Best Donuts in Orange County

The History of Donuts in the United States

If you’re looking for the best donuts in Orange County, check out the list of recommendations from our fellow Orange Countians below. From their humble beginnings to becoming a staple in American culture, the history of donuts in the United States is as rich and diverse as the flavors. Folklore has it, that as early as the 19th century, our Dutch settlers brought their tradition of olykoeks, or “oily cakes,” to America, which were balls of dough fried in pork fat. Over time, these treats evolved into what we now know as donuts.

The first documented mention of the term “donut” can be found in Washington Irving’s 1809 book, “A History of New York,” where he described them as “balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog’s fat.” However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that donuts gained popularity in the United States, thanks to the innovation of Hanson Gregory, a 16-year-old sailor who claimed to have invented the ring-shaped donut. Legend has it that Gregory punched a hole in the center of his fried dough to ensure it was fully cooked, thus creating the iconic shape we know today.

During World War I, donuts gained even more prominence when the Salvation Army volunteers, known as “Donut Lassies,” served them to soldiers on the front lines. This act of kindness provided a comforting taste of home and helped to solidify the donut’s place in American culture.

The 20th century saw the rise of donut shops across the country, with entrepreneurs like Vernon Rudolph founding Krispy Kreme in 1937 and William Rosenberg establishing Dunkin’ Donuts in 1950. These chains revolutionized the industry by introducing standardized production methods and a wide variety of flavors, from classic glazed to innovative creations like maple bacon and red velvet.

 

Today, donuts remain a beloved indulgence enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. They have become synonymous with breakfast meetings, weekend treats, and late-night cravings. The popularity of artisanal bakeries and gourmet donut shops continues to grow, offering unique twists on traditional recipes and catering to ever-evolving tastes.

Recently, interest in nostalgic and retro foods has surged, leading to a renewed appreciation for donuts. Additionally, the rise of social media has fueled a donut craze, with enthusiasts sharing photos of their favorite confections and inspiring others to seek out the best donut spots in town. We can attest to that here @ My Local OC, as we have not yet had such a response to our call for “your favorite” food or locations in our history of taking “Best Of” polls.

The history of donuts in the United States is a testament to the country’s diverse culinary heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. From its origins as a simple fried dough to its current status as a beloved indulgence, the donut has stood the test of time and continues to delight taste buds and bring people together across generations. Read on to find the Best Donuts in Orange County…and if yours isn’t listed, please let us know and we’ll add it!

OUR LIST OF THE BEST DONUTS IN ORANGE COUNTY

Aliso Viejo   Aliso Coffee & Donut   27782 Aliso Creek Rd B   (949) 362-0831   Facebook

Aliso Viejo   JC Donuts   27001 Moulton Pkwy a113   (949) 362-2138   Website

Anaheim   Baker’s Dozen Donuts   3414 W Ball Rd # N   (714) 826-3686   No Website Listed

Anaheim   M&M Donuts   1614 W Katella Ave   (714) 490-0718   Known For Famous Blueberry Donuts   Website

Anaheim   Rose Donut Shop   2819 Lincoln Ave   (714) 630-2911   No Website Listed

Brea   Pk Donuts   602 S Brea Blvd   (714) 257-9510   Order Online

Brea   Sy Donuts   103 W Central Ave # B   (714) 255-1481   No Website Listed

Buena Park   Donut Express   6771 Beach Blvd Suite H   (714) 994-4196   No Website Listed

Costa Mesa   Famous Donuts   845 W 19th St A   (949) 645-1004   No Website Listed

Costa Mesa   Randy’s Donuts   2930 Harbor Blvd   (949) 674-5977   Website

Costa Mesa   Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee   270 E 17th St #18   (949) 873-5424   Website

Cypress   Cafe Du Soleil   5028 Ball Rd   (714) 821-4728   Facebook

Cypress   Granny’s Donuts   6058 Lincoln Ave STE B   (714) 821-3404   No Website Listed

Dana Point   Dippity Donuts   33621 Del Obispo St Ste C   (949) 240-6064   Call To Order

Fountain Valley   Angel Food Donut Shop   16953 Bushard St   (714) 962-5455   Facebook

Fountain Valley   Crafted Donuts OC   18011 Newhope St   (714) 277-3656   Facebook

Fountain Valley   Glee Donuts and Burgers   9475 Heil Avenue Ste A   (714) 531-0288   Website

Fountain Valley   Richard’s Cookie Jar   10130 Warner Ave A   (714) 962-6500   No Website Listed

Fountain Valley   Yong’s Donuts and Cookies   18054 Magnolia St   (714) 964-0249   No Website Listed

Fullerton   B&B Donuts   925 Harbor Blvd   (714) 879-9670   Order Online

Fullerton   Donut Star   3358 Yorba Linda Blvd   (714) 961-8889   No Website Listed

Garden Grove   Donuts – The Donut Makers   13651 Magnolia St   (714) 266-8242   No Website Listed

Garden Grove   K D’s Donut Shop   12387 Valley View St   (714) 892-8095   Website

Huntington Beach   Adams Avenue Donuts   9015 Adams Ave   (714) 962-8921  Website

