On National Donut Day, Local Craft Bakers Are A Best Bet

MILFORD, MA — You may not know it, but you're living in the Massachusetts donut Renaissance.

Friday is National Donut Day, an unofficial holiday set aside for consuming one or more deep-fried treats. But since the last donut day in 2020, a surprising number of new craft donut shops have opened, complementing other local favorites.

In Milford, pastry chef Christina Larson opened Basic Batch after getting laid off at the beginning of the pandemic, and she's been selling out trays of salted caramel and crème brûlée donuts ever since.

Similarly, Hayleigh Noel opened Doughnut Homies at the Worcester Public Market in 2020 after losing her job in the pandemic, giving us varieties like cotton candy, maple bacon and hibiscus ginger. Not too far away, Robin Clark opened the Doh! Girl bagel bakery after losing her job in the pandemic, and recently expanded into the donut business.

With so many new donut shops, there will be plenty of extravagant treats to choose from on Friday and beyond (that other local chain, Dunkin', is offering its usual free classic donut with any beverage purchase). Here's a look at all the local shops between MetroWest and Worcester.

The Donut Stand

• Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon at Vin Bin Southborough, 154 Turnpike Road (Route 9). Monster takes on classic donut styles (and cinnamon buns).

Glazy Susan

• Thursday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. This month's flavors include Vietnamese coffee, berry crisp and lemon sumac. Some donuts are only available weekends. Vegan options available.

Doughnut Homies

• Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Worcester Public Market, 160 Green St. The June menu includes maple bacon, chocolate peanut butter, cotton candy, key lime pie and banana cream.

Country Kitchen

• Weekdays 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., 6 a.m. opening on weekends at 1140 Main St., Millis. Classic styles to choose from, and sometimes some oddities like liver and onions.

Rocco's Doughnut Company

• Friday to Sunday, 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m at 1 Colonial Drive, Westborough. Flavors include ice cream sundae, funfetti and piña colada — and the bakery also sells a $28 giant donut.

Lookout Farm

• Tuesday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; noon to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 89 Pleasant St., Natick. The farm's famous cider donuts are available for sale on Saturdays.

Basic Batch

• Wednesday to Sunday, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 206 East Main St., Milford. June menu includes flavors like buttermilk pancake, piña colada and strawberries and cream.

Blackbird Doughnuts

• Multiple locations between the Fenway Park area and Newton Centre. June menu includes flavors like chocolate mousse, honeycomb cocoa coffee and s'moreo — plus several vegan options.

Doughnuts and Draughts

• Open weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 255 Main St., Worcester. Offers a rotating assortment of craft beer and handmade donuts.

Doh! Girl

• Check website for popup bagel and donut sales. Popups typically happen weekends at the Sprinkler Factory.