13 New York Donut Shops That Locals Say Make Fall Worth Waiting For
As autumn settles over New York, donut lovers get their cue. The chill in the air pairs perfectly with warm, spiced rings of dough that can turn even the sleepiest morning into a little celebration.
In the city, bakeries buzz with seasonal creations, while upstate orchards fry up donuts that taste like pure fall comfort. Each stop offers its own twist, but every bite feels like a bite of the season itself.
1. Doughnut Plant’s Harvest Creations
Mark Israel’s iconic bakery transforms fall ingredients into edible art. Their Pumpkin with Spiced Pepitas donut features real pumpkin puree topped with crunchy, toasted seeds that add textural contrast to each bite.
The Apple Cinnamon Crumble, crafted with market apples, brings orchard freshness to the city. Since 1994, this all-natural donut pioneer has set the standard for seasonal treats across multiple NYC locations.
2. Peter Pan’s Old-School Comfort
Walking into this Greenpoint institution feels like stepping back in time. Green-uniformed staff hustle behind the counter, serving classic Apple Crumb donuts that pair perfectly with steaming coffee when the weather turns brisk.
Sixty-plus years of neighborhood devotion means something special. Morning lines form early at 727 Manhattan Avenue, where locals patiently wait for fresh trays of these unpretentious, soul-warming treats.
3. Fan-Fan’s Creative Seasonal Twists
Chef Fany Gerson’s Bed-Stuy gem transforms donut-making into an art form. Her small-batch approach means flavors rotate with the calendar, showcasing whatever’s fresh at the market.
I once arrived just as she pulled out a tray of cardamom-spiced apple donuts that literally stopped conversations mid-sentence.
The scent alone was worth the trip! Her creative combinations sell out quickly, making each successful visit feel like winning a delicious lottery.
4. Dough’s Glossy Fall Lineup
Those signature oversized rings with mirror-like glazes transform into autumn masterpieces each September. The Pumpkin with Candied Pumpkin Seeds features a vibrant orange glaze that catches light like stained glass.
Their Pecan Pie variation somehow captures that gooey, nutty essence in donut form. With locations scattered across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens (plus weekend Smorgasburg appearances), these yeast-raised beauties remain remarkably consistent citywide.
5. Daily Provisions’ Coveted Crullers
The pumpkin-spice cruller phenomenon at Danny Meyer’s neighborhood cafés causes mild hysteria every October. Unlike typical cake donuts, these French-style pastries feature ridged exteriors that maximize glaze coverage and crispy edges.
I’ve witnessed grown adults doing happy dances after securing the last one of the day. The light, eggy interior creates an almost custard-like center beneath that crackling shell, making these worth setting calendar reminders for.
6. The Donut Pub’s Midnight Comfort
When autumn winds whip through Manhattan streets at 2 AM, this 24/7 haven becomes a beacon of warmth. Their old-school counter service feels especially comforting when temperatures drop.
Generations of New Yorkers have ducked in for post-theater snacks or early morning treats. With several locations including Astor Place, their reliable consistency means warm, fresh donuts await regardless of when fall cravings strike.
7. North Fork Doughnut’s Weekend Escape
Long Islanders plan entire autumn day trips around these hefty brioche-style treasures. NoFoDoCo’s rotating fall lineup features local ingredients that capture the essence of harvest season.
The drive out to their Bay Shore location becomes part of the experience. Roadside farm stands and colorful foliage create the perfect backdrop for these scratch-made indulgences.
My aunt swears their apple cider donut changed her life last October.
8. The Cider Mill’s Orchard Classic
Endicott’s beloved institution has perfected the quintessential fall ritual since 1926. Watching their cider press in action while waiting for hot donuts creates sensory memories that define autumn for generations of Southern Tier families.
The simple cake rings, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served piping hot, need no fancy toppings. Their honest apple flavor pairs perfectly with cups of freshly pressed cider, creating a double dose of orchard goodness that’s worth the drive.
9. Schutt’s Apple Mill’s Award-Winning Fried Cakes
Rochester locals don’t call them donuts – these are proper “fried cakes” at this fourth-generation family farm. Their recipe has remained virtually unchanged for decades, creating the perfect balance of spice and apple flavor.
The 1063 Plank Road location bustles during harvest season. Kids run between apple bins while parents queue for these legendary treats.
During peak weekends, their fryers run continuously, ensuring each batch emerges golden and warm.
10. Indian Ladder Farms’ Full Fall Experience
This Capital Region destination elevates the humble cider donut into a cornerstone of autumn tradition. While available year-round, these cake rings reach mythical status when enjoyed against a backdrop of ripening apples and mountain views.
I once watched my normally reserved father buy a dozen “for later” only to finish them before we left the parking lot.
The farm’s cidery taproom offers hard cider pairings that transform these simple treats into sophisticated indulgences.
11. Golden Harvest Farms’ Roadside Temptation
Hudson Valley travelers know to watch for this Valatie landmark when Route 9 curves through orchard country. The bakery windows steam up as workers drop rings of dough into bubbling oil, filling the roadside stand with irresistible aromas.
These donuts have stopped countless road trips mid-journey. The simple cake rings need no embellishment beyond their warm, spiced perfume.
Pairing them with tastings from the adjacent Harvest Spirits distillery creates a uniquely adult fall indulgence.
12. Beak & Skiff’s Orchard Destination
Syracuse families have built autumn traditions around these cake donuts for generations. The bakery cafe serves them alongside warm apple cider, creating perfect hand-warmers for chilly picking days.
What makes them special isn’t fancy glazes or toppings. Their straightforward approach lets quality ingredients shine through crisp exteriors and tender centers.
The full campus experience with tasting rooms and activities makes donut-hunting here an all-day affair.
13. Paula’s Donuts’ Buffalo Tradition
Western New Yorkers brave notorious lake-effect weather for Paula’s seasonal lineup. Their Pumpkin and Maple varieties feature generous proportions that put chain offerings to shame.
The Chai-spiced creation became an overnight sensation last fall. Each location across Buffalo sees weekend morning lines that rival concert ticket releases.
My college roommate from Buffalo once drove four hours back to her hometown just to bring a dozen of these beauties to our apartment.