The Best Donuts in Huntsville, Alabama
Beyond the simple glazed or chocolate-frosted circles of childhood, the world of donuts is a vast and varied landscape, and everyone has their own deeply personal preference.
The memories tied to that perfect sugary bite—whether a warm, melting classic or a fun, mini-sized confection—are often just as sweet as the treat itself. Does “hot doughnuts now” make you want to turn right in and pick up a hot dozen from Krispy Kreme?
But with a growing number of options in Huntsville, knowing where to find your perfect match is key.
Some prefer the melt-in-your-mouth magic of a time-honored chain like Krispy Kreme, while others seek out the artisanal craftsmanship of a local shop like Kay Donuts.
The answer lies in understanding what each Huntsville donut destination brings to the table, from traditional yeast-based rings to gourmet, made-to-order creations.
Read on for a taste of what makes each shop unique and to help you find your new favorite. The list is in alphabetical order. Be sure to call for hours as they can vary by location or holiday hours.
Since we are talking about the best donuts in town, you will want to see the whole picture of what the Rocket City has to offer in the best restaurants, too. Make sure to click the link to visit our list of all Huntsville Restaurants.
This article written by Darlene from foodandlifepath.com. Read more at the author page.
Bigfoot’s Little Donuts
Bigfoot’s Little Donuts specializes in fresh, hot, made-to-order mini donuts that are a textural and flavorful delight.
Unlike standard-sized donuts that might sit in a case for hours, these are cooked right before your eyes, guaranteeing a warm, fluffy interior. The outside of the donut has a perfect slight crispness from the fresh frying, which provides a satisfying crunch that gives way to a soft, cakey center.
The real magic, however, lies in the generous and creative toppings, which are applied immediately to the warm donuts so they melt and meld into a delicious coating.
This creates a perfectly balanced bite where the warm, simple donut base is enhanced by a rich layer of flavor, like the vanilla cream cheese and cinnamon sugar of the fan-favorite Cinnamon Roll, the classic powdered sugar of a Funnel Cake, or the vibrant Fruity Pebbles.
It’s a whimsical, indulgent, and deeply satisfying experience from the first mini donut to the last.
Bigfoot’s Little Donuts
Address: 7914 Memorial Pkwy SW Suite A5, Huntsville, AL 35802
Phone: (256) 348-2500
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Sunday, closed
Specialty: Fresh, hot, made-to-order mini donuts with a wide variety of toppings.
Daylight Donuts
Daylight Donuts have a classic, old-fashioned flavor and texture, reminding us of a retro era that is back to a simpler, homemade style of donut.
The iconic light and fluffy dough is created using a special mix, giving them a distinctly tender quality that melts in your mouth.
Each morning, the donuts are made fresh, resulting in a perfectly pillowy interior. This is especially true for the simple, sweet glazed variety, where the sugary coating crackles delightfully before giving way to the soft, warm dough.
Beyond the standard options, customers also praise their more elaborate treats, such as the apple fritters, which are a textural mix of crispy fried edges and soft apple-flecked interiors.
Daylight Donuts
Address: 11823 A Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35803
Phone: (256) 656-4753
Hours: Monday–Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Specialty: Freshly baked donuts and other treats, including apple fritters.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ donuts are a straightforward, no-nonsense treat, designed for consistency and mass appeal rather than gourmet artistry.
Unlike the lighter-than-air texture of a fresh Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’s yeast-based donuts tend to be a little chewier and more substantial. They are a classic example of what a traditional American donut should be: soft, puffy, and satisfyingly sweet.
The classic flavors, like the Glazed or Chocolate Frosted with Sprinkles, are reliably sweet and simple. While the glaze on a glazed donut has a sugary quality that melts in your mouth, the flavors are not overwhelming. Dunkin’s cake-based varieties, such as the Chocolate Cake or Old-Fashioned, offer a denser, heartier crumb that works well for dunking in coffee.
Though freshness can vary between locations, at their best, Dunkin’s donuts deliver a reliable and nostalgic treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.
Dunkin’
Address: Multiple locations include: 1221B Memorial Pkwy NW, Huntsville, AL 35801; 10055 S Memorial Pkwy B, Huntsville, AL 35803; 4705 Holmes Ave NW, Huntsville, AL 35805; 2785 Carl T Jones Dr SE Suite A, Huntsville, AL 35802
Phone: Multiple locations include: (256) 960-9197, (256) 960-9263, (256) 458-1820, (256) 960-9239
Hours: Open daily, varies by location.
Specialty: Standard chain offerings of donuts, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches.
Kay Donuts
Kay Donuts is a local spot where the donuts are known for their incredibly soft and fluffy texture, reminiscent of a homemade, classic style.
Unlike the dense, chewy consistency of some chain options, Kay Donuts offers a light and airy experience that is fresh and delicate. This quality is especially noticeable in their simple glazed options, which many reviewers describe as incredibly delicious.
Beyond the classic options, the shop offers a variety of donuts, including cake, crullers, and fritters, showcasing both traditional methods and a wide flavor range.
