Whether you prefer glazed, chocolate-covered, fruit-filled or holes, National Donut Day means sweet specials. But more than a day to indulge in tasty treats and delicious doughy perfection, this holiday has a long history. National Donut Day began in 1938 as a fundraiser for The Salvation Army. The goal was to help those in need during the Great Depression and to honor The Salvation Army “Lassies” of World War I, who served doughnuts to soldiers. On Friday, June 4, you can celebrate the fried goodness with these delectable deals.
READ ALSO: The 16 best sandwiches in Arizona
Alien Donuts
Old Town Scottsdale’s favorite cosmic doughnut place is featuring an extraterrestrial deal for National Donut Day this year. Alien Donuts is giving its first 100 customers a free special galactic doughnut. But it’s first come, first serve, so make sure you get there early.
Bashas’
Just in time for National Donut Day, Bashas’ held its annual Flavor Craze contest. Top prizes went to the Kinder Joy Donut, filled with buttercream and topped with chocolate hazelnut spread; the Greek-inspired Baklava Donut; and the Peruvian-influenced Delirium Donut, filled with Bavarian cream and topped with chocolate icing, crushed pecans and a caramel drizzle. All three winning donuts are available for purchase in Bashas’ bakery cases across the state starting June 4. On Friday only, purchase a dozen doughnuts and receive an additional six doughnuts for free.
Chin Up Donuts
Locally owned Chin Up Donuts has teamed up with Fired Pie and Lolo’s Chicken & Waffles to create one-of-a-kind flavors inspired by the restaurants’ signature dishes. Try the Fired Pie Pizza Donut, covered in a marinara sauce glaze, shredded mozzarella and pepperoni, or the Mother Clucker, a maple-glazed brioche doughnut topped with Lolo’s crispy fried chicken and a waffle slice. Also making a special appearance is the Crème Brulee doughnut, stuffed with house-made custard and topped with crispy torched sugar. All three flavors are available only on June 4.
Copper & Logs
This gastropub in Gilbert is celebrating National Donut Day with a homemade glazed donut draped in caramel and topped with vanilla ice cream for $5.95. The delicious dessert made by Chef Mike Maitrel-Bugard will only be available on Friday, June 4.
Desert Donuts
This year, Desert Donuts is observing the day by showing their appreciation for frontline workers. With its “Donuts for Heroes” theme, the shop is offering a free doughnut to any active military member or veteran as well as nurses, doctors, police officers and firefighters, with the presentation of an I.D.
DoNut Worry Arizona
This family-owned shop in Mesa, which is known not only for its doughnuts but also its fresh smoothies and sandwich combos, is celebrating the day by offering one free doughnut with any purchase.
Duck Donuts
This Chandler donut store is giving out free donuts this Friday to celebrate National Donut Day. Choose between cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar or a plain doughnut. One per person, and no purchase necessary.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ is sweetening summer festivities by celebrating National Donut Day with a free doughnut with any beverage purchase. All day long on June 4, all Dunkin’ locations are offering a free classic donut of your choice with the purchase of any beverage, while supplies last.
Hash Kitchen
Chef Joey Maggiore puts an Italian spin on America’s favorite morning treat with his Cannoli Doughnuts. Fried dough is filled with sweet cannoli cream made with ricotta and chocolate chips and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Delizioso! The doughnuts are available at all five Hash Kitchen locations for $12.
Krispy Kreme
For one of the sweetest days of the year, Krispy Kreme is doing a giveaway with a fun addition for vaccinated customers. Receive one free doughnut for National Donut Day, and get a second free doughnut with proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. All locations are participating while supplies last.
LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee
LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee is celebrating National Donut Day all week with its Donut Sweepstakes, giving away free donuts for a year, month or week. Get one entry for every dozen doughnuts or gift card purchased between May 30 and June 5; addition ways to win are available through social media and LaMar’s Lover for Life rewards program.
Rainbow Donuts
Rainbow Donuts on East McDowell Road is honoring first responders on National Donut Day. Get six free delicious donut holes with the purchase of one dozen doughnuts at regular price.
Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants
All four East Valley locations of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants are offering delicious churro doughnuts to celebrate National Donut Day. Two churro doughnuts covered in cinnamon sugar and sprinkled with powdered sugar are $3.99 and are available while supplies last.
STK Steakhouse
Why have just one doughnut, when you can have a bag full of bite-size treats. STK Steakhouse in Scottsdale is featuring its Bag O’ Donuts dessert with flavor options including cinnamon sugar, dulce de leche, raspberry and chocolate. Grab a bag for $12 when you dine-in, take out or order delivery.
The Mint Dispensary
Curb your munchies with a decidedly adult donut at any The Mint Dispensary locations. On Friday only, the Guadalupe-based chain’s three facilities are offering the largest cannabis-infused donut in the state. Weighing in at 6 pounds, the 10-inch by 5-inch donut contains 3,000 mg of THC and is available for $150. It is available in limited quantities and while supplies last. For a lighter snack, try the regular-size blueberry-cheesecake-filled donuts. Each is infused with 100 mg of THC and sells for $18 each. In addition, The Mint in Tempe is featuring a cannabis-infused donut burger, infused with 100 mg of THC, for $18.