9 New York Donut Stops With Fall Flavors Locals Wait All Year For
Fall in New York isn’t just about colorful leaves and chilly mornings—it’s about flavors that wrap you in comfort.
Across the city and beyond, donut shops roll out seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice and apple cider, turning every bite into a taste of autumn.
These treats don’t stick around for long, so locals line up early to grab them before they’re gone.
1. Doughnut Plant
Last October, I stood in line for thirty minutes just to grab one of their pumpkin donuts, and honestly? Worth every second. Doughnut Plant creates fall flavors that feel like edible sweaters—comforting, warm, and impossible to resist.
Their seasonal pumpkin donut isn’t your average grocery store imitation. Real pumpkin puree gets mixed into the dough, creating a moist, cake-like texture that tastes like autumn itself. The cream cheese frosting on top adds tangy sweetness that balances perfectly.
They also roll out apple cider donuts that locals literally mark on their calendars. The Lower East Side location gets packed on weekends, so arriving early means better selection. Trust me, these treats vanish faster than fall foliage.
2. Peter Pan Donuts
Walking into Peter Pan feels like stepping into your grandma’s kitchen—if she happened to make the best donuts in Brooklyn. This Greenpoint institution has been serving New Yorkers since 1953, and their fall menu keeps people coming back generation after generation.
Their pumpkin pie donut tastes exactly like Thanksgiving dessert, but without needing a fork. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and real pumpkin create a flavor bomb that’ll make you forget about trendy cronut hybrids. The glaze soaks into every bite, adding extra sweetness without overwhelming your taste buds.
Cash-only policy keeps things old-school here. Prices remain shockingly reasonable compared to fancy bakeries charging five bucks per donut. Grab a dozen because you’ll regret buying fewer.
3. Fan-Fan Donuts
Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood hides this gem that transforms traditional Chinese doughnuts into fall masterpieces. Fan-Fan brings unexpected creativity to autumn flavors, making them stand out from every other pumpkin-obsessed bakery.
Their black sesame pumpkin donut sounds weird until you taste it. Nutty sesame paste swirls through pumpkin-spiced dough, creating something completely original. It’s like eating fall in an alternate universe where everything tastes better and more interesting.
They also offer a sweet potato donut that’ll change your mind about orange vegetables. Fluffy texture meets earthy sweetness, topped with a miso caramel glaze that adds umami depth. Lines form quickly on Saturday mornings, so plan accordingly or face disappointment.
4. Dough
Dough proves that bigger definitely means better when it comes to fall donuts. These hand-formed beauties weigh as much as small planets and pack enough flavor to justify their heft.
Their pumpkin spice cake donut arrives dusted with cinnamon sugar that sparkles like edible glitter. One bite reveals incredibly moist interior that doesn’t crumble into a million pieces. The spice blend hits just right—not too aggressive, not too timid, like Goldilocks finally found her perfect donut.
Multiple locations across Brooklyn and Manhattan make Dough accessible wherever you’re exploring. I once ate an entire chocolate hazelnut one for breakfast and regretted nothing. Their seasonal apple cider version sells out by noon most days, so early birds catch the best worms here.
5. Daily Provisions
Union Square Hospitality Group operates this cafe that treats donuts like fine dining deserves. Chef-driven approach means fall flavors here taste sophisticated without being pretentious.
Their apple cider donut gets made with actual cider reduction, concentrating apple flavor into something magical. Crispy exterior gives way to tender crumb that practically melts on your tongue. A light dusting of spiced sugar adds textural contrast without making your fingers sticky.
Pair your donut with their excellent coffee for maximum autumn vibes. Multiple Manhattan locations mean you can satisfy cravings throughout the city. The Flatiron shop gets busy during lunch rush, but morning visits usually mean shorter waits and fresher inventory.
6. The Donut Pub
Open twenty-four hours, this Chelsea landmark saves night owls and early risers alike with fall flavors available around the clock. Neon signs glow like beacons guiding you toward fried dough salvation at any hour.
Their pumpkin cream donut features silky filling that tastes like pumpkin pie filling escaped its crust. Generous portions of cream mean every bite delivers maximum flavor. The yeast donut base stays light and airy, providing perfect contrast to rich filling.
I’ve stumbled in here at 3 AM after concerts more times than I’ll admit. Prices remain budget-friendly despite prime Manhattan location. Grab extras because these donuts taste just as good for breakfast after surviving in your fridge overnight.
7. North Fork Doughnut Co.
Southold’s North Fork Doughnut Company makes Long Island worth the trip every fall. Small-batch approach means quality over quantity, with flavors rotating based on what’s fresh and seasonal.
Their maple bacon donut captures autumn essence perfectly—sweet, smoky, and completely addictive. Real maple syrup glazes the top while candied bacon adds salty crunch. It’s breakfast and dessert having a delicious baby you’ll want to adopt immediately.
Apple cider donuts here use local orchard apples, supporting nearby farms while tasting incredible. Weekend mornings see locals lining up before doors open. Call ahead to reserve dozens for special occasions because these sell out faster than pumpkin patches in October.
8. The Cider Mill
Endicott’s Cider Mill doesn’t just sell donuts—they create an entire fall experience. Pressing their own apple cider on-site means freshness you can taste in every bite of their famous cider donuts.
Warm donuts emerge from the fryer and get tossed in cinnamon sugar while still hot. Steam rises as you bite in, revealing fluffy interior infused with apple cider tang. They taste like autumn decided to become a donut and succeeded spectacularly.
Families make annual pilgrimages here, turning donut runs into seasonal traditions. The smell of frying dough and fresh apples fills the air for blocks. Buy a half-dozen minimum because sharing these requires superhuman willpower most people simply don’t possess.
9. Schutt’s Apple Mill
Webster’s Schutt’s Apple Mill has perfected cider donuts since 1918, giving them over a century of practice. That experience shows in every perfectly fried ring they produce each fall season.
Their cider donuts achieve ideal texture—crispy edges surrounding cake-like centers that taste intensely of apples. No artificial flavoring here, just pure apple cider reduced and mixed into batter. The result tastes more apple-forward than most apple pies you’ve encountered.
Visit during peak season and watch them fry donuts continuously to keep up with demand. The attached farm market sells fresh apples, letting you compare fruit to fried dough versions. Locals know to arrive early on weekends or risk facing empty trays and sad faces.