Donuts have long been the sidekick to coffee but these days, they stand out all on their own. Many bakeries around the nation have exercised their creativity with flavors, decorating, and other unexpected twists on an old classic (cronut, anyone?) Although a classic glazed will always be a crowd favorite, there are so many varieties now created by some excellent donut shops. We thought it would be fun to create this donut road trip through the Land of Lincoln featuring some of the best donut shops in Illinois.
Here is an interactive Google Map if you wish to follow along or add some of your favorite places. Let's get this road trip started!
1. Gurnee Donuts, Gurnee
For over 20 years, family-owned and operated Gurnee Donuts has been making the classics like Old Fashioned and Boston Cream. But they also exercise their creativity and make some unique specialty donuts. A favorite ingredient they use is a purple yam called ube. Ube Donuts are only sold on the weekends, so if you want to try one, that's the time to go! To check hours and location, visit the Gurnee Donuts website.
2. Fresh Donuts, Geneva
With popular donut flavors like Chocolate Oreo, Maple Bacon, and Fruit Loops, it's no wonder why this shop was voted 2020 Best Donuts in Kane County. Fresh Donuts bakes in small batches so everything tastes fresh and delicious. Call ahead to order their famous 10-inch Giant Donut! For hours and location, visit the Fresh Donuts website.
3. Home Cut Donuts, Joliet
Arguably the best donut shop in town, family-owned Home Cut Donuts has been a Joliet institution since 1966 and has two locations. They make some of the best doughy treats around and you can even order a Donut Cake for a special occasion. Try something different like a Sundae or Taffy Apple Donut or maybe a Vanilla or Chocolate Stick Donut! For more information, visit the Home Cut Donuts website.
4. Pandamonium Doughnuts, Champaign
Pandamonium makes artisan donuts from scratch and presents a new menu of innovative flavors daily. They use the freshest ingredients and source local and organic ingredients whenever possible. This shop was voted Best Donuts in Champaign-Urbana-Savoy and Central Illinois for four years running. For more information, visit the Pandamonium Doughnuts Facebook page.
5. Mister Donut, Godfrey
People drive from all over to get their hands on some donuts at this nostalgic shop. They are so amazing and may remind you of your childhood. For more information, visit the Mister Donut Facebook page.
6. BigBoy's Donuts, Jerseyville
This place is popular with the locals and known for its variety of super-fresh, melt-in-your-mouth donuts and friendly service. They will even add filling to your donuts if you ask. For more information, visit the BigBoy's Donuts Facebook page.
7. Mel-O-Cream Donuts, Springfield
A preferred donut shop in Springfield since 1932, enjoy a classic or one of their more innovative flavors. Choose from a variety of old fashion, cake, bismark, long john, ring, or hole donuts. Everyone can find a favorite at Mel-O-Cream! For more information on the menu and locations, visit the Mel-O-Cream Donuts website.
Who's ready for some donuts? If your favorite shop is not on this list, feel free to add it to the list in the comments! And for another epic Illinois food trail, be sure to check out this pie shop road trip.
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