MLive readers share their must-have doughnuts in Michigan

Sprinkled, powdered or glazed, it is obvious that Michigan loves its doughnuts. Since kicking off our search for Michigan’s Best Doughnut on Monday Sept. 14, we’ve gotten 168 nominees from all over the state, and many passionate emails explaining just what makes these sweet treats so good. We’ve got our complete list of nominees so far below, and included some of the awesome shout-outs that we’ve been collecting that last few days.

We’ll continue taking your nominations through noon Friday, Sept. 18. And you can always send us an email detailing what makes your favorite place so special.

How to make a nomination

Send us the name of your favorite doughnut shop, it’s address or at least what city it’s located in, and what makes their doughnuts so good. We always love to hear about personal favorites, or the doughnut that you must order. Put “Michigan’s Best Doughnut is at.......” in the subject line. Be sure to include the name of the shop in the subject field.

Email us at:

gonzo@mlive.com

or

asherma2@mlive.com

After the nomination process, we’ll create regional polls that will go up on Monday, Sept. 21, and you’ll be able to vote through noon Friday, Sept. 25.

As on past searches, each regional winner is guaranteed a visit. We’ll decide the other finalists from a variety of other factors, including poll placement, reputation, history and passionate pleas from you. We’ll visit around 30 finalists.

If you don’t see your nomination in our lists below, please do send us another email. We may have missed it as we sorted through hundreds and hundreds of them, our apologies if your favorite place slipped through.

Special thanks to Michigan’s Best Doughnut search sponsor, the Michigan Sugar Company.

Lansing

Mitten Raised, East Lansing

Quality Dairy, Lansing

Groovy Donuts, East Lansing-"The blueberry fritter. It is as big as your head, so its enough for 2 or 3 people and it is DELICIOUS!"-Jodi

Meyer’s Hometown Bakery & Beanery, Lake Odessa-"Every doughnut delicious, but when served up with small-town charm, friendly smiles and in an adorable atmosphere they taste even better."-Morgan

Pierson Orchard Market, Orleans-"They have the most AMAZING Apple Fritters! These fritters are the size of your face and they are packed full of fresh picked apples from their farm. People line up on the weekends to be the first to get one before they are sold out. All the flavors of warm cinnamon apples (filled with tons of apple pieces) and coated in a sweet glaze, they melt in your mouth and are by far the best donut in Michigan."-Lauren

Bea’s Bakery, Owosso-"Call me a purist, but I think a donut shop’s true test is whether they can execute the basics perfectly. Anybody can sell donuts based on novelty. Don’t give me donuts topped with bacon, infused with candy bars, or glowing with neon frosting. I believe the true measure is how good is a donut maker’s classic white frosted long john. And on that basis, Bea’s Bakery nails it. The dough, the glaze, the texture, the taste...it’s perfection."-John

Marv’s Bakery, Brighton

New nominees:

Phillips Orchards & Cider Mill, St. Johns

Saginaw, Bay City & Thumb

Murphy’s Bakery, Bad Axe

Johnson’s Giant Pumpkins, Saginaw

H&H Bakery, Au Gres

The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe, Midland

Butter Crust Bakery, Bridgeport-"We grabbed donuts from there to take to a robotics meeting at our son’s school. All the comments were how good they were and were none left. Haven’t found anywhere else that came even close to the goodness and quality of their donuts. Love that their location is so close to home and on our way to many locations to stop by and get some for meetings and such."-Debra

North Branch Bakery, North Branch-"Many area party stores and mini-mary’s offer them...all they need to do is say.... “North Branch Bakery Donuts”...They’re huge, soft and taste absolutely heavenly! My personal favorites are the Bavarian cream filled bar and glazed cinnamon roll! Mouth watering treats for sure."-Nancy

