These Alaska Donut Shops Sweeten Even The Coldest Morning
Alaska might be famous for its glaciers and grizzly bears, but it’s also home to some seriously amazing donut shops that’ll warm you right up.
When temperatures drop and the sun barely peeks over the horizon, there’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh, sugary donut to start your day off right.
From classic glazed rings to wild flavor combinations you never knew you needed, these Alaska donut spots are proof that even the Last Frontier knows how to satisfy a sweet tooth.
1. Dino’s Donuts
Prehistoric portions meet modern flavors at this beloved Anchorage institution that’s been feeding hungry Alaskans since way back when. Dino’s doesn’t mess around with tiny, delicate pastries—these donuts are massive, fluffy, and loaded with enough sweetness to fuel a day of dog sledding.
The maple bars alone are legendary, stretching nearly a foot long and topped with frosting so thick you’ll need a napkin (or five). Apple fritters here are the size of your head, packed with real fruit chunks and cinnamon swirls that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Early birds get the best selection, but honestly, even the afternoon stragglers score big here.
2. Golden Donuts
Shimmering with buttery goodness, Golden Donuts lives up to its name with perfectly fried rings that practically glow under the bakery lights. This Anchorage favorite has mastered the art of the classic raised donut, light as air on the inside, with just the right amount of chew on the outside.
Their chocolate-glazed beauties could make a grown person weep tears of joy, while the sprinkle-topped varieties bring out the kid in everyone. The secret? Fresh ingredients and frying batches throughout the morning so you’re never stuck with yesterday’s leftovers.
3. The Kobuk
Named after one of Alaska’s most beautiful rivers, The Kobuk flows with creativity when it comes to donut innovation. Located in downtown Anchorage, this historic café is known for its classic old-fashioned and sourdough-style donuts, as well as seasonal specialties—though specific flavors like birch syrup or fireweed jelly are not always available.
Forget boring old flavors, this spot pushes boundaries with locally inspired touches that taste like Alaska in pastry form. The sourdough donuts here deserve special mention, bringing that tangy complexity that pairs perfectly with strong coffee on a frigid morning.
Weekend mornings see lines out the door, but the wait is absolutely worth every shivering second.
4. Wiki-Licious
Wiki-Licious brings the fun with donuts so photogenic they practically demand their own Instagram account. Based in Anchorage, this Hawaiian-inspired shop specializes in fresh-made malasadas—warm, sugar-dusted, Portuguese-style donuts, often filled with tropical flavors.
The birthday cake donut tastes exactly like childhood memories, while the s’mores version brings campfire vibes without the mosquitoes. Kids absolutely lose their minds here, but let’s be honest, adults do too.
Fair warning: trying to eat these without making a complete mess is basically impossible, so embrace the chaos and enjoy every sticky bite.
5. Jason’s Donuts
Jason knows what he’s doing, and he’s been doing it for years at this no-frills Eagle River spot that focuses on getting the basics absolutely perfect. Sometimes you don’t need fancy flavors or Instagram-worthy decorations—you just need a damn good donut that reminds you why you fell in love with these fried circles of joy in the first place.
The old-fashioned cake donuts here have that perfect crispy exterior that gives way to dense, satisfying cake inside. Glazed twists practically melt on your tongue, and the jelly-filled options are generously stuffed without being messy.
Prices stay reasonable, portions stay generous, and quality stays consistently excellent year after year.
6. The Donut Shoppe & Espresso Café
Combining two of life’s greatest pleasures—donuts and coffee—this Fairbanks establishment understands that mornings require both carbs and caffeine to function properly. The espresso here is strong enough to wake a hibernating bear, perfectly complementing whatever sugary creation you choose from the case.
Blueberry cake donuts burst with real fruit flavor, while the cinnamon sugar varieties get tossed in spice while still warm from the fryer. The seating area invites lingering, making it easy to nurse that latte while watching fishing boats head out into the harbor.
Locals treat this place like their living room, which tells you everything you need to know about the welcoming vibe.
7. Jellyfish Donut & Dumplings
Wait, donuts AND dumplings? Yep, you read that right, and somehow this quirky Juneau-based pop-up makes the combination work beautifully. Their appearances and menu change seasonally, so check social media for current offerings.
The donuts hold their own against any dedicated bakery, with pillowy textures and creative glazes that rotate seasonally. Matcha donuts bring an earthy sweetness that’s surprisingly addictive, while classic varieties remind you that simple is often best.
Pro tip: order a half dozen donuts and a steamer basket of dumplings for the ultimate breakfast-lunch confusion meal.
8. The Donut Shack
Don’t judge this book by its humble exterior, The Donut Shack might look unassuming from the outside, but what comes out of that tiny kitchen is pure magic. This Sitka-based mobile cart operates seasonally, turning out fresh, hot mini donuts made to order with rotating toppings.
Everything gets made fresh daily in small batches, which means flavors sell out fast but quality never wavers. The coconut cream-filled donuts are dangerously good, with real shredded coconut mixed into silky custard that oozes with every bite.
Get there early or risk disappointment, because once they’re gone, they’re gone until tomorrow morning.
9. Holy-MOley Donuts
Holy moly indeed, these donuts are tunneling straight into your heart with flavors that’ll make you dig for more puns. This Wasilla shop embraces its adorable mole mascot while serving up seriously impressive pastries that balance whimsy with quality craftsmanship.
Seasonal specials keep the menu exciting, with summer berry donuts showcasing Alaska’s incredible wild fruit and winter flavors bringing cozy spice combinations. The raised glazed remains the bestseller though, proving that sometimes perfecting the classic is the smartest move.
The staff here radiates genuine friendliness, greeting regulars by name and making newbies feel like old friends from the moment they walk through the door.
10. Donut King
Bow down to royalty, because Donut King rules the Wasilla breakfast scene with an iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove made of frosting. This place earned its crown through years of consistent excellence, serving up both traditional favorites and adventurous new creations that keep customers coming back.
The apple cider donuts taste like autumn in Alaska, while the peanut butter-filled varieties satisfy that sweet-salty craving perfectly. Prices stay competitive even as quality remains top-tier, making it easy to justify grabbing an extra donut (or three).