10 New Jersey Donut Shops That Prove Breakfast Can Be Dessert
Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast?
In New Jersey, donuts aren’t just morning treats—they’re an art form.
I’ve spent years hunting down the most incredible donut shops across the Garden State, from seaside bakeries to small-town gems.
These spots turn ordinary breakfast into a celebration with their creative flavors, fresh ingredients, and techniques that would make any pastry chef proud.
1. Broad Street Dough Co. Makes Magic In Three Towns
Last summer, I stumbled upon Broad Street Dough Co.’s Oakhurst location and nearly fainted from happiness. Their made-to-order approach means every donut arrives warm, with toppings that practically glisten under the bakery lights.
What sets them apart is their commitment to using real ingredients—actual strawberries in the strawberry glaze, genuine maple in their maple bacon creation. No artificial shortcuts here! Their cinnamon sugar donut literally melts in your mouth.
With locations in Oakhurst, Freehold Township, and Wall, they’ve created a mini donut empire. My personal favorite is their “Cookie Monster”—a vanilla cake donut topped with blue vanilla glaze and chocolate chip cookie pieces that makes me giggle with joy every time.
2. Plainfield Donut Shop Keeps Old-School Traditions Alive
Walking into Plainfield Donut Shop feels like stepping back in time. The no-frills counter, the simple menu board, and the smell—oh, that heavenly smell of yeast and sugar that hits you like a warm hug.
Family-owned since the 1970s, this place refuses to chase trends. Instead, they focus on perfecting classic recipes that have stood the test of time. Their jelly donuts feature a perfect ratio of filling to dough, and the cream-filled varieties are generous without being overwhelming.
The owners greet regulars by name, and I’ve watched them remember orders from week to week. My Sunday morning isn’t complete without their old-fashioned cake donut—crispy on the outside, tender inside, with a hint of nutmeg that makes it unforgettable.
3. Glaze Donuts Elevates The Humble Pastry To Art
“You’ve got to try their French toast donut,” my friend insisted when dragging me to Glaze Donuts for the first time. One bite and I was converted—this wasn’t just breakfast, it was a religious experience.
With locations in New Milford, West Caldwell, and Fort Lee, Glaze has become a North Jersey institution. Their donuts strike that perfect balance between creative and approachable. The cereal-topped varieties bring childhood nostalgia, while sophisticated options like their maple bacon or dulce de leche appeal to grown-up tastes.
The shop’s bright, modern interior makes for a perfect Instagram backdrop. But don’t get too distracted taking photos—these donuts deserve to be eaten while fresh and warm, when the glaze still has that magical sheen that gives the shop its fitting name.
4. Chester’s Pastry Pantry Bakery Brings Shore-Style Sweetness
The line outside Chester’s in Somers Point on summer mornings tells you everything you need to know. Beach-goers and locals alike are willing to wait for what might be the fluffiest donuts in South Jersey.
My aunt first brought me here when I was eight, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Chester’s specializes in yeast donuts that are impossibly light—almost like eating sweet, fried clouds. Their apple cider donuts in fall are the stuff of legend, dusted with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar.
Family-owned for generations, they’ve resisted expansion to maintain quality. Everything is made fresh daily, and when they sell out, that’s it until tomorrow. Pro tip: their jelly sticks are massive and worth every calorie—I’ve driven 45 minutes just to get one!
5. Uncle Dood’s Donuts Creates Flavor Combinations You Never Knew You Needed
Uncle Dood’s in Toms River operates on a brilliantly simple concept: take a freshly made cake donut and top it with whatever wild combination the team dreams up that day. The results are nothing short of spectacular.
The shop feels like a laboratory of donut innovation. Names like “Bed Rockin'” (Fruity Pebbles cereal topped) and “Vermont Swine” (maple icing with bacon) showcase their playful approach. Each month brings new experimental flavors that keep customers coming back.
I once brought a dozen to a family gathering and watched as my normally reserved father-in-law fought my teenage nephew for the last “Nut Tellin’ Ya” (Nutella topped with hazelnuts). That’s the magic of Uncle Dood’s—their donuts turn adults into excited kids and create spontaneous moments of joy around the simple pleasure of a perfect donut.
