Best Doughnut Destinations Near Seattle

They’re fluffy, yeasty, sugary and all-around indulgent: We’re talking about doughnuts, of course. Who doesn’t love those puffs of pillowy deliciousness? Today’s dizzying array of decadent descendants of this once-humble treat have gone far beyond jam-filled or glazed, with pastry chefs elevating them to edible art and creating unique flavors that range from French brioche to matcha-mochi.

Ready to go on a hunt for the best doughnuts the Greater Seattle area has to offer? Lucky for you, we’ve done the legwork (you’re welcome): Just follow our powdered-sugar trail to these local bakeries and shops that have achieved doughnut perfection, and get ready for some seriously sticky fingers and happy faces! We’ve also included a fun bonus tour to sample some of these fried treats in one go.

Voodoo Doughnut, Seattle

Unless you’ve been living under a rock — or a giant doughnut — this recently opened doughnut destination probably needs no introduction. The much-hyped Voodoo Doughnut finally made its way to Seattle from its beginnings in Portland, where its edgy concoctions quickly gained a cult following, round-the-clock queues and nationwide media coverage. Over 40 funky flavor options and unusual shapes await at the end of the inevitable line, such as its namesake jelly-filled Voodoo Doll, complete with a pretzel stake. Kids and grown-ups alike love the Voodoo Bubble, dusted with powdered bubble gum and a Dubble Bubble on top; or the more familiar faves that come crusted in fruity cereal or gobs of M&Ms.

General Porpoise, multiple Seattle locations 

With four gorgeous city locations, General Porpoise may well be the holy grail of fancy Seattle doughnuts. Owner Renee Erickson, a James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef, got her inspiration for the concept from the famous doughnuts created by the St. John Restaurant group in London. The brioche dough is almost impossibly light and fluffy, and the fillings are a nod to their British roots, with classics such as vanilla custard and lemon curd, and fresh, seasonal flavors such as quince jam in the mix. Teens will love the swanky décor that lands General Porpoise on the list of Seattle’s most Instagrammable cafés, while coffee-connoisseur parents will be pleased with the carefully curated array of caffeinated drinks.

Doce Donut Co., Seattle

Doce means the number twelve in Spanish — the number of doughnuts you'll want to take home. This family-owned craft shop in Seattle makes doughnuts using a 24-hour raised brioche dough. They celebrate Latin American flavors including Tres Leches, Passion Fruit Creme Brulee, Guava Con Queso and Mexican Hot Chocolate. The flavors rotate monthly; find their current offerings on Instagram. 

Raised Doughnuts, Seattle

Raised Doughnuts owner and pastry chef Mi Kim discovered her love for doughnuts as a child, when her dad would buy them from the local gas station to sweeten early-morning drives. Her own flavor creations raise the bar (pun intended) on those simple childhood memories. From her take on the traditional maple bar to imaginative monthly specials, such as the Pineapple Upside-Down doughnut, these are not your average pastries. For the more adventurous, the savory Everything doughnut is a unique variation on its bagel brother. Bonus: They now offer Raised to Glaze kits, where you can bring home six of their fresh mini doughnuts along with assorted glazes and sprinkles, and go to town decorating your own — awesome for a sleepover breakfast option! The Central District shop is located in Midtown Square.

Frost, Mill Creek

In Mill Creek Town Center, Frost brings a taste of artisanal doughnuts closer to those of us who live outside of Seattle proper. Kiddos will be delighted by the oodles of sprinkles on chocolate and vanilla cake doughnuts, while parents will appreciate the novelty of strawberry champagne or spiced Aztec chocolate varieties. The location also serves up a full brunch menu, so you can get some eggs — or at least some French toast — into your littles before the sweets. Bonus: Elevated Sportz and the Arena Sports Family Entertainment Center are both a short drive away for burning off that sugar rush.

Dochi, multiple locations 

If you haven’t yet had the chance to try the much-hyped sensation that is the mochi doughnut, you’re in for a real treat. Orlando brand Dochi brings the fusion dessert — a culinary cross between a doughnut and mochi — to the Pacific Northwest. Each crispy bubble of ring-shaped dough is filled with a chewy bite of mochi, the glutinous Japanese rice sweet. Funky flavor choices include ube, taro pebbles and matcha-Oreo, plus there are fun rotating specials such as Unicorn and Lucky Charms (stalk Dochi's Instagram feed to see the latest taste sensations). There’s no standalone shop; to find these delights, you’ll need to venture into the Uwajimaya food hall in the Chinatown–International District or inside The Eatery at Lam’s Seafood Market in Tukwila.

The Donut Lab, Renton

Dreaming of a tropical escape? If you can’t make it to Hawaii’s sandy beaches, the island-inspired delicacies at The Donut Lab might just be the perfect consolation treat. The company looks to bring a taste of the tropics to Seattle with its take on the malasada, a Portuguese-style doughnut delicacy popular in Hawaii. The fluffy, sugar-crusted pastries come in a variety of exotic flavors, including guava, macadamia nut and piña colada. Currently, the shop doesn’t have a storefront — you’ll need to order online and pick the doughnuts up in Renton to get your malasada fix.