Chef Shell’s Restaurant and Catering, Port Huron-"The best darn donuts in Michigan, if not the country, are here. They have a cherry fritter that is to die for. Well worth the trip. Not only the best donuts but they have great meals too. During the COVID time they put together meal deals for $20.00 that fed 4+. They are always helping the community in SO many ways."-Malinda

Hamilton Home Bakery, Saginaw

Yale Bakery, Yale

H&H Bakery and Restaurant, Pinconning

New nominees:

Central Shop Rite, Vassar

Flint

Donna’s Donuts, Flint

B&J’s Donuts, Flint

Max’s Donuts, Lapeer-"My husband is from Lapeer and every time we visit we get a donut from Max’s. It’s mom and pop, but the flavor and texture is just right. Make sure you try a peanut butter cinnamon roll."-Janelle

The Holly Donut Shop, Holly-"I am a donut connoisseur and they hands down have the best donuts ever! My husband and I lived in Nashville, TN for awhile and my dad used to ship me Holly Donuts. I love the glaze twist and the lemon filled. But they’re all delicious. I’d never reject a Holly Donut."-Kristy

Blueline Donuts at Carriage House Ministries, Flint-"The best donuts in Michigan are Blueline Donuts from Carriage Ministries. Not only are they light and airy and delicious, but they create transitional employment for the homeless. The stories of redemption and transformation from having a purpose are unbelievable."-Tamala

Davison Home Bakery, Davison

New nominees:

Porter’s Orchard, Goodrich-"The doughnuts are made with their cider, which by the way is the best I’ve had, and it is best about the 1st week of October on, and when they are freshly made you just can’t beat them. I dare ya."-Dean

The Brough Bakery, Clio

Hy’s Cider Mill, Bruce Township -"Their sugar covered cider donut comes out fresh and warm while you watch them cook it for you. It’s light but it’s still a dense cake donut. Not at all greasy, but they come out warm and the donut just melts in your mouth. A perfect treat to pair with their perfect cider this fall season." Joe

The Almont Pastry & Donut Company, Almont-"Their yeast raised donuts are so light they are ethereal. I have never had a donut there that tastes oily. Flavors are both traditional and modern and they have recently started making vegan donuts. My standard taste test for any donut shop is a glazed yeast raised donut as there are no flourishes to hide sub-par pastry under. The yeast raised glazed is what made me declare the Almont Pastry Shop the best donuts I have ever had."-Cat

Crust-A Baking Company,Fenton-"I think Michigan’s Best Doughnut is at Crust - a baking company in Fenton, MI! They’re donuts are always so fresh and never disappoint! My favorite one is definitely the PBJ donut, but they’re all amazing."-Lauren

Ann Arbor

Kapnick Orchards, Britton

Lev’s Bakery, Tecumseh-"Lev’s is a small, multi-generation, family owned bakery. Their old fashioned doughnuts are perfectly balanced in texture and sweetness. My husband, a transplant from the DC area, is quoted as saying, the first time he tried a Lev’s doughnut, “This is easily the best doughnut I’ve ever had. It’s perfect.”-Kate

Emmy’s Kitchen, Blissfield

Dom Bakeries, Ypsilanti-"The focus is where it should be - on making donuts and food that makes you feel good, and not necessarily on the extraneous stuff like building decor or fancy services. In fact, I think that’s what keeps it such a local institution - no matter who you are, everybody feels welcome there to enjoy the best donuts around."-Mark

Tony’s Country Store, Lambertville

DJs Bake Shop, Ann Arbor-"This small shop has been open less than a year, or about a year - time no longer has much meaning as you know. DJ’s cream filled doughnuts are also fantastic, especially the ones that are rectangle-shaped, yeast-raised doughnuts, split with cream in the middle, and chocolate topped. OMG these are good!"-Margaret

New nominees:

Washtenaw Dairy, Ypsilanti-"They have the most delicious donuts, they are handmade, in-house fresh each morning. They are small business with a big heart, an institution in Ann Arbor which opened in 1934. They are legendary."-Betty

The Dexter Bakery, Dexter-"Every donut is delicious. My personal favorite is the creme filled. It is light, fluffy, and not too sweet.They are a small town bakery that has been here for 100 years. They are always friendly and are a staple in this community."-Dawn

Marv’s Bakery, Brighton-"Marv’s Bakery has great donuts overall, but my favorite is their powder sugar coated long john with their perfect white buttercream filling. They also have great raspberry filled jelly donuts. Every time I take them somewhere they are gobbled up and gone with no leftovers to take home."

