If you’re craving an easy, sweet treat that you can buy at any hour of the day, the perfectly indulgent way to supplement your sin city adventures, you’ve come to the right place.
I have been on a mission to find the best donuts in town and after getting a behind the scenes look into some of the most iconic Donut shops in Las Vegas, I definitely have a list of go-to’s.
Below you will find the best donut shops on the strip, off the strip, and downtown. Plus, stick around until the end because I explain the difference in spelling for donut or doughnut.
Lastly, there is the best recipe below for donuts at home by Sally’s Baking Addiction.
Best Donuts in Las Vegas
As I am sure you can tell by this list, there are so many places you can grab a donut – or doughnut (we’ll get into that later). I have broken down donut shops by area so you have a better idea of where to grab your fried dough confection.
Off the strip
Pink Box Doughnuts- Expect to leave with a box of donuts, not just one or two in a bag. These original, handcrafted donuts are little pieces of art that you might find yourself Instagram-ing longer than actually eating. Lucky for you, you can pick up pink box doughnuts 24/7 and they have not just one, but two locations – West Lake Mead & Henderson.
Ronald’s Donuts- For the best Vegan donuts (yes, Vegan!) check out Ronald’s donuts. The top two rows of the donut case are completely vegan. This inexpensive, yet delicious donut shop is well worth the drive in the morning for a fresh cinnamon twist or maple bar. If you’re not feeling up to driving, they deliver.
Carl’s Donuts- Famous since 1966. For a classic, yet tasty donut, grab one of Carl’s donuts on Sunset Rd. Take a peep at their Instagram for a “behind the scenes” look into these beautifully shaped pieces of art. Carl’s Donuts has everything from classic donuts and donut holes to a cannoli old fashioned and banana foster bars.
More Donuts off the strip
Krispy Kreme- This one has to make the list and we have the Golden Knights to thank. After the Golden Knights shutout their opponents at the T-Mobile Arena, aLas Vegas Residents receive a free Dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts at Krispy Kreme! Fans went crazy for this during the 2019-2020 NHL Return to play.
If you’re looking for a Krispy Kreme near me, there are a few locations in the valley: Spring Mountain Rd. and Eastern Ave.
The Dapper Doughnut- If you live in North Las Vegas, Centennial, or Skye Canyon, you can order home delivery of your favorite donuts. Mini donuts will be delivered making it a great treat for you and your family or a gift for friends. Each donut is made fresh to order, glazed, and topped by hand. The best part about Dapper Doughnuts is their party truck. If you find yourself having a party, wedding, or work event anytime soon, reserve their doughnut truck to bring your guest fresh donuts off the fryer.
Downtown
Donut Bar- Their high-quality ingredients and a wide variety of donut options make this place a local favorite. You can expect a line out the door and often wrapped around the building for their hot french toast donut that is served with butter, jelly, and maple. Arrive hungry (and early), because these donuts are huge. You can see their viral video of their most popular Crème Brûlée donut on their Instagram, @donutbarlv. Featured in many media channels and publications, Donut Bar is definitely a crowd-pleaser.
On the strip
District- Located in the Cosmopolitan in the Block 16 Urban Food Hall you will find donuts, sliders, and brew. The donuts include everything from your typical classic glazed donut to a griddled donut sandwich. The district is a perfect spot for a late-night munchie after a night out on the town, or breakfast before you start the day.
Originally founded in New Orleans, childhood friends Chris, Aaron, and Stephen decided to bring Las Vegas guests a taste of what made them so favorable back at home.
If you’re looking for a Krispy Kreme near me, there are a few locations in the valley: Circus Circus and the Excalibur Hotel.
Who made donuts?
At 16 years old, Hanson Gregory claims to have created this popular treat in 1847. Others report that it was Dutch settlers in early New York. If you google “who made donuts” you will find many different reports. What we do know is that doughnuts (or donuts) have been around for so long in some form or other.
In America, doughnuts have become a very American food choice.
The first American recipe for doughnuts dates back to 1803, according to author Paul Mullins.
Another interesting fact is that female Salvation Army workers (known as “Doughnut Girls”) fried and distributed doughnuts to the American soldiers fighting in France during WWI. This offering gave a taste of home to these American soldiers who later became known as “Doughboys.”
Moreover, the doughnut has been heavily influenced by Jewish cuisine. On Hanukkah, Sufganiyot (deep-fried jelly doughnut) are eaten to remember and celebrate, the one cruse of oil that lasted eight days. A true miracle.
Donut or Doughnut
The official dictionary spelling is “doughnut,” but does it really matter? Having two ways to spell this tasty fried ring of dough is quite confusing. While it’s not completely clear which one to use, style guides will correct your writing to list doughnut as the preferred spelling.
Donut is the simpler spelling of the word doughnut. The dough is fried in oil which makes it easy to understand where the “dough” in the word doughnut comes from. The “newish” spelling of the word do(nut) is a different way to say “a small lump.”
To conclude, check out Grammarly’s explanation here for more information on donut or doughnut.
Glazed doughnut recipe
There are great recipes online that walk you through exactly how to make a doughnut at home. This recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction is my go-to when I am feeling adventurous at home and want to whip up a sweet treat.
For more donut filled adventures, click HERE for my BestOfVegas.com article.
What’s your favorite donut shop in Las Vegas?
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