Craving Something Sweet? These 10 Ohio Donut Shops Deliver Big Time

Ohio has become a hidden paradise for donut lovers across the Midwest. From family-owned bakeries that have perfected recipes over generations to innovative newcomers pushing the boundaries of donut creation, the Buckeye State offers an impressive variety of these beloved treats. Whether you’re seeking classic glazed perfection or unique flavor combinations that challenge what a donut can be, these 11 Ohio donut destinations are worth every calorie.

1. Bill’s Donut Shop, Centerville

A true Centerville institution since 1960, Bill’s has earned national recognition from food critics and celebrities alike. The 24-hour operation means fresh donuts are always coming out of the kitchen, regardless of when your sweet tooth strikes.

Locals swear by their pretzel donuts – a unique twisted creation with the perfect balance of sweetness and chew.

The shop maintains an old-school vibe with counter seating and friendly staff who remember regular customers’ orders. Family-owned for generations, Bill’s community support during local crises has cemented their beloved status beyond just making great donuts.

2. Buckeye Donuts, Columbus

Serving Ohio State University students since 1969, this campus landmark stays open 24/7, providing sweet fuel for late-night study sessions and early morning classes. The shop’s scarlet and gray buckeye donut pays homage to OSU traditions. College memories form here amid the aroma of fresh dough and brewing coffee.

Beyond their namesake treat, their apple fritters have developed a cult following for their massive size and perfect cinnamon-apple flavor. Owner Jimmy Barouxis continues his father’s legacy, maintaining the shop’s original recipes while adding modern touches that keep new generations coming through the door.

3. Donut World, Lancaster

Rising before dawn, the bakers at this Lancaster gem create handcrafted donuts that sell out regularly before noon. Their maple bacon long johns combine sweet maple glaze with perfectly crisp bacon strips – a combination that draws customers from neighboring counties.

The shop’s humble exterior belies the magic happening inside. Seasonal offerings like pumpkin spice in fall and strawberry cream in summer keep the menu fresh and customers returning throughout the year.

Owner Maria Chen learned donut-making from her grandfather and incorporates both traditional American styles and subtle Asian-inspired flavors that make Donut World uniquely delicious.

4. Holtman’s Donut Shop, Loveland

Four generations of donut expertise make Holtman’s a Cincinnati-area treasure. Their Loveland location showcases the art of donut-making with an open kitchen where visitors watch bakers hand-cut, fry, and glaze each batch.

Famous for their massive apple fritters and light-as-air yeast donuts, Holtman’s also creates seasonal masterpieces like their pumpkin cheesecake-filled variety. The shop’s Instagram-worthy creations, including their colorful cereal-topped donuts, attract food photographers and influencers.

Weekend mornings bring lines out the door, but regulars insist the wait is part of the experience – building anticipation for that first heavenly bite.

5. Donut Land, Brunswick

Brunswick’s beloved morning destination has perfected the classic donut over three decades of operation. The shop’s no-frills approach focuses on consistent quality rather than trendy creations, earning them fierce loyalty from locals. Their buttermilk cake donuts achieve the impossible – a crisp exterior giving way to a tender, moist interior that melts in your mouth.

Early birds get the best selection, as everything is made fresh daily in limited quantities. The friendly counter staff greet regulars by name, creating a community gathering spot where police officers, construction workers, and families all converge for Cleveland’s best breakfast treats.

6. Amy’s Donuts, Columbus

Vibrant colors and creative toppings define the Amy’s Donuts experience. This Columbus hotspot turns donuts into edible art with options like their Fruity Pebbles-covered rings and cookie dough-stuffed creations that push donut boundaries.

Originally from Colorado, Amy’s brought their whimsical approach to Ohio, creating an instant sensation. The shop’s interior matches its playful menu with bright murals and fun seating perfect for capturing social media moments.

Despite the wild combinations, Amy’s never sacrifices quality for novelty. Each donut starts with perfectly fried dough before being transformed into over 100 different varieties that change regularly.

7. Donald’s Donuts, Zanesville

Zanesville residents start lining up before dawn at this unassuming shop that’s been perfecting donuts since 1960. The original recipes remain unchanged – a testament to getting it right the first time.

Donald’s sour cream donuts achieve legendary status with their distinctively tangy flavor and tender crumb.

The shop maintains a cash-only policy and closes once they sell out, which happens with increasing frequency as their reputation spreads beyond Muskingum County. Third-generation baker Tommy Thompson still arrives at 1 AM to begin the day’s production, insisting that proper donuts can’t be rushed. His dedication ensures consistent quality that keeps families returning for generations.

8. The Donut Haus Bakery, Springboro

German baking traditions influence everything at this charming Springboro establishment. The half-timbered exterior sets expectations for the old-world quality found inside, where donuts are made using European techniques passed down through generations.

Their signature bismarcks feature housemade fruit preserves injected into light, yeasty dough. Weekends bring special treats like apple strudel donuts that combine two beloved German pastries into one delicious creation.

Founder Klaus Weber immigrated from Bavaria in 1982 and opened the bakery to preserve his family’s recipes. Today, his grandchildren maintain his exacting standards while introducing subtle innovations that respect tradition.

9. Resch’s Bakery, Columbus

A Columbus institution since 1912, Resch’s represents the quintessential neighborhood bakery that happens to make extraordinary donuts. The unassuming storefront on East Livingston Avenue hides a treasure trove of baked goods made from recipes that have survived two world wars.

Their cake donuts achieve the perfect density – substantial without being heavy, with a distinctive vanilla-forward flavor profile. Saturday mornings transform the shop into a community hub where multiple generations gather to continue family traditions. The bakery cases contain much more than donuts, but regulars know to arrive early for the best selection of their famous chocolate-iced specialties.

10. Jim’s Donut Shop, Vandalia

Time stands still at this Dayton-area institution where hand-cut donuts have been made the same way since 1958. The original counters and stools remain, creating an authentic mid-century experience that complements their classic donuts.

Their cinnamon twists have achieved legendary status throughout the Miami Valley – perfectly fried dough with a crackling sugar coating and warm cinnamon spice.

The shop operates on a simple philosophy: open early, close when sold out, repeat daily. Owners Larry and Connie Wherle purchased the shop from original owner Jim in 1979 and have preserved both his name and his recipes, believing firmly that donut perfection was already achieved.