Dimo’s Deli & Donuts, Ann Arbor-"The yeast doughnuts are airy and yummy and the cake doughnuts are the lightest and most flavorful I have ever had. My favorites are the cream-filled Long Johns, the apple fritter (OMG GOOD), and the cinnamon roll. And the glazed. I could go on and on and on. Oh! And the owner is a hoot. Regulars like us are prepared to be insulted as he slips an extra doughnut in your bag!"-Julie

Pinckney Bakery, Pinckney-"Their doughnuts and apple fritters taste like they used the freshest and cleanest ingredients to create them. The glazed doughnuts melt in your mouth. The apple fritters have chunks of savory apples and are crispy around the edges. Heavenly goodies are made there and their employees are super- bonus!"-The Darish’s

Hamburg Bakery, Whitmore Lake-"They are a family owned and operated shop. They have THE BEST apple fritters, bear claws, cake donuts and pastries in all of Livingston county!"-Chelsea

It’s a Good Day Cafe & Donuts, Ann Arbor (delivery only)

Benny’s Bakery, Saline

M Street Baking Co., Howell

Detroit

Dutch Girl Donuts, Detroit

DK Donuts & Burgers, Oxford

AVON Donuts, Pontiac

Weaver’s Eats & Treats, Harsens Island

Monica’s Baker Boy, Monroe-"An old school bakery with great donuts. The moment you walk in the door the smell of fresh donuts fills the air. Large donuts and tasty donuts of all types, made fresh by a hard working crew. This small hometown shop is awesome."-Mike

Detroit Mini Donut, Detroit (food truck)

Homes Bakery, Rochester

Donut Castle, Warren

Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts, Detroit

The Looney Baker, Livonia-"My office used to rotate to different people each week to bring in donuts. When my week came up, I purchased three dozen and that was it. Everyone in my office is addicted to their donuts and now every week, I bring them in."-Michael

Donutown, Redford Township

Kreps Apple Barn, LaSalle

Donutville U.S.A., Dearborn-"I would like to nominate our donut shop, Donutville USA. We are a second generation, family-owned business that has served the Dearborn and Detroit area for over 54 years. Our donuts are New England-style and hand-cut in our kitchen every day. We use no palm oil, coconut oil or animal by-products and they are cholesterol free. Our donuts are also 25% larger than those sold at other places. Many of our customers have been coming in since we opened on July 4, 1966."-The Porada family

Yates Cider Mill, Rochester

Elliott’s Bakery, Trenton-"Elliott’s Bakery has been making doughnuts fresh from scratch daily since 1931. Their custard doughnut is made fresh daily from scratch and loaded with homemade custard filling, never from a can, and topped with homemade chocolate icing. Elliott’s Bakery has the best donuts on the planet!"-Kris

Golden Donuts, Clinton Township

Willie’s Donuts, Macomb-"This is a tiny, no frills donut shop. Opens and closes early. Not a huge variety of donuts and nothing really fancy, but they are very well made, wonderful raised and cake donuts that do not have the heaviness of the commercial-type donuts. Nice people too. My grandmother was a baker with a stall at the Oakland County Farm Market back in the 40s-60′s and she made the best donuts and cookies I ever ate. Willy’s is a close 2nd."-Thom

