates a Massachusetts taste experience that captures the essence of local agriculture.The farm’s commitment to sustainability extends to their donut operation, using minimal waste practices.
7. Doughboy Donuts (South Boston)
Open 24 hours, this Southie institution serves the neighborhood’s early risers, night shift workers, and everyone in between. The classic Boston cream stands as their signature achievement.
A perfectly balanced pastry cream filling encased in fluffy dough with chocolate frosting that somehow stays fresh regardless of when you visit. Locals appreciate the straightforward approach: no fancy flavors or artisanal pretensions, just consistently excellent traditional donuts at reasonable prices.
The coffee roll, a twisted pastry with cinnamon and streusel topping, offers a delicious alternative for those seeking something different. Their blueberry cake donut packs genuine fruit flavor without excessive sweetness.
8. Donut Shack (Lowell)
Tucked away in a Lowell strip mall, this unassuming shop has developed a cult following for its exceptionally light and airy yeast donuts. The secret lies in their dough-proofing technique, resulting in donuts with delicate honeycombed interiors that practically dissolve on your tongue.
My college roommate first introduced me to this place during finals week. We’d drive twenty minutes at 6 AM just for their maple frosted donuts, still warm from the fryer.
Those sugar-fueled study sessions got me through organic chemistry. Their apple fritters deserve special mention-massive, crispy-edged creations loaded with cinnamon-spiced apple chunks and glazed to perfection.
9. Twin Donuts (Allston)
The vintage neon sign beckons hungry Bostonians to this Allston landmark that’s been satisfying donut cravings since 1955. The shop maintains its mid-century charm while consistently delivering exceptional old-fashioned donuts that have changed little over decades.
Their chocolate frosted cake donut achieves the perfect balance of exterior crispness and interior moistness. The jelly stick, an elongated donut filled with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar, has sustained generations of Boston University students through late-night study sessions.
Beyond donuts, their breakfast sandwiches have earned their own following among neighborhood regulars who fill the retro counter seating each morning.
10. Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts
In Southwick, Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts stands out as a must-visit destination for donut aficionados. Known for their famous honey-dipped and chocolate glazed donuts, each offering is a delectable treat that promises to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The shop’s warm, rustic interior adds to the inviting ambiance, making it a perfect stop for both locals and travelers. Mrs. Murphy’s commitment to quality and freshness ensures that every donut is a delightful experience.
Did you know? Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts has been a family-owned business for decades, contributing to its warm and welcoming vibe.