Unearth The Voyage
Arizona’s desert landscape might be famous for cacti and sunsets, but its donut scene is just as impressive. From fluffy glazed classics to creative mochi-donut hybrids, the state’s bakeries serve up sweet treats that keep locals coming back and travelers planning their next visit. Whether you’re craving a traditional apple fritter or something totally unique, these spots deliver quality, flavor, and that warm community vibe that makes every bite better.
BoSa Donuts (Phoenix)
At 3722 E Indian School Rd, this Phoenix institution has perfected the art of the classic donut. Their glazed rings are so light they practically float off the tray, with a delicate sweetness that never overwhelms. But the real showstopper? Those apple fritters are genuinely enormous, packed with tender apple chunks and cinnamon swirls that make every bite an adventure.
Arrive early if you want the best selection, because word has spread and locals know exactly when the freshest batches come out. The shop brings a taste of Los Angeles donut-making expertise to the Valley, blending traditional techniques with serious attention to texture and flavor. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself ordering extras to take home, just so you don’t run out too soon.
Rainbow Donuts (Phoenix)
Spot the bright pink roof at 15834 N Cave Creek Rd and you’ve found a slice of old-school donut heaven. Rainbow Donuts keeps things refreshingly simple, focusing on what they do best: perfectly glazed rings with that satisfying crisp-tender bite, and apple fritters loaded with real fruit and warm spices. The vintage vibe here isn’t manufactured; it’s earned through decades of serving the neighborhood.
Walking through the door feels like stepping back to a time when donut shops were gathering spots, not just grab-and-go stops. Everything about this place radiates authenticity, from the no-frills counter to the genuinely friendly staff who remember regulars by name. When you want comfort food that actually comforts, this is where you go.
The Local Donut (Scottsdale)
Located at 3213 N Hayden Rd, this Scottsdale gem proves that donuts can be both artisan and approachable. Small-batch production means every ring gets individual attention, resulting in raised donuts with a texture so airy you’ll wonder if they defy physics. Creative flavors like maple bacon and caramelized crème brûlée push boundaries without losing sight of what makes a great donut great.
What really sets this place apart is their commitment to inclusivity—vegan and gluten-free options aren’t afterthoughts but thoughtfully crafted treats that stand proudly alongside traditional offerings. The shop radiates friendly local ambiance, where staff genuinely care about your experience. Fresh batches arrive throughout the day, so whether you’re an early bird or afternoon snacker, you’re getting donuts at their absolute peak.
Dutch Donut Factory (Mesa)
Don’t judge this book by its strip-mall cover at 1152 N Power Rd Ste 106. Behind that modest exterior lies some seriously impressive donut craftsmanship that rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path. Their old-fashioned cake donuts achieve that elusive perfect balance: crispy, caramelized edges giving way to tender, moist cake inside.
Blueberry cake donuts burst with real fruit flavor, not artificial sweetness, while their fritters come studded with actual apple chunks that add natural sweetness and texture. This is a hidden gem in the truest sense—a place that doesn’t need flashy marketing because their product speaks for itself. Regulars guard this secret closely, though the growing lines suggest the word is getting out anyway.
Mochidot Donuts (Phoenix)
At 914 E Camelback Rd Ste 4A, East meets West in the most delicious way possible. Mochidot fuses Japanese mochi’s signature chewiness with American donut tradition, creating flower-shaped rings that look almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Flavors like matcha and taro bring authentic Asian taste profiles to the table, while the texture—bouncy, chewy, yet somehow still light—creates an entirely new donut experience.
This isn’t a gimmick; it’s serious donut innovation rooted in traditional mochi-making techniques. The shop manages to be trendy without sacrificing substance, drawing Instagram enthusiasts and genuine pastry lovers alike. Each bite offers something unexpected, making this a must-visit for anyone tired of the same old donut routine or curious about creative fusion done right.
Desert Donuts (Phoenix)
Freshness takes center stage at this Phoenix favorite, where made-to-order means your donut is still warm when it reaches your hands. With over 80 rotating flavors, you could visit weekly for months and never have the same experience twice. The Bacon Blast lives up to its exclamation point—crispy bacon pieces scattered across sweet glaze create that addictive sweet-salty combination that keeps you reaching for more.
What locals really love is the combination of novelty and quality; creative toppings never overshadow solid donut fundamentals underneath. The vibrant presentation makes every order feel special, whether you’re treating yourself or surprising someone else. This spot understands that donuts should be fun, exciting, and delicious in equal measure, delivering on all three with consistent enthusiasm.
Arizona Donut Co. (Tempe)
Sometimes you don’t need reinvention; you need perfection of the basics. Arizona Donut Co. at 1030 W Broadway Rd understands this completely, focusing energy on making classic donuts exceptionally well rather than chasing trends. Their glazed rings achieve that ideal balance of sweet coating and tender interior, while apple fritters come packed with fruit and just the right amount of spice.
The shop’s strong community reputation wasn’t built overnight but earned through years of consistent quality and fair prices. Regulars appreciate knowing exactly what they’ll get—reliable excellence without surprises or disappointments. It’s comfort food in the truest sense, the kind of place you recommend to friends without hesitation because you know they’ll have a great experience every single time they visit.