Pete’s Oven Bakery, Waterford

Butter-Nut Bakery, Center Line

Donut Cutter, Berkley

Daily Dozen Doughnuts, Royal Oak

Sugarr Donuts, Wyandotte, Woodhaven

New nominees:

Donut Kastle, Taylor-"They are ALWAYS fresh, and have a great variety for everyone. The have cream filled, jelly filled, old-fashioned type, and even thicker cake type doughnuts."-Veronica

Donut Station Cafe, New Baltimore-"They have a buttercream filled donut that will make your mouth drool. They also have an apple fritter that’s to die for. They are owned by a really sweet woman, and only accept cash which makes it even more of an old fashioned experience. She makes them fresh everyday."-Hannah

Elias Donuts, Detroit

Duck Donuts, Troy

Tapped Coffee & Craft Beverages, Canton

Donut Chef, Roseville

Erwin Orchard, South Lyon

Donut Bar + Coffee, Troy, Southfield

Yum Yum Donuts, Lincoln Park-"Made with love every morning, this husband and wife team are baking at 4 am to make the days fresh batch of donuts, they are amazing. Although they close by 2pm , its usually because they have sold out the day’s bake."-DD

New Palace Bakery, Hamtramck

Jackson

Hinkley Bakery, Jackson-"I’m chiming in all the way from Los Angeles because that’s how good those Jackson doughnuts are!"-Bernadette “Michigan’s best doughnut is STILL at Hinkley’s in Jackson Michigan! The crispy outside and the chewy inside are what makes them the best. It’s worth waiting in the long line and having to bring cash to get a box of these heavenly delights. My favorite is the custard filled long john, but the chocolate crescent is a close second.”-Mardi

Petey’s Donuts, Brooklyn (food truck)

Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm, Somerset-"What makes their doughnuts so good is the amount of time and effort put into them. The owner and workers wake up very early every morning just to put love into their doughnuts. They have a huge variety and the doughnuts are always amazing. They are soft and not too sweet. The best."-Chloe

Jonesville Bakery, Joneseville

Morning Fresh Bakeries, Adrian

New nominees:

Louie’s Bakery, Marshall

Foundry Bakehouse & Deli, Albion-They “make their doughnuts fresh by hand each day. Each doughnut is hand cut by their talented staff, fried to perfection at 5:00am each morning and beautifully displayed in the case each day by 7:00am. As my every day doughnut, I love a classic glazed sour cream donut. It is always fried to perfection! But if I’m looking for more of a treat for my weekend donut, its a toss up between The Foundry Roll or the Cream Filled Square with Chocolate Buttercream on top. You cannot go wrong with either".-Caroline

Special Ed’s Donuts-"This roadside doughnut stand is on US-12 in Somerset, MI, right around the corner from Meckley’s! Hope you get a chance to visit, checkout the FB page open on Saturdays & Sundays."-Sue

Muskegon and Lakeshore

Bowerman Blueberries, Holland

Hodgepodge Bakery, Norton Shores

deboer bakkerij & dutch brothers restaurant, Holland

Ryke’s Bakery, Muskegon

Woodland Farm Market, Shelby-"This is a lovely little family owned bakery/farm market. Their donuts are incredible. I kind of hate to nominate them because I consider it my personal bakery. I don’t need other people stopping in!"-Sharon

Mac’s Meats & Country Roads Bakery, Rothbury

Goober’s Bakery, Norton Shores-"Freshly baked and deep fried donuts in Muskegon County. Big, soft sweet and fresh. Cinnamon rolls, (my favorite), rosebuds, apple fritters, all are delicious."-John

Morat’s Bakery, Muskegon

Crane’s in the City, Holland-"Michigan’s best donut is the Apple Cider donut at Cranes in the City. Just a simple, but flavorful donut."-Jan

Good Time Donuts, Holland

New nominees:

