Doughnuts aren’t just a breakfast treat anymore; they’re practically an art form. In Northern Virginia, bakeries are elevating the humble fried dough with inventive flavors, artisanal techniques, and plenty of thinking ‘outside the hole.’ Here are some of the best spots to grab a delightful doughnut in NoVA this fall.
The Difference Baker
The Difference Baker offers a creative spin on classic baked goods, with noteworthy artisan donuts. Indulge your sweet tooth with a jelly or hot glazed version, and for added fun, plan to toss back a dozen or so powdered donut holes. 20937 Ashburn Rd., Ste. 130, Ashburn
Duck Donuts
Who knew you could do so much with a doughnut? At Duck Donuts, you’ve got the power — choose your coating, topping, and drizzle to build it just the way you like it. Consider peanut butter paradise, s’mores, or raspberry fluff as highlights of your doughy escapade. Multiple area locations
Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe
This cafe is known for its yeast-raised and cake doughnuts, made fresh daily. Favorites include the maple bacon bar, banana cream pie, and old-fashioned blueberry cake. The cafe also offers sandwiches, salads, and toast options as well. 672 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington; 1350 S. Eads St., Ste. 80, Arlington
GoldMiss
GoldMiss serves up chewy, colorful mochi treats that are as fun to look at as they are to eat, with unique flavors like taro, black sesame, and tiramisu. Find them inside the H-Mart food court. 11200 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
DoughLab
DoughLab is known for small-batch, handcrafted brioche doughnuts with rotating sweet and savory flavors like banana pudding and matcha with strawberries. Open Thursday through Sunday (often until they sell out), they serve up fresh treats made without preservatives in a nut-free environment. 21426 Epicerie Plz., Ste. 180, Sterling
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme Manassas serves up iconic hot, glazed doughnuts alongside a full menu of classic favorites, from chocolate-covered to filled varieties. Freshly made donuts and an iconic “Hot Now” sign make it a doughnut lover’s destination. 9870 Liberia Ave., Manassas; 6332 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria; 1891 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg
Just Fine Donuts
Just Fine Donuts is a small-batch vegan shop where each cake and yeast doughnut is made in-house, dairy, and egg-free. Savor flavors like maple with vegan bacon, strawberry oreo, or chocolate with coconut flakes. 2310 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Texas Donuts
Texas Donuts lives up to its name with oversized, Texas-sized treats that are perfect for sharing — or tackling solo for big appetites. Alongside the jumbo glazed classics, you’ll find an array of frosted varieties, bear claws, and character doughnuts that kids will gravitate toward. Multiple area locations
Yoder’s Dutch Delights
Yoder’s brings the flavors of the Pennsylvania Dutch country to NoVA. This Amish bakery brings handmade doughnuts and hearty comfort food to the masses, with distinctive Amish heritage. Try classics like cinnamon sugar or maple glazed, or splurge on a specialty flavor like the chocolate peanut butter or raspberry. 44717 Thorndike St., Ashburn; 9145 Manassas Dr., Manassas Park
Feature image courtesy DoughLab