HiHi Donuts (Phoenix)
Located at 8714 N 7th St, HiHi Donuts has built a loyal following through a simple formula: great donuts, excellent coffee, and genuinely friendly service. The staff here doesn’t just take your order; they make recommendations, remember preferences, and create the kind of welcoming atmosphere that turns first-time visitors into regulars. Their donut range covers both classic favorites and creative specialties, ensuring everyone finds something to love.
Coffee pairing gets serious attention here, with rich brews that complement rather than compete with the pastries. Whether you’re a donut purist who wants a perfect glazed or an adventurous eater seeking something new, the selection delivers. It’s become a strong local pick because it consistently nails the complete breakfast experience, not just the donut portion.
Glaze Donuts AZ (Cave Creek)
At 4815 E Carefree Hwy Ste 112, this family-run operation proves that authenticity can’t be faked. Glaze Donuts AZ earns high marks for their maple bacon—crispy pork and sweet glaze in perfect harmony—and apple fritters that taste like someone’s grandmother made them with love. The family ownership shows in every detail, from recipes that clearly reflect years of refinement to service that treats every customer like a neighbor.
Cave Creek sits on the Phoenix metro outskirts, making this spot worth the detour for serious donut enthusiasts exploring the area. You won’t find corporate polish here, just honest craftsmanship and flavors that speak for themselves. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why local, independent bakeries matter.
19th Donut Hole (Mesa)
That charming golf-themed sign marks a true Mesa neighborhood classic where comfort and nostalgia meet in the best possible way. The Donut Hole has been serving early-morning regulars for years, perfecting glazed donuts with that satisfying sweetness and generously-filled jelly rolls that don’t skimp on the good stuff inside. Everything here radiates simple donut goodness without pretension or unnecessary complications.
Early risers know this is where you go when you want breakfast done right—no fuss, no trendy gimmicks, just solid execution of time-tested favorites. The neighborhood vibe means you might overhear local gossip or friendly banter between staff and regulars who’ve been coming here for decades. Sometimes the best food experiences aren’t about innovation but about consistency and heart, which this place delivers in abundance.
Sesame Donuts (Tempe)
Located at 3231 S Mill Ave Ste 101, Sesame Donuts breaks the mold by staying open late when most donut shops have long since closed. This family-owned spot understands that donut cravings don’t follow a strict schedule, offering flexible hours that accommodate night owls and unusual schedules. Gluten-free options receive the same attention as traditional offerings, ensuring everyone can enjoy quality treats regardless of dietary needs.
The addition of gelato alongside donuts creates an interesting fusion, giving customers more options for satisfying their sweet tooth. It’s become a solid local hangout precisely because it adapts to real life rather than rigid bakery traditions. Whether you need a late-night study snack or an unconventional dessert pairing, this place delivers comfort and flexibility in equal measure.
Best Donuts (Phoenix)
In South Phoenix, Best Donuts lives up to its confident name through consistent flavor and genuine community connection. This family-run spot represents everything great about neighborhood bakeries: regulars are greeted by name, recipes stay true to beloved classics, and the atmosphere feels more like visiting friends than conducting a transaction. Their donuts might not chase trends, but they nail the fundamentals that matter most.
Local-favorite authenticity can’t be manufactured or rushed; it develops over time through reliability and care. That’s exactly what you’ll find here—a place where the same families have been stopping for breakfast for years, creating a continuity that feels increasingly rare. When you want donuts that taste like home, made by people who genuinely care about their craft and community, this is your destination.
Outcast Doughnuts (Mesa)
Croissant meets donut in this Mesa innovator’s specialty creations, resulting in flaky, buttery pastries that redefine what a donut can be. Outcast Doughnuts commits fully to the cronut concept, achieving that perfect laminated texture where each bite shatters into delicate layers. Inventive toppings push creative boundaries without becoming chaotic, complementing rather than overwhelming the pastry foundation underneath.
Breakfast sandwiches on the side add savory options for those wanting a complete meal, showcasing versatility beyond sweets alone. This is donut innovation with serious craft behind it—not gimmicks designed for social media but genuine culinary exploration. When standard donuts feel too predictable and you’re ready for something that challenges expectations while delivering on quality, Outcast delivers exactly that elevated experience worth seeking out.
Star Donuts (Surprise)
That bright yellow star logo shines like a beacon in Surprise, marking an unexpected treasure in a less-touristy suburb. Don’t let the modest storefront fool you—reviewers consistently praise the strong classic donuts with textures and flavors that rival much flashier competitors. This is the kind of place locals feel lucky to have, where quality doesn’t depend on prime location or trendy marketing but on genuine baking skill.
Star Donuts proves that great food can thrive anywhere when the fundamentals are solid and the commitment is real. It’s become a beloved secret among those who’ve discovered it, though calling it a secret seems unfair to everyone still missing out. For travelers willing to venture beyond central Phoenix, this spot rewards curiosity with donuts that justify the journey and maybe inspire a few more detours.