Zeeland Bakery, Zeeland

Kalamazoo & Southwest MI

Sweetwater’s Donut Mill, Kalamazoo

Peace, Love and Little Donuts, Portage

Dutch Uncle Donuts, Coldwater

Red Coach Donuts, Stevensville

Yoders General Store, Centreville

The Country Mill, Charlotte

Renzema’s Bakery, Parchment-"Michigan’s Best Doughnut is at Remzema’s Bakery in Parchment, MI. They have been there since I was a kid. They were always a treat on Saturday morning."-Gina

Amanda Marie’s Bakery, Eau Claire

New nominees:

Black Currant Bakehouse, Union Pier

Maebelles, Hastings

Grand Rapids area

Marge’s Donut Den, Grand Rapids-"My favorite donut from Marge’s is the Maple Bacon Donut. It is perfection." Mitchell

Steenstra’s Royal Dutch Bakery, Grandville

Donut Conspiracy, Grand Rapids-"I’ve never in all my life, seen someone turn anything into a donut and still have it taste good. Captain Crunch donuts? Strawberry Poptart donuts with sprinkles? BACON DONUTS??? They have an extreme talent I have never seen at other bakeries besides here. Every little bite is a mini piece of heaven. I’ve gained plenty of “Covid weight” but the 80% of that weight being The Donut Conspiracy makes it 100% worth it!"-Tessa

Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford

Sprinkles Donut Shop, Rockford, Ada, Grandville-"Their Holland creme is the lightest anywhere... love it in the Bird’s Nests and the Creme filled Long Johns. Their Apple Fritters are the best. Old fashioned glazed yeast are light and airy. Sour cream ones are great. Cro-nuts are awesome."-Tracie

Schwallier’s Country Basket, Sparta-"This place makes amazing donuts. The best kind is definitely their apple cinnamon donut. They are open seasonally, but they still “take the cake” for best MI donut! They have just the right amount of sugar on top, and they’re nice and moist."-Skye

Bro’s Doughs, Grand Rapids-"Bro’s Dough in GR is hands down the best donuts ever! They make your order fresh every single time. The smaller size means you can try a variety of flavors."-Wendy

Bostwick Lake Bakery, Grand Rapids

Busy Mom’s Bakery, Cedar Springs

Robinette’s, Grand Rapids

Sandy’s Donuts, Grand Rapids-"We have been going there almost every Saturday morning for the past 6+ years. It’s been one of our first stops on our way home from the hospital after having both of our kids, and the employees know them by name and often ask about the recent events in their lives. Sandy’s has helped form this community and brings people together. The employees are always cheerful and happy to serve us. The donuts are perfection. They nail the classics and have brought more and more creativity to the flavors, fun themes, and social media presence over the past few years. They ask their customers what they want to see more of and they knock it out of the park."-Leah

Phoenix Rising Bakery, Grand Rapids-"Phoenix Rising has delicious, down to earth donuts. They make comfort food donuts, the kind you think about when you want a donut. They’re crisp and soft. It’s a great place to stop, enjoy coffee and chat, when we’re able to do so again."-Jerri

Post Family Farm, Hudsonville

Heidi’s Farm, Lowell

New nominees:

Donut Garden, Grand Rapids (Fulton Street Market)-"Michigan’s best doughnuts are at Donut Garden! They’re light, fluffy, airy, and best of all they’re made without any dairy or eggs."

Ida’s Pastry Shoppe, Jenison

Cindy’s Donuts, Kentwood-"They have all the classics as well as specialty. Made fresh in-house daily."-Chris

Van’s Pastry Shoppe, Grand Rapids

Tom’s Hometown Bakery, Sparta

Rise Authentic Baking, Grand Rapids- “They’re special because everything is gluten free and vegan, making it a go-to place for many people who have allergies and diet restrictions. They are BELOVED in Grand Rapids for this reason.”-Kara

