National Donut Day is June 5, 2026. Celebrate in and around Des Moines!
Donuts are a beloved treat enjoyed by people of all ages, making them a popular choice for any meal or occasion. From breakfast to dessert, donuts can satisfy cravings throughout the day.
Donuts are here to stay, and Des Moines has lots of options to explore! From popular chains to local favorites, you’re never too far from a delightful treat.
Where to Get Donuts in Des Moines
New and Noteworthy
What: Mee Mochi Donuts and Soft Serve
Where: Waukee
Why: New to Waukee, Mee Mochi is bringing a fresh twist to the donut scene. Made from bite-sized balls of dough, these mochi donuts are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with fun flavor combinations that make them as unique as they are delicious.
Best Apple Fritter
What: Donut Hut
Where: Douglas Ave, Des Moines
Why: This longtime staple of Des Moines donut shops is a favorite of folks who grew up here. All of their donuts are crave-worthy, but the apple fritter can not be beat!
Best Specialty Donuts
What: Hiland Bakery
Where: 6th Ave, Des Moines
Why: All the donuts are delicious at this stalwart bakery, but make sure you check out their champagne donuts (and cakes and cupcakes!) as well the rosebud and fried cinnamon rolls.
Most Fun Donuts
What: Hurts Donut Co
Where: West Des Moines
Why: With donut names like Grape Balls of Fire, Dirt Worm, and Little Timmy and up to 70 flavors you may need extra time to decide what you want. Also, these donuts are huge so get the family together to try a dozen.
Best Place To Customize
What: Ambrosia Donuts
Where: Ankeny
Why: Another local winner! Grab almost any donut and make it your own by getting it filled with your choice of bavarian cream, fluffy white whipped cream, strawberry, raspberry, or lemon fillings.
Need A Peanut-Free Shop?
What: Chu Chu Donuts
Where: SW 9th, Des Moines
Why: All donuts are made fresh every day and are 100% peanut-free! They have an amazing cronut (croissant donut), the fluffiest fried donuts you’ll ever taste, soft airy cake donuts, and even long johns!
Best Transplant
What: Donutland
Where: 4820 100th St., Urbandale
Why: Established in Cedar Rapids in 1971, Donutland’s menu and design have been conserved to preserve its rich flavors and history, featuring 40 different flavors of donuts.
When You Need A Donut While Deciding Which Donuts You Want
What: Krispy Kreme
Where: Clive
Why: If you visit us while their “Hot Light” is lit up, you can receive one free Original Glazed doughnut per person, with any purchase made. And let’s be honest, that’s absolutely the best time to eat a donut, so warm they melt in your mouth.
Great Smaller Chain
What: Daylight Donuts
Where: Ankeny, Norwalk
Why: Daylight is doing it old school. Their glazed donuts have a sweet almond taste much like homemade donuts grandma used to make. Find Daylight donuts in Ankeny and a little kiosk at Villagio’s Restaurant in Norwalk.
