Recently, the DFW Metroplex was crowned as the donut capital of the United States. But just south of the DFW area, another donut empire is on the rise in Waco, Texas.
Whether you're more of a croissant donut type of person, a classic donut person, or even a donut hole type of person—Waco has everything you'll need to satisfy your sugar craving.
Best Donuts in Waco
With that being said… here are the best donuts in Waco.
Nightlight Donuts
Nightlight Donuts started as a food truck in downtown Waco, TX. You would mostly find them at the downtown Waco Farmer's Market, but they would sell out FAST! In fact, no matter how early I tried getting there, they were always sold out.
Needless to say, I was happy when they announced that they were opening a brick-and-mortar store with an endless supply of Parisian-inspired, airy, flaky, croissant-style donuts. Not only that, but they also serve up classic espresso-based coffee drinks, too!
Oh—and Kolaches! In fact, at one point, they partnered with the top-rated BBQ restaurant in Waco (Helberg BBQ) to offer a brisket kolache. That thing was mind-bogglingly delicious!
It's a true coffee shop + donuts. A wonderful combination, indeed.
Best Donuts & Kolache Shop
In my humble opinion, 'Best Donuts & Kolache Shop' has the best donuts in the Waco area. I frequently stop in and pick up half a dozen donuts from there. In fact, I go so often that they simply say, "Half a dozen donuts; two chocolate, two plain glazed, and two colors—which colors do you want today?"
Because that's my order. Every.Single.Time.
The owners are also really sweet people who make some of the most consistent-tasting donuts in the entire area.
Shipley Do-Nuts
Shipley Do-Nuts was founded in 1936 in Houston, Texas, by Lawrence Shipley, Sr. It started out as a small donut shop but has since grown into a popular chain with locations all around the Southern United States.
When they bite into that hot do-nut, it will bring them back every time.
In fact, there are no less than 9 Shipleys Do-Nuts locations in Waco. Need some sugar in your life? Shipley's got you covered.
Shipley Do-Nuts is known for its signature glazed donuts, which have a unique hexagon shape and light, fluffy texture.
M Doughnuts
Their Buttermilk Bars and Classic Glazed Donuts are to die for. Just keep in mind that every time I've had them, they've been a little on the denser side of the donut spectrum compared to classic donuts.
That's not to say they're bad, because they're not. They're most certainly tasty. But they're definitely a different texture than what one might expect when tasting them for the first time.
They are planning to open a physical location of their own on 8th Street in downtown Waco, but in the meantime, you'll find their donuts inside the coffee shop at the Baylor Welcome Center. Alternatively, you can order for delivery if you are staying (or live in) the downtown area.
If you're looking for the perfect pairing of delicious coffee flavors combined with the sugary donut profile, look no further than some of the best local coffee shops that Central Texas has to offer located in downtown Waco, TX.
Collin Street Bakery
Collin Street Bakery almost didn't exist. They were the victims of a multi-million dollar embezzlement scheme that nearly put them out of business. You can watch the entire story called "Fruitcake Fraud."
Thankfully, the business survived because it makes some of the best-baked goods in town and has done so for over 100 years. Donuts are just one of the many things it makes. What really takes the cake is their fruit cake.
King Donuts Bellmead
King Donuts Bellmead has all of the classic donuts that you could want. However, they also offer Happy Birthday Donuts and take custom orders. So whether it's a birthday or some other special event you want to celebrate with donuts—King Donuts has what you need.
Their donut holes are like eating a sweet cloud - Felicia Scott
You don't need to take my word for it, though. Take it from Felicia Scott, who left that review on their Google Business Page. Who wouldn't want to eat a sweet cloud?!
Daylight Donuts
Daylight Donuts was founded in 1954 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Since then, they've expanded into an international donut operation with franchise locations all around the globe.
That includes Waco.
If you're looking for a classic, sweet donut that's fresh out of the oven every day, then look no further than Daylight Donuts.
Cougar Donuts
Cougar Donuts is a locally owned and operated classic donut shop in China Spring, TX, located on the western outskirts of Waco. It's an unassuming, hole-in-the-wall donut shop, but don't let appearances deceive you.
They consistently retain a nearly solid 5-star rating on Google Reviews.
They don't just make donuts, either. They make sandwiches, kolaches, pastries, croissants, and donuts.
🍩 My favorite, in particular, is the regular glazed donut holes with chocolate frosting drizzled over the top. Talk about a donut combination made in paradise! 🍩
In Summary
Needless to say, Waco has lots of options when it comes to satisfying any sweet tooth. From Parisian-inspired donuts at Nightlight Donuts to classic donuts at Best Donuts & Kolache Shop, where they'll memorize your order if you come in often enough, Waco has all the donut options you will ever need.
And, if for some reason you don't find what you want—remember, DFW has just been crowned the donut capital of the USA; it's just a short drive up the road.