Zeeland Bakery, Zeeland

Northern Lower Michigan

Hilltop Bakery, Bailey

Goodale’s Bakery, Grayling

Peace Love and Little Donuts, Traverse City-"These donuts are to die for! They are mini donuts that are made to order. They have a huge selection and they are always served warm. Great staff and they make them quick, so a dozen is easy to order."-Amy

Conley’s Bakery, Mecosta-"Conley’s has been around for 30 years and makes fantastic doughnuts. Their Apple Fritters and Cinnamon Rolls are excellent! They melt in your mouth and have the perfect amount of frosting."-Thad

Crescent Bakery, Frankfort

Cops & Doughnuts, Clare-"The donuts are to die for but the whole atmosphere of the place just pushes the experience over the top. My favorite is always the peanut butter filled but I have not found a donut yet that I didn’t like from there."-Lisa

The Pour House, Lewiston

Barb’s Bakery, Northport

Pick Kwik, Kalkaska

Mac’s Meats & Country Road Bakery, Rothbury

Potter’s Bakery, Traverse City

Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm, Rogers City-"Knaebe’s makes the best donuts, fresh out of the oven and served up with fresh apples or flavored hard ciders. My personal favorite is the Carmel Glazed Pumpkin."-Scott

The Fruitful Orchard & Cider Mill, Gladwin

Ignite Donuts, Mt. Pleasant

Blue Heron Cafe, Cadillac

Nelson’s Farm Market, Grant

Colonial Village Bakery, West Branch

Neiman’s Family Market, Tawas, Alpena, Clarkston, St. Clair

Johan’s Pastry Shop, Petoskey

Robaire’s Bakery, Mount Pleasant-"The best doughnuts are from Robaire’s bakery in Mount Pleasant. Made fresh daily , they have had the same owner for the entire time, over 55 years. Apple crisp donuts are the best. Quality product with no silly gimmicks."-John

New nominees:

Bojack’s Bake Shop & Cafe, Mancelona

Apple Barrel Cider Mill, Ithaca

Annie’s Baked Goods, Cadillac

Fairview Coffee Shop, Fairview

H&D Chuckwagon, Reed City

Bavarian Bakery & Restaurant, Oscoda

Borntrager Family Bakery, East Jordan

Aloha General Store, Aloha State Park, Cheboygan

Third Coast Bakery, Traverse City

Donut Den, Brinks Family Creamery, Falmouth

Mackinaw City Bakery, Mackinaw City- “My favorite is the peanut butter creme-filled long john. I’ve never seen PB inside a doughnut before. It was so good that my boyfriend and I stopped on our way to the UP for vacation, and on our way back home last month. We’re still thinking about them now!”-Kara

Chimoski Bakery, Suttons Bay-"Great variety but glazed are amazing, customer service is top notch, can’t wait to go back."-Sue

Middleton Bakery, Middleton-"Quite simply the perfect old fashioned sour cream donut . Nothing fancy."-Kevin

Upper Peninsula

Huron Mountain Bakery, Marquette, Ishpeming

Stephenson Bakery, Menominee

New nominees:

Connie’s Kitchen, Calumet

Hilltop Restaurant, L’Anse

The Feed Bag, Surrey Hill, Mackinac Island-"They are made daily by dedicated employees who strive for the best. Plus a secret “Mackinac”recipe."-Theresa

Randall Bakery, Wakefield-"As someone who has travelled Michigan extensively and often stops by local bakeries for donuts, I can say with certainty that the Randall Bakery in Wakefield belongs at the top of your list. In my opinion, their Apple Fritter is the best donut in Michigan. Not only does their bakery have small town charm, but it also retains the quality over quantity and 75 years of expertise baked into each donut."-Jay

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Join in by using the hashtags #mibest, #BestDoughnut and #ItriedMiBest

In addition:

Amy Sherman is on Twitter @amyonthetrail, as well as Facebook and Instagram @amyonthetrail.

John Gonzalez is on Twitter @michigangonzo, as well as Facebook and Instagram @MichiganGonzo.