6. Kohler’s Bakery Makes Beach Mornings Sweeter In Avalon
Summer memories in Avalon aren’t complete without a Kohler’s cream donut. This seasonal bakery has been serving beach-goers since 1949, and the line that forms before their 6:30 AM opening proves their enduring appeal.
The cream-filled donut that made them famous deserves its legendary status—light, not too sweet, with a vanilla custard filling that puts commercial bakeries to shame. Sand still between my toes from an early morning walk, I’ve joined that line more times than I can count.
Kohler’s operates only during summer months, making their treats even more special. The bakery’s weathered exterior and simple paper bags feel delightfully old-fashioned in our digital age. There’s something magical about watching the sun rise over the ocean with a Kohler’s donut in hand—a perfect Jersey shore moment that no fancy resort breakfast could ever match.
7. Purple Glaze Delivers Mind-Blowing Flavors In Asbury Park
Purple Glaze perfectly captures the artistic, rock-and-roll spirit of Asbury Park. Named after a Jimi Hendrix song, this hip donut shop creates flavor combinations that are as bold as the town’s musical heritage.
My first visit happened after a night out at the Stone Pony. Nursing a slight hangover, I discovered their “Jersey Devil”—a spicy chocolate donut with a hint of cayenne that kickstarted my recovery. Their donuts rotate seasonally, showcasing local ingredients and cultural inspirations from the diverse community.
The walls feature local artwork, and weekend mornings bring live acoustic performances. Beyond just great donuts, Purple Glaze has created a cultural hub where food and creativity intersect. Their vegan options are surprisingly excellent too—I’ve fooled many non-vegan friends with their dairy-free maple glazed variety that tastes sinfully buttery without any animal products.
8. OB-CO’s Serves Beachside Bliss In Toms River
Summer mornings at OB-CO’s are a Jersey Shore tradition dating back to 1953. The tiny building doesn’t look like much, but locals know it houses donut perfection.
Their honey-dipped donut remains my desert island pick—a simple yeast donut with a glaze so perfectly balanced between sweet and subtle that I’ve literally dreamed about it. The shop’s proximity to the beach means you can watch the sunrise over the water with their signature treat in hand.
Despite their fame, they’ve kept prices reasonable and quality high. Everything is made fresh throughout the day, and the staff remembers regulars’ orders year after year. My childhood summers were measured not in days but in OB-CO’s donuts consumed, and returning as an adult brings back waves of nostalgia with every bite. Some things in life actually do live up to memory, and these donuts are proof.
9. Montclair Bread Company Bakes Donuts Worth Waking Up Early For
Montclair Bread Company began as a traditional bakery but achieved cult status when they introduced their Sunday “Doughnut Day.” The concept was so popular it expanded to daily offerings, much to the delight of donut enthusiasts across North Jersey.
Owner Rachel Crampsey brings her serious baking credentials to what could be considered frivolous food. The result? Brioche-based donuts with a texture that’s simultaneously substantial and light. Their maple bacon variety convinced me that the sweet-savory combination wasn’t just a trend but a necessity.
The shop supports the local running community, even hosting “doughnut runs” where calories consumed are balanced by miles logged. I’ve joined these Saturday morning events, though I’ll admit I consume far more calories than I burn. Their seasonal specials like apple cider in fall and strawberry in summer showcase New Jersey’s agricultural bounty in donut form.
10. Deluxe Italian Bakery Proves Old-World Methods Make Better Donuts
Stepping into Deluxe Italian Bakery in Runnemede feels like being transported to another era. While they’re renowned for their wedding cakes and pastries, insiders know their donuts are South Jersey’s hidden treasure.
The Italian cream donut here changed my understanding of what a filled donut could be. Lighter than air, with a custard that tastes of real vanilla beans, it makes chain store versions seem like sad impostors. Fourth-generation bakers still use techniques brought from Italy, proving that sometimes tradition trumps innovation.
Early Sunday mornings, you’ll find multi-generational families picking up donut trays alongside their bread orders. I’ve witnessed heated debates over whether their chocolate frosted or cinnamon varieties reign supreme. My vote goes to their simple glazed—proof that when ingredients and technique are this good, elaboration is unnecessary. This is donut-making as heritage craft rather than trend-chasing.