Donuts are sweet, and fluffy, and pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee. With so many types of donuts, any enthusiast would be spoiled for choice. Let’s deep dive into all of the different donuts around the world! Which will you try on your next donut run?
1. Sugar donuts
Sugar donuts are the classic sweet treat. After frying the dough, the donut is covered in sugar. It’s simple but irresistible! Pair sugar donuts with coffee or a berry jam for the best experience.
2. Mochi donuts
If you want to try something other than the usual donut, try Japan’s mochi donuts! With their distinct shape, mochi donuts have a wonderfully chewy texture reminiscent of mochi. These donuts are usually topped with a colorful glaze, giving them a lovely visual appeal.
3. Brioche donuts
Donuts don’t have to be made from the same dough every time! Try these donuts, which are made from brioche bread dough. They’re extra rich, sweet, and fluffy! Their buttery flavor only needs a bit of sugar for the ultimate French-style donut.
4. Bavarian Cream
Bavarian cream donuts take brioche donuts to the next level. Filling the brioche donut with an eggy custard makes these types of donuts extra decadent. This sweet treat will cure any sweet tooth.
5. Beignets
Have you ever wanted to bite into a cloud before? If so, try beignets! They’re the closest you can get to that pillowy, cloud-like texture! Beignets are made from choux pastry, so they puff up when frying giving them a fluffy texture. This New Orleans classic is a favorite amongst donut lovers everywhere.
Read this article to learn more about the history of beignets.
6. Boston Cream
These donuts are inspired by Boston cream pie! The yeast donuts are fried, filled with silky cream, and then dipped in chocolate glaze. They’re rich, decadent, and oh-so-delicious.
7. Old-fashioned
Unlike the traditional cake donut, old-fashioned donuts are fried, giving them an extra crunchy exterior. Despite its outer layer, old-fashioned donuts are still quite fluffy on the inside. This contrast in texture makes them a favorite for many.
8. Donut holes
Have you ever wondered what to do with leftover donut dough? Make donut holes! These little balls of dough can be deep-fried and covered in any sugar mix or glaze added to a classic donut. These are the perfect donuts for a party or get-together.
9. Apple Cider
For those looking for a healthier donut, apple cider donuts could be the way to go. These donuts are baked instead of fried, so there’s much less guilt! There are a few extra steps when making apple cider donuts, but it’s well worth it. They’re especially delicious during the cooler seasons.
10. Potato donuts
You read that right! These donuts are made from potato starch or mashed potatoes. Though fried, potato donuts have a texture akin to baked donuts. These aren’t your conventional donuts, but they are just as delicious. Give them a try with this recipe!
11. Twisted Korean Donuts
Donuts with a twist! Literally! These Korean donuts are incredibly trendy and can be easily found atries most Asian bake. Their fun shape is only enhanced by their delicious taste and texture. Most twisted donuts are garnished with only sugar rather than glazed or flavored.
12. Zeppole
Zeppole are Italian donuts typically enjoyed with a strong cup of coffee. They look similar to donut holes, but the dough used to make zeppoles can vary. With a good dusting of powdered sugar, zeppoles are addictive donuts that you won’t get enough of.
13. Malasadas
Malasadas are Portuguese yeast donuts famous for their light and fluffy texture. Despite being Portuguese, they are well-loved in Hawaii. These donuts are usually rolled in sugar, but some variations include fruit fillings.
To learn more about how malasadas made their way into Hawaii, read this piece.
14. Classic Glazed
There is a constant debate on whether you’re team Dunkin’ Donuts or Krispy Kreme. But one thing is certain, Krispy Kreme has some amazing classic glazed donuts. They’re chewy, fluffy, and have just the right amount of glaze. Luckily you can make these types of donuts right at home with this recipe.
15. Ricotta Donuts
By adding ricotta to the dough, donuts take on a moister texture. The flavor won’t change much, but the change in texture is incredible. Try this recipe for ricotta donuts to see what the hype is all about.
Not a fan of ricotta? Try these substitutions instead.
16. Apple fritter
This is a classic Christmas treat in US and European markets. These donuts are filled with spiced apples and fluffy fried dough, making them the perfect donut for colder weather.
17. Long John
Just like the name suggests, Long John’s are a long donut similar in shape to an éclair. Their longer shape makes them the perfect choice for toppings and fillings, the most popular chocolate.
18. Bear Claw
Bear claws aren’t your typical donuts. Their texture is closer to a puff pastry than a conventional donut. But this doesn’t make them any less delicious. Bear claw’s flaky texture blends perfectly with their sweet almond filling. It’s a delicate, nutty experience that you should try.
19. Cronut
Cronuts are newer donuts, having only been around since 2013. Created by Dominique Ansel, cronuts are a collision between croissants and donuts. They have the flaky buttery goodness of a croissant and the taste of a donut. These types of donuts are truly the best of both worlds.
20. Cruller
Despite its crunchy texture, crullers have a delightfully soft interior. One exciting thing about crullers is that they can always taste slightly different. These donuts have a diverse history, having roots in Poland, Germany, and The Netherlands. With each country having its own flavor, there are many ways to enjoy crullers.
21. Jelly Donuts
This would be a list of donuts without the jelly donut! Also known as sufganiyot, jelly donuts were created to celebrate Hanukah. They’re not just a sweet treat; they have religious significance for many. Most jelly donuts have red-berry jelly, but these days, there are many more types of fillings to enjoy.
Learn more about jelly donuts' history with this article.
