Every year, the first Friday in June marks National Donut Day. It began as a Salvation Army fundraiser for those in need during the Great Depression and as way to honor the women who fried up and served thousands of donuts to soldiers in France during World War I. The treats these so-called “Donut Lassies” served were a simple sugar-dusted dough ring – the recipe is here if you want to give it a try.
While a simple donut is certainly a delight, today’s donut artists have expanded the possibilities of the popular breakfast pastry in all directions. So this year, get out and honor the brave Donut Lassies with a visit to one (or more) of the North Shore’s best donut shops.
Kane’s Donuts, Saugus
Probably the most well-known of the North Shore’s donut makers, Kane’s is widely beloved for it expansive selection, monthly special flavors, and robust offering of gluten-free treats. This month, customers can try the soft honey cruller, a double chocolate sprinkle donut, or the Zagnut donut, topped with peanuts, coconut, and chocolate frosting. And for National Donut Day, customers who buy a dozen donuts can get a free small coffee.
kanesdonuts.com
Brothers’ Brew, Rockport
Brothers’ Brew may seem like an average coffee shop/lunch spot, but locals know it is the go-to destination for super-fresh, enticingly delicious donuts. Among the many choices is the blueberry cake donut and the fried dough donut, which adds a maple flavor and a dusting of sugar to a classic glazed. If your favorite flavor isn’t available, just wait a few minutes: Hot donuts are always emerging from the kitchen.
facebook.com/BrothersBrew
The Angry Donut, Newburyport
If you’re craving creative flavors, The Angry Donut is the place to be. The Newburyport baker offers up an ever-evolving lineup of flavors like Fruity Pebbles, banana cream pie, churro, and blood orange dark chocolate. There are plenty of classic choices as well for those with more traditional tastes.
facebook.com/theANGRYdonut
Coffee Time Bake Shop, Salem
Coffee Time started off as a donut shop before evolving into a more full-service bakery more than 30 years, but its roots come through clearly in the selection of hand-cut donuts. Classic flavors are always on offer and seasonal specials pop up throughout the year.
coffeetimebakeshop.net
Somebody’s Place, Andover
Somebody’s Place serves a full breakfast and lunch menu, but it’s the donuts that are the star(s) of the show. Try an impeccably rendered classic, like chocolate glazed or jelly, or get adventurous (and indulgent) with a whoopie pie donut or a glazed raspberry cream. But get there early – the donuts have been known to sell out.
somebodysplace.net
Ziggy and Sons’, Peabody and Salem
A long-standing North Shore tradition, Ziggy’s unique donuts are available in two locations: A tiny corner shop in Salem and a new storefront in Peabody. This family-run shop has legions of dedicated fans, so stop by to find out why.
facebook.com/ZiggysDonuts
The Dandee Donut Factory, Revere
The newest entrant into the North Shore donut scene, Dandee has already amassed some passionate followers. For National Donut Day, each customer can get one free donut, but choosing from the 50+ flavors on offer might be difficult: Strawberry filled? Sour cream? Chocolate-frosted with sprinkles? Maple bacon? Toasted coconut?
dandeedonuts.com