Huntington Beach   Donut Stoppe   21461 Brookhurst St   (714) 963-1100   No Website Listed

Huntington Beach   Donuttery   17420 Beach Blvd   (714) 847-7000   Website

Huntington Beach   Duck Donuts   18591 Main St   (714) 375-5430   Website

Huntington Beach   Gavin’s Donuts   16487 Springdale St   (714) 846-8066   No Website Listed

Huntington Beach   Golden Boy Donuts   17671 Beach Blvd   (714) 842-3179   Facebook

Huntington Beach   Grandy’s Donuts   15471 Edwards St Unit A   (714) 897-1447   No Website Listed

Huntington Beach   K&M Donuts   5036 Edinger Ave #1436   (714) 840-4192   No Website Listed

Huntington Beach   Superb Donuts   408 17th St   (714) 536-0081   Website

Huntington Beach   Sweet O Donuts   9041 Atlanta Ave   (714) 964-2729   Facebook

Irvine   Donut Star   5365 Alton Pkwy Ste C   (855) 733-6688   Website

Irvine   Duck Donuts   2222 Michelson Dr   (949) 734-6900   Website  

Laguna Beach   South Swell Donuts   31660 Coast Hwy   (949) 499-6171   Website

Laguna Hills   Krazy Eddy’s Donut Shop   23052 Lake Forest Dr   (949) 454-0528   Website

Laguna Niguel   Mission Donuts   28950 Golden Lantern A   (949) 249-2765   No Website Listed

Laguna Niguel   Sunny Side Up Doughnuts   30251 Golden Lantern C   (949) 545-7792   Instagram

La Habra   Jean Donuts   2040 W La Habra Blvd   (562) 691-3299   Website

La Habra   Winchell’s Donut Shop   301 N Harbor Blvd   (562) 690-9908   No Website Listed

Lake Forest   Linda’s Coffee House   29200 Portola Pkwy   (949) 455-1348   Facebook

Lake Forest   Royal Pastries ‘n’ Doughnuts   25435 Trabuco Rd #9   (949) 768-1076   No Website Listed

Los Alamitos   Los Alamitos Donuts   10531 Los Alamitos Blvd   (562) 430-1335   No Website Listed

Mission Viejo   Donut World   27672 Santa Margarita Pkwy    (949) 837-5308   Website

Mission Viejo   Krispy Kreme   25802 El Paseo   (949) 348-8900   Website

Mission Viejo   Royal Donuts and Burgers   24501 Marguerite Pkwy   (949) 837-3909   No Website Listed

Mission Viejo   Scott’s Donuts & Cafe   27500 Marguerite Pkwy #3   (949) 364-2263   Website

Mission Viejo   Surfin’ Donuts   26861 Trabuco Rd, Ste G   (949) 455-1450   Website

Newport Beach   Dough Boy’s Donuts & Bakery   4535 West Coast Hwy   (949) 631-5102   No Website Listed

Newport Beach   Seaside Donuts & Bakery   2108 W Oceanfront    (949) 675-2533   Website

Orange   Dk’s Donuts   3744 E Chapman Ave   (714) 633-5858   Website Coming Soon!

Orange Donut Star   915 W Chapman Ave   (714) 602-8080   No Website Listed

Orange   Friendly Doughnuts   4442 E Chapman Ave   (714) 538-4942   Instagram

Orange   Krispy Kreme   330 The City Dr S   (714) 769-4330   Website

Placentia   K&M Donuts   1808 N Placentia Ave Ste A    (714) 528-4338   No Website Listed

Rancho Santa Margarita   KD’s Donuts   31431 Santa Margarita Pkwy   (949) 858-8591   Website

Rancho Santa Margarita   Pavillion’s Bakery   22451 Antonio Pkwy   (949) 858-0164   Website

San Clemente   Kelly’s Donuts   430 Camino De Estrella   (949) 443-2862   Website 

San Clemente   Rose Donuts   624 Camino De Los Mares #2802   (949) 493-9200   Order Online

San Clemente   SC Donuts   E, 806 Avenida Pico # G   (949) 498-7837   Order Online

San Juan Capistrano   JD Flannel Donuts and Coffee   31878 Del Obispo St #122   (949) 218-4483   Website

San Juan Capistrano   Wendi’s Donuts   31654 Rancho Viejo Rd B   (949) 388-1738   Website

Santa Ana   Donut City   2156 N Tustin Ave   (714) 542-5633   No Website Listed

Seal Beach   Donut City   1210 CA-1   (562) 799-7007   No Website Listed

Seal Beach   Holey Grail Donuts   4803 2nd St, Long Beach   Website

Tustin   DK’s Donuts   1082 Irvine Blvd   (714) 731-1431   No Website Listed

Tustin   Oliboli Donuts   135 W First St Suite B   (877) 646-1380   Website

Westminster   Donut Storr   5972 Westminster Blvd   (714) 892-4828   No Website Listed

Yorba Linda   Station Donuts   18316 Imperial Hwy   (714) 996-7151   Facebook

Written by: Patricia Braun – Publisher – My Local OC
Research by: Tina McNamara – Marketing Assistant – My Local OC