AKA the best day of the year.
AKA the best day of the year.
Finally, a day dedicated to eating the best food on earth. It’s International Doughnut Day on Friday, 6th June, and can we get a hallelujah?!
The day was created by The Salvation Army during the Great Depression in 1938 to honour the women (also known as Dough Lassies) who volunteered to serve doughnuts to soldiers in World War I and to help raise funds for those in need.
Since then, the sugary treats have come a long way and are one of the best around to this day. Here are the best spots to stock up on the Gold Coast:
Serving coffee, cookies, sandwiches and the most dangerously good doughnuts you will ever lay your lips on. Guys, they have Churro Doughnuts and Fairy Bread Doughnuts?! Like, what kind of heaven on earth is this?! It’s healthy if you chase it with a matcha, right? Good, because their signature Iced Strawberry Matcha is gorgeous.
Where: 99-103 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island
Their tagline is ‘baking things better’; let us tell you, they ain’t lyin’! Their every baked good is as delish as the next, and they’ve got all your classics baked to perfection. However, we are here for doughnuts today, and yes, we have favourites. The Vanilla Slice Doughnut and the Biscoff Doughnut are chef’s kiss.
Where: 104 Helensvale Rd, Helensvale
Here to prove that foods are better when they’re round is Burg World with cookies, pizza, burgers and doughnuts (all round!) and in tip-top taste. Let’s focus on just their round varieties with holes in them for a moment, just wait till you see their doughnut cabinet! They’ve got Creme Brulee, Unicorn, Apple Crumble, Banana Split – you name it! A+ for Gold Coast’s most creative doughnut flavours!
Where: 20 Siganto Drive, Helensvale
Combined under one roof is great coffee and a doughlicious array of deep-fried treats, including doughnuts! As discussed, crullers are doughnuts, so let us introduce their Strawberry Cream Cheese & Pistachio Mini Cruller Cake?! It looks even better than it sounds. They even do a Chicken Doughnut Sandwich. You’ll have to trust us on that one- Janus Deli knows what they’re doing.
Where: Shop 14, Crestwood Plaza, 458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar and 12 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise
It’s safe to say that anyone who loves doughnuts has dabbled in a Krispy Kreme. After all, they are the top dogs amongst the doughnuts. To celebrate International Doughnut Day, Krispy Kreme is known for launching limited edition flavours, and sometimes even giving away free (yes, FREE) doughnuts for the occasion. What a dream come true! Get ’em while they’re sugary.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach and Shop 13/2 Cavill Avenue, Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise
When you think of Paddock Bakery, doughnuts will definitely cross your mind. They often create themed doughnuts for special occasions (which, presumably, is now) and are always absolute bangers. Current favs are the creme brulee and nutella doughnuts! We’re not drooling, you are! Their brew is also 10/10 – a perfect doughnut pairing.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
The makers of some of the fluffiest doughnuts on the Gold Coast are Currumbin and Burleigh (and Cabarita) legends- Fuel Bakehouse. They come in changing flavours and we’re big fans of everything, but in particular the Bueno, Nutella and Choc Custard for obvious reasons. You can pop in for one or pre-order a whole bunch for the doughnut party you’re no doubt having. Perfect.
Where: 44 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin, Shop 1/23 James St, Burleigh Heads and 39-45 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita
It’s time to get something straight (or twisted)- crullers are technically doughnuts, people! If not twins, the doughnut and cruller are brother and sister. Both are deep-fried to perfection, circular, and dusted with sugar or glazed to finish. Tarte does THE best crullers on the Gold Coast- another non-negotiable, sorry.
Where: Shop 1, 2-4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin and 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads
Neptune’s doughnuts are the real deal, hot, fresh and made to order, just the way the cinnamon gods intended. These golden rings of joy are simple, classic, and absolutely irresistible. No OTT toppings or wild fillings—just that perfect crisp edge, fluffy centre and cinnamon sugar coating that hits the spot every single time. Pro tip: eat one immediately, then go back for another. It’s basically self-care.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Sure, it might be crossed with a croissant, but deep down, it’s still a doughnut. The cronut at Paris Brest is flaky, buttery and just the right amount of cheeky, with layers that melt in your mouth and a crisp edge that means business. It’s handmade with love (and a scandalous amount of French butter), by a pastry wizard who trained in France, so you know it’s legit. Get there early, because these babies disappear faster than you can say ooh la la.
Where: 1073-1077 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
These folks know how to make a doughnut. These local legends are well-versed in all things baked with dough, and boy, is it a delicious affair! In terms of doughnuts, they’ve got your classic Cinnamon Doughnut and filled varieties too! We highly recommend grabbing a selection.
Where: 12 Bay St, Tweed Heads and 2 Queensbury Ave, Currumbin Waters
George’s Deli might be slinging hefty New York-style sammies, but they’re also dishing out some serious doughnut energy. Their handmade Ube Donut is soft, fluffy and filled with purple yam goodness that gives it a pop of colour and a whole lotta flavour. It’s where New York deli vibes meet Filipino flair, and honestly, we’re not mad about it. It’s part deli, part bakery, all delicious. By George, it’s a flavour bomb you won’t forget.
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Pde, Kingscliff
Words by Chelsea Ipsen