Rochester MN Guide to Donuts

It’s a Donut Holiday!

June 7 is National Donut Day!  (traditionally celebrated the first Friday in June). Donut Day was first celebrated in 1938 as a way to commemorate Salvation Army volunteers who provided donuts to those serving in World War I and II.

Below is a round-up of all the local places you can find donuts.  We *tried* to be thorough.  If we missed your favorite spot, let us know by emailing us at: [email protected] Happy donut day!

Daube’s Bakery

Like their website says, “…real butter, real cream, everything from scratch…”  Daube’s is a local, family owned bakery specializing in not only donuts, but cakes, pastries, and one of their specialities, pączki (a Polish favorite).  They also serve lunch and other brunch items!  We recommend their mini-glazed donuts (perfect for little hands!), and their bacon-maple Long John. {INSIDER TIP} Daube’s donuts are also available at Lumen Coffee Co. in their drive-thru!

Drift Dough

Drift Dough is Rochester MN’s newest donut shop and believe us…it does NOT disappoint.  With regular rotation flavors such as toasted coconut, fruity pebbles, cookies & cream, Stroopwafel, lemon poppy seed, and chocolate whopper nutella, you can rest assured this will be a donut adventure!  They also have classic flavors such as vanilla sprinkle, cinnamon sugar and more.  One special thing to note is that they also offer gluten-free and vegan offerings.    Keep your eye out for seasonal flavors…this spring it’s Bluebarb (Blueberry/Rhubarb with mascarpone icing).  BRB…headed on a donut run!

Dunkin’ Donuts

An American classic! Located right in the heart of downtown Rochester, it makes a special treat to stop for a donut after running around in the Peace Plaza.  Also, their coffee has a bit of a cult following!  We recommend the sour cream cake donut.

Gingerbread House

Editor’s note: Gingerbread House bakery closed  in September 2019. We can’t quite bring ourselves to removing them from this guide yet because our hearts are actually broken over donut holes.  Yep, they were THAT good.

Stop right this second.  Have you had a donut hole from Gingerbread House?  They are L-E-G-E-N-D-A-R-Y. No, we’re not exaggerating.  They are pure heaven food and we encourage you to go right now and get one.  Go ahead.  Gingerbread House is delightful family-run, family-owned bakery located right off of Broadway.  In addition to donuts, they offer bread, rolls and other baked goods.  Plus! Donut Happy Hour everyday after 12 pm: buy one get one free! Keep in mind they are closed on Sundays and only take cash or check.

Hy-Vee

It’s easy to love Hy-Vee for a lot of reasons…add donuts to the list!  Plus with their Aisles Online Delivery service, you can literally have donuts delivered to your door.  We’re basically all about that.  We recommend their Fluff Bismarck!

Kwik Trip

Folks, if you are in a real donut pinch…do not forget the Glazers.  We might even go as far as to say these tasty glazed confections at a ridiculously low price far surpass our expectations of a convenience store donut.  This is a perfectly acceptable donut option in our book!

Northwoods Orchards

Lucky for us, the fall isn’t the only time we can score these delicious donuts!  Northwoods Orchards serves up their delicious homemade donuts each Saturday at the Farmers Market (closest to the Mayo Civic Center side near 3rd Avenue).  These are the perfect Saturday morning treat for your kiddos while you browse the market.  *Bonus* This stall is located near another RMMB Favorite…Old Abe Coffee!

 Otto’s Bakery

Just a short drive west to Byron, Otto’s is the very definition of a Mom and Pop bakery.  You walk in to cases of baked goods as well as loaves and rolls lining the top.  When we visited, Grandma helped us and you could hear kids playing and having a grand time in the back. Otto’s also specializes in Rosettes in honor of their Norwegian heritage.

Target

You get everything else at Target, why not pick up a dozen delightful donuts while you’re at it!  Plus, where else can you get a Fruit Loop donut in town?

Where’s your favorite spot to get donuts?