The generous and kind service from the owner, Sophia, often adds to the warm and inviting feeling. The overall result is a comforting, freshly made treat that feels special and personal, a delightful departure from mass-produced competitors.
Kay Donuts
Address: 2246 Winchester Rd NE, Huntsville, AL 35811
Phone: (256) 970-7924
Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Friday, 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Specialty: Fluffy, light donuts and breakfast items.
Krispy Kreme
For many, the experience of a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed donut is truly elevated when the “Hot Light” is on, signifying a fresh batch straight off the production line.
At that moment, the donut is an exercise in warm, ephemeral bliss. Its iconic light and airy texture, achieved with a special yeast-based dough, is unlike the denser, cake-like consistency of other donuts.
As you hold it, you can feel the warmth and a slight stickiness from the glaze. The first bite offers a delicate, thin, and slightly crackled sugar shell that immediately gives way to a cloud-soft interior.
The glaze and the pillow-soft dough dissolve together on your tongue, leaving a sugary sweetness that is never overwhelming but always satisfying. This melt-in-your-mouth magic is what keeps customers coming back for more.
Krispy Kreme
Address: 1218 N Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 536-7475
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Specialty: Melt-in-your-mouth original glazed donuts, especially when the “Hot Light” is on.
Parlor Doughnuts
Parlor Doughnuts offers a uniquely layered, buttery dough, setting it apart from traditional cake or yeast-based donuts.
Imagine a croissant and a doughnut meeting and creating a delicious hybrid, resulting in a pastry that is both crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside.
As you take a bite, you experience the pleasant crackle of the sugary crust, which then gives way to the tender, airy interior.
Their extensive list of over 20 creative flavors, like Maple Bacon and Campfire (s’mores), ensures a vibrant and satisfying feast for the senses.
The generous toppings are a key part of the experience, with fresh fruit, nuts, and chocolate arranged in visually appealing ways.
The donut is so light that it’s easy to enjoy, though it’s more filling than you might expect, making it a truly indulgent dessert.
Parlor Doughnuts
Address: 2500 Clinton Ave W suite b, Huntsville, AL 35805
Phone: (256) 203-5291
Hours: Open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Specialty: Layered, croissant-style doughnuts and gluten-free options.
Shipley Do-Nuts
Shipley Do-Nuts are loved for their classic, old-fashioned flavor and texture, reminding us of a simpler, homemade style of donut.
When served hot and fresh, they melt in your mouth with a light, airy, and pillowy softness. Unlike denser, cake-style donuts, Shipley’s are yeast-based, giving them a distinctly fluffy quality.
The signature glazed variety offers a sugary sweetness that crackles slightly before giving way to the warm, gooey interior, creating a “heavenly” experience for loyal customers.
The hand-cut nature of the donuts adds a touch of rustic charm, and the aroma of fresh baking, cinnamon, and vanilla fills the air, drawing people in for a taste.
What is a Kolaches at Shipley Do-Nuts?
Shipley Do-Nuts, is famous for their kolaches as well as donuts. A kolache is a savory, baked pastry that features their signature soft, yeast-raised donut dough wrapped around a filling.
This Tex-Czech treat is a popular breakfast option and a delicious contrast to the sweet donuts.
While traditionally, the word “kolache” refers to a sweet pastry with fruit or cheese, the style at Shipley’s is a savory adaptation that is sometimes technically called a “klobasnik”.
For a Shipley’s kolache, you can expect fillings like:
- Sausage: A savory sausage link is baked inside the dough, often with cheese.
- Ham and Cheese: A classic combination of ham and melted cheese wrapped inside the pillow-soft bread.
- Jalapeño and Cheese: For a spicy kick, this version adds jalapeño slices to the sausage and cheese.
- Bacon, Egg, and Cheese: This hearty breakfast option combines bacon, scrambled egg, and melted cheese.
Shipley Do-Nuts
Address: 1010 Memorial Pkwy NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 583-2670
Hours: Open daily, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Specialty: Donuts, kolaches, and espresso drinks.
Tous Les Jours
Tous Les Jours offers a distinct and delightful donut experience, blending the French art of baking with subtle Asian influences, resulting in pastries that are airy, fluffy, and less sweet than their American counterparts.
Unlike dense cake donuts, the dough is incredibly soft and delicate, providing a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
A key feature of their filled donuts is the airy and not-too-heavy cream that is generously piped inside, coming in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and mango.
Tous Les Jours
Address: 1026 Mid City Dr, Huntsville, AL 35806
Phone: (256) 270-7168
Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Specialty: A bakery with a French influence offering a variety of pastries, including donuts, plus cakes and other desserts
In addition to traditional flavors, they feature unique, Asian-inspired varieties such as the Sweet Rice Donut, with its slightly chewy texture from glutinous rice flour, or the Red Bean Donut, which provides a satisfying sweetness from its smooth red bean filling.
For those who prefer a savory bite, options like the sesame donut offer a nutty crunch. The donuts are often dusted with a delicate coating of crystallized sugar, creating a satisfying texture that complements the softness of the dough.
Visually, the bakery itself is an artistic and colorful display, with each donut crafted with care and presented in an inviting way.
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