There’s a certain biggie of a franchise that might get all the recognition, but it’s easy to find mouthwatering doughnut flavors at plenty of other independent places too.
New England is chock full of these sweet treats.
Visit a vacation hot spot in the region, and it’s likely you’ll find a gem of a doughnut shop.
Here are five to get you started.
Swing by this Vermont favorite where everything is created from scratch using local products and services. A rotating seasonal menu includes a variety of filled, cake and specialty doughnuts. The menu changes weekly. Check northcountrydonuts.com for up-to-date offerings, as well as information for how to order in advance. Located in downtown Morrisville, North Country Donuts is open until noon — or until the doughnuts sell out — seven days a week.
Nearly every morning, you’ll find Goody Good bakers starting their days at 4 a.m., aiming to provide some of the biggest, freshest doughnuts in the Granite State. Among the doughnuts on the menu: The Bedrock (honey dip rolled in Fruity Pebbles), the Arnold Palmer (lemon and raspberry in a glazed shell), and butternut chocolate. Open until 11 a.m. (10 on Sundays) or until the doughnuts sell out. facebook.com/makingholes
Allie’s is the sort of old-school bakery where guests might encounter a haze in the building from all the flour buildup. It all adds up to some of the freshest — and most popular — doughnuts in the Ocean State. Choose from classic glazed, chocolate frosted or the creative seasonal flavors. Expect a perfect balance of texture and flavor at Allie’s, where you should also expect a line out the door most days. Order ahead and don’t sleep on the famous doughnut cakes, perfect for any type of celebration. allies-donuts.com
If you consider doughnuts a religious sort of experience, then Holy Donut might be right for you. This popular outlet creates Maine potato doughnuts from scratch every day. There are two locations in Portland, one in Scarborough, and one in Arundel. You’ll find a seasonal selection at each shop as well as mainstay offerings like maple, dark chocolate sea salt, toasted coconut and bacon cheddar-filled doughnuts. Yes, please. theholydonut.com
When Yelp released its list of the top 100 doughnut shops in America last year, it included only two shops in New England — Brooklyn Baking in Waterbury, Conn. (No. 51) and Ruby Donut in Ayer, which wound up No. 94 on the list. Ruby Donut offers a variety of doughnuts and muffins in addition to kolaches, a Czech pastry filled with fruit or egg. Tucked away in the small town of Ayer, Ruby Donut boasts exceptional quality and unique flavors. The doughnuts are meticulously crafted, boasting a perfect balance of lightness and indulgence. www.restaurantji.com/ma/ayer/ruby-donut-shop-
