The Seven Best Donut Shops in Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Keisha R.
- 20 hours ago
- 8 min read
The greater Colorado Springs area boasts a vibrant and eclectic donut scene, catering to every craving—from classic glazed varieties to inventive, gourmet delights. These aren’t your typical 1950s donut shops; in fact, they’re leaps and bounds better. Whether you're a local or a visitor diving into the city's culinary offerings, you'll find a range of donut spots featuring distinctive flavors, artisanal methods, and welcoming vibes. This guide showcases seven exceptional donut destinations in the Springs, each offering a fresh take on the beloved donut. Get ready for a flavorful tour through some of the city's top donut havens.
Note: We intentionally excluded popular corporate donut chains from this list. That’s no slight to Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’, or the in-store bakeries at King Soopers, Safeway, and Walmart. Our focus was on independent, donut-centric shops that thrive thanks to local support and community interest.
Dad's Donuts
29 E Moreno Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 886-3237 (DADS)
Dad’s Donuts in Colorado Springs is redefining what a donut shop can be. With two new locations on the horizon—9633 Prominent Point and Interquest Parkway—this bakery invites you to trade artificial ingredients for honest, handcrafted indulgence. In fact, this week, Dad's is opening a new location: 9633 Prominent Pt, Colorado Springs, CO 80924. Each donut at Dad's is crafted through a meticulous four-day process, culminating in their signature 109-layer cronuts—a luxurious blend of classic donut charm and buttery croissant layers. Insider tip: Get there early—these treats vanish fast, and once you’ve had one, you’ll understand why. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill donuts. With a delicate sugar finish, rich fillings, and imaginative toppings, each pastry is a work of art that tastes even better than it looks. Add to that a warm, attentive staff who clearly love what they do, and you’ve got more than a bakery—you’ve got a destination. Dad’s Donuts is a must for any serious pastry fan. Or, as Dad likes to put it: “A balanced diet is a cronut in each hand.” Additional note: When we first began researching the best of the best donuts in Colorado Springs, this spot received the most praise from customers. This is a spot to seriously consider.
Happy Hour Donuts
6660 Delmonico Dr., Suite B, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Happy Hour Donut is built on a foundation of outstanding service, genuine care, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Each donut reflects that dedication—from scratch-made dough to rich, house-crafted buttercreams and glazes, every bite reveals their passion for perfection. What began as a home-based bakery during the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into Colorado Springs' first gourmet donut shop. With a monthly rotating menu, there's always something new and imaginative to enjoy. Renowned for their unique flavors you won’t find elsewhere in town, they also host monthly one-day-only themed events that are definitely calendar-worthy. Whether you're planning a wedding, birthday, corporate meeting, or special event, Happy Hour Donut provides catering services that deliver their delightful creations straight to your gathering. Their website features dedicated pages for weddings and catering, making it simple to plan your own donut-focused celebration. What truly sets them apart—beyond the incredible donuts—is the people. The owners are warm, welcoming, and sincerely kind, always greeting guests with smiles and friendly conversation. Their donuts are consistently soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, clearly made with love and care. To add even more versatility, they offer two donut sizes: regular and mini. The mini donuts, especially, are a favorite for weddings and private events—bite-sized treats that make a big impression. They're also happy to help you determine the perfect quantity based on your guest list and donut size. If donuts are on your radar, Happy Hour Donut is a must-visit.
Mochi Thai'm Donuts
721 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
With two convenient locations—Democracy Pointe and North Academy—Mochi Thai’m Donuts has quickly become a must-visit spot in Colorado Springs. The idea took shape during the pandemic when co-owner Sakeo Williams created her own take on the mochi donut to support her Thai restaurant. Her warm, freshly made, and naturally gluten-free donuts soon developed a loyal following. As word spread, longtime family friends and local business owners Greg and Tamara San Agustin took notice. Inspired by Sakeo’s momentum, they teamed up to open the city’s first dedicated mochi donut shop, bringing these made-to-order treats to a broader audience. To complement the donuts, they introduced a boba drink menu featuring a range of popular toppings—the perfect pairing. Mochi Thai’m Donuts reflects Thai roots, clever branding, and a nod to Sakeo’s signature bun hairstyle. From the colorful donut boxes and eye-catching mural to the open kitchen that puts the baking process on display, every element is crafted to make the experience memorable. Choosing your donuts is part of the fun—and most first-time visitors find themselves planning a return. The staff are welcoming, helpful, and always ready with a recommendation. Each donut is made fresh to order, so a brief wait is normal—but absolutely worth it. The space is bright, immaculately clean, and fueled by a genuine dedication to customer satisfaction.
Arnold’s Coffee & Donuts
5883 Palmer Park Blvd. Suite B, Colorado Springs, CO 80915
Arnold’s is the kind of place you hear about from a friend rather than stumble upon in a search—it’s a hidden gem, quietly run by a local family, and largely absent from typical donut listings. But once you walk through the door, it’s clear this spot is something special. The staff is genuinely kind and attentive, the counter service is welcoming and efficient, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Their blueberry fritters are exceptional, and the donuts as a whole are among the fluffiest you'll find—lightly sweet, fresh, and blissfully free of grease. One telling detail: you can set a donut on a napkin and it won’t leave a greasy stain, which is a rarity. Highlights include the chocolate devil’s food and the maple-glazed old-fashioned, both of which are well worth seeking out. Don’t miss the ham and cheese kolache or the expertly made dirty chai either. On one visit, the staff even added a few complimentary glazed donut holes—a charming touch. On another occasion, we picked up two glazed, two blueberry cake donuts, an apple fritter, an iced mocha with the richest chocolate flavor I’ve tasted in Colorado Springs, and an iced matcha—each item outstanding. If you’re new to kolaches, this is the perfect place to try one—they looked incredible and are worth coming back for. The shop itself is immaculate, with clean restrooms and a clear attention to detail across the board. From start to finish, Arnold’s delivers top-tier service and quality. Visit once, and you’ll want to bring friends next time. It’s the perfect stop for a morning outing.
