Best Donuts in Kentucky (2026 Guide)
Kentucky's donut scene pairs perfectly with its bourbon culture. Louisville and Lexington anchor a growing craft donut movement where Southern flavors like bourbon glaze, maple bacon, and butter pecan meet classic donut craftsmanship.
Top 15 Donut Shops in Kentucky
Why it's notable: The top-rated donut shop in Kentucky, known for Classic glazed donuts, Apple fritters, Chocolate iced donuts, with 1 award, serving since 1995, featuring early morning hours and sells out by noon.
Why it's notable: One of Kentucky's highest-rated shops, known for Maple Bacon Long John, Chocolate Covered Honey Bun, Chocolate Danish, with 3 awards, serving since 2002, featuring Family-owned and Made fresh daily.
Why it's notable: One of Kentucky's highest-rated shops, known for Square Yeast Donuts, Rotating Daily Specials, Specialty Coffee (locally roasted), with 2 awards, serving since 2014, featuring Scratch-made donuts and Square yeast donuts (signature).
Why it's notable: A standout Bowling Green favorite, known for Glazed yeast donuts (signature), Cream-filled long johns, Apple fritters, with 3 awards, serving since 1992, featuring open 24 hours and made fresh around the clock.
Why it's notable: A standout Covington favorite, known for Classic glazed donuts, Cream puffs, Custom wedding cakes, with 3 awards, serving since 1970, featuring 5 NKY locations and 50+ year history.
Why it's notable: A standout Florence favorite, known for Classic glazed donuts, Cream puffs, Custom wedding cakes, with 3 awards, serving since 1970, featuring 5 NKY locations and 50+ year history.
Why it's notable: A standout Erlanger favorite, known for Classic glazed donuts, Cream puffs, Custom wedding cakes, with 3 awards, serving since 1970, featuring 5 NKY locations and 50+ year history.
Why it's notable: A standout Independence favorite, known for Classic glazed donuts, Cream puffs, Custom wedding cakes, with 3 awards, serving since 1970, featuring 5 NKY locations and 50+ year history.
Why it's notable: A standout Owensboro favorite, known for Scratch-made donuts, Cream horns, Decorated cakes, with 2 awards, serving since 1985, featuring scratch-made daily and custom cakes.
Why it's notable: A standout Louisville favorite, known for Oaxacan-Style Pan Dulce, Conchas, Cuernos, with 3 awards, serving since 2022, featuring Oaxacan baking traditions and Parisian-inspired pastries.
Why it's notable: A standout Louisville favorite, known for Ube Latte & Ube Donuts, Black Sesame Donuts, Coconut Pandan Donuts, with 2 awards, serving since 2023, featuring Southeast Asian-inspired flavors and Handcrafted cake donuts.
Why it's notable: A standout Louisville favorite, known for Glazed Donuts, Chocolate Donuts, Cake Donuts (variety of flavors), with 3 awards, serving since 2018, featuring Family-owned and operated and All donuts made fresh daily in-house.
Why it's notable: A standout Lexington favorite, known for Fresh Glazed Donuts, Texas-Style Kolaches, Cake Donuts, serving since 2020, featuring Texas-style kolaches (unique to area) and Made fresh daily.
Why it's notable: A standout Bowling Green favorite, known for Glazed yeast donuts, Chocolate-covered donuts, Cinnamon sugar donuts, with 1 award, serving since 2008, featuring kolaches available and early morning hours.
Why it's notable: A standout Owensboro favorite, known for Fresh glazed donuts, Bavarian cream filled, Maple bars, with 1 award, serving since 2000, featuring early morning hours and fresh-brewed coffee.
Donut Shops by City in Kentucky
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best donut shop in Kentucky?
Baker's Dozen in Madisonville is the top-rated donut shop in Kentucky with a 4.6 rating.
How many donut shops are in Kentucky?
We have 36 donut shops listed across 11 cities in Kentucky on NearbyDonuts.com.
Which cities in Kentucky have the best donuts?
The top cities for donuts in Kentucky include Louisville (10 shops), Lexington (6 shops), Bowling Green (6 shops), Owensboro (4 shops), Florence (2 shops).