The Flour Box, Seattle 

You’ll know you found this insanely popular Hillman City bakery café when you spot the long customer queue outside the doors, a line that often forms long before the 10 a.m. opening. You’ll need to arrive early if you want to get your hands on one of the incredible brioche doughnuts: The first-come, first-served bakery is open Thursdays through Sundays, and usually sells out of doughnuts by noon! Inside, the cozy, light-flooded space feels like a friend’s (very chic) living room. Everything is made in-house from scratch. Homemade honeycomb or pandan leaves make their way into unexpected fillings, such as coconut milk custard or cardamom-scented basmati rice pudding. The Flour Box also serves a selection of fun beverages.

Donut Factory, multiple locations

Over-the-top decadent is how we would describe the sugary temptations at Donut Factory, which loads up its confections with everything from Oreos to bacon. Indulge in a doughnut version of your favorite candy bar, cinnamon roll or s’more; or go for a classic Bavarian cream or a fun PB&J option. The University District location is a hop and a skip from the Burke Museum, making it the perfect pre- or post-visit refueling stop. There is also a location in Lynnwood.

Mighty-O Donuts, multiple locations

Considered a venerable local institution, Mighty-O may not have the glitz factor of some of the other shops on this list, but the doughnuts are definitely on point, consistently tasty and made with all-organic ingredients — and without eggs and dairy, making Mighty-O one of the few vegan-friendly doughnut shops in the area. The focus is on dense, chewy cake doughnuts in chocolate, vanilla, iced and glazed options, along with specialty flavors, such as the wildly popular French toast. Five convenient locations around the city mean you’re never too far from a yummy treat.

Legendary Doughnuts, multiple locations

A fun local chain with seven locations around Greater Seattle, Legendary Doughnuts earns its name — starting with the size of their doughnuts, which are absolutely enormous. One just may be enough to share among a family of four — but you'll have a tough time settling on only one choice. Think chocolate cake doughnuts covered in crushed Oreos and gummy worms; a doughnut-cinnamon roll hybrid; and don’t sleep on the doughsant — a flaky fusion of a doughnut and a croissant in flavors like Snickers or tiramisu. Psst: Parents can indulge in a just-for-them “boozy ball” doughnut, filled with spiked cream. Have an occasion to celebrate? Doughnut enthusiasts will rejoice at their alternatives-to-cake options, from a giant “hamburger,” to a towering doughnut stack.

Crown Donuts, Maple Valley

Hiding away at a tiny strip mall, Maple Valley’s Crown Donuts is proof that good things come in small packages. This little neighborhood shop bakes up all your favorite classics: raised, cake style, glazed and filled; or get the mixed dozen box to try them all. There are also fresh-brewed coffee drinks on tap, and a selection of breakfast sandwiches and burritos should you want something more substantial for your kiddos’ morning meal before digging into the doughnut-y goodness. Have a hankering for a specific flavor combo? Place a pre-order the day ahead, and you can customize your doughnut selection with your preferred filling, frosting and topping options!

Chuck’s Donut, Renton

Another small and homey doughnut shop in an unassuming Renton plaza, Chuck’s Donut is known for its bright, cozy vibes and the uncomplicated but delicious doughnut offerings that have earned it the vote of Renton’s Best Bakery in 2024. Among its claims to fame are the tasty maple bars and airy French crullers, along with other familiar favorites like old fashioned, devil’s food and more, plus a good selection of hot and cold drinks. Night owls and (very) early birds, take note: this place opens at the impressive hour of 3 a.m., if that’s when you prefer your doughnuts — just don’t tell your kids if you like your sleep!

Pao’s Donuts & Coffee Shop, Tacoma

The bright blue roof on this cute little doughnut spot in North Tacoma will let you know you’ve found the right place. The cheery, family-run shop has become somewhat of a local institution, serving up what are said to be some of the best, fluffiest doughnuts in town, landing it on the Best of Pierce County businesses list. You'll find all the old-school classics here — from buttermilk and chocolate bars to a variety of cake doughnuts, scones and more, along with a small specialty coffee menu. Bonus: The doughnuts are under $2, and even better, there is a convenient drive-thru where families on-the-go can get their doughnut fix without stepping out of the car (perhaps on your way for a game of bowling or mini golf at Tower Lanes Entertainment Center just down the street). Just remember to bring cash and they don't accept anything else.

Underground Donut Tour, Seattle

Just can’t decide which amazing doughnut creations to try first? How about leaving it up to a local doughnut expert (yes, that’s a thing) to decide and be your guide? Go on a delicious family adventure with the Underground Donut Tour, starting in Belltown and heading to Pike Place Market. You’ll check out some of Seattle’s best doughnut shops, learning about their history and other doughnut-related trivia along the way. But most importantly, of course, you’ll sample all of the fried sugary goodies you can handle!

Dough much more to come

We are watching two exciting new doughnut destinations, bringing their yeasted goodness to the doughnut-deprived residents of Sammamish and Issaquah Highlands. Good Lazy Donuts will arrive at Issaquah Highlands’ Grand Ridge Plaza, with delightful sweet and savory brioche doughnut offerings in over 70 rotating varieties. Meanwhile, Dapper Doughnut in the Sammamish Highlands is set to highlight over-the-top cake doughnuts piled with toppings in flavors like funnel cake and bananas Foster. Both shops plan to open their doors in the first half of 2025  — we can’t wait!

Editor's note: This article was originally published in 2022 and was most recently updated by the writer in February 2025. New doughnut shops were added and all entries were fact-checked.