Lily Donuts & Drinks AKA Donuts & Noodles
7607 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Lily Donuts & Drinks—endearingly referred to by many as Donuts & Noodles—is a charming hidden treasure that’s well worth seeking out. This small, inviting shop stands out with its impressive donut selection and genuinely kind service. Though it can get busy and seating is limited, the line moves quickly, and the warm, welcoming staff ensures every guest feels appreciated. The donuts are exceptional—always fresh, bursting with flavor, and clearly made with care. Guests are often greeted with a smile and, on occasion, a few complimentary donut holes tucked into their box—a generous, personal touch that highlights their commitment to customer satisfaction. Lily’s menu features both timeless classics and imaginative specialty flavors, all thoughtfully prepared and incredibly satisfying. The glazed donuts in particular are worth spotlighting—light, fluffy, and so tender they practically melt in your mouth. Even the donut holes make a lasting impression. Moist and flavorful, they come in a variety of options and might just convert even the most skeptical donut hole doubters. They’re ideal for sharing—or hoarding for yourself. Mixing and matching a dozen is part of the fun, especially when enjoyed with friends or family. What truly sets Lily Donuts apart is its consistency. Every visit promises the same high quality, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere. With reasonable prices and a warm, community-driven vibe, Lily Donuts has rightfully earned its place as a local favorite.
Cotton Blossom Caramel
6755 Shoup Rd., Cabin B, Colorado Springs, CO 80908
We discovered this charming little candy shop tucked away in Black Forest—and it was love at first bite. Our visit kicked off with a sampling of their handmade caramels: rich, buttery, and utterly unforgettable. Highlights included the Christmas Jam in dark chocolate and the Bourbon Pecan—both decadent, dreamy treats that left us craving more. Liz, the talented owner, has clearly found her calling. Everything she creates is infused with love, and you can taste that warmth in every bite. Our first donut sample was the Glazed Lemon—bright, zesty, and completely irresistible. Then came the Sugared Pistachio, a sweet-salty, nutty marvel with flawless balance. We were hooked. Liz also offers curated boxes of full-size and mini donuts—sometimes available right from the cabin (while they last!)—and she accepts preorders, making your visit even more seamless and exciting. What truly sets this shop apart is its ever-changing menu. Liz is constantly experimenting, dreaming up inspired new creations. Picture a Sugared Cherry Almond Donut made with sweet cherry juice, amarena cherries, and almond oil, finished with a naturally pink cherry-almond sugar coating—full of flavor and personality. Or the Glazed Blood Orange donut: freshly juiced and zested blood oranges, slow-cooked to intensify the citrus, mellowed with vanilla, and topped with a luminous glaze. In October, we were smitten with the Pumpkin Donuts—pillowy soft, spiced with autumn flavors, topped with buttery streusel and cream cheese drizzle, and enriched with a swirl of salted caramel baked right into the batter. Come holiday season, the Gingerbread Salted Caramel Donuts made their debut—tender and warmly spiced with molasses, ginger, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and a touch of orange, finished with a house-blended dusting that tasted like Christmas morning. This isn’t just a candy shop—it’s a full-sensory experience. Especially around the holidays, it transforms into something truly magical. If you’re anywhere near Black Forest, don’t miss the chance to visit, indulge, and let the flavors sweep you away.
Amy's Donuts
Two Locations: 2704 E Fountain Blvd., 3765 Bloomington St., Colorado Springs, CO
Amy’s Donuts has grown to six locations nationwide, including two conveniently situated in Colorado Springs. Since its debut on December 13, 2013, the brand has built a loyal following—and it’s easy to understand why. Open every single day of the year, including holidays, Amy’s is celebrated for its exceptional service and commitment to quality. The donut selection is impressively large, with highlights like their classic glazed, soft yeast varieties, and a standout maple donut that may be the best we've ever had. Creative offerings include the Elvis-inspired donut, while the German donut—rich and decadent—could easily rival a slice of authentic German cake. Toppings are imaginative and thoughtfully paired with bases that are delicious on their own. Amy’s offers a whimsical, flavor-packed experience, and we suggest grabbing at least a half-dozen to explore the variety. Service is fast, and if you want your donuts filled, just ask—they’ll fill them fresh on the spot, rather than pulling from the case. For unique, memorable donuts, Amy’s is a destination worth seeking out.
In a city as lively and flavorful as Colorado Springs, hunting down the perfect donut becomes a tasty journey worth taking. From timeless classics to daring, imaginative twists, these ten donut shops reflect the spirit and creativity of the local pastry scene. Whether you're a longtime local or a visitor just passing through, each stop serves up its own sweet signature that shows why Colorado Springs is a surprising haven for donut enthusiasts. Whichever place you try, you're sure to discover a treat that’s truly satisfying.
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