Texas Living

6 of the Best Doughnut Shops in Texas

By Staci Parks 10.5.23

Not to brag, but Texas does a lot of things really well, especially when it comes to food. We’ve got it all here: world-renowned barbecue, unmatched Tex-Mex, exquisite tacos, and even the often-infamous fried creations at the State Fair of Texas.

Increasingly, Texas is gaining popularity for doughnuts, too. You’ll find excellent adaptations of the delectable sweet fried dough in nearly every corner of the state.

Sure, you can grab a dozen of this trendy treat anywhere — but here are some of the best doughnut shops in Texas.

Gourdough’s, Austin

This doughnut shop is less brick-and-mortar and more of a food trailer. No matter the vessel, it continually tops “best” lists with its unique twist on the typical doughnut. There are sweet offerings topped with brownie batter and chocolate fudge icing, and savory ones generously piled high with crispy fried chicken strips.

Hypnotic Donuts & Chicken Biscuits, Dallas

Known for its creative concoctions and eyebrow-raising names, this East Dallas doughnut shop has been serving up doughnuts since 2010. Go for the “Holy Cannoli” (chocolate cake doughnut, cinnamon-orange glaze, cannoli drizzle, and hazelnut crunch); stay for one of the many chicken biscuit varieties.

Robin’s Snowflake Donuts & Cafe, Spring

Travel + Leisure named this spot best doughnut shop in Texas in 2019, and its momentum hasn’t slowed. Robin’s has something for every culinary craving. You can expect soft, perfectly iced doughnuts — and boudin egg rolls or birria tacos.

Round Rock Donuts, Round Rock

For nearly 100 years, Round Rock Donuts has been gaining popularity — even catching national attention — with their made-from-scratch, hand-rolled doughnuts. Feeling brave (or extra hungry)? Get the Texas-sized doughnut. True to its name, the single doughnut is about the same size as a dozen doughnuts all in one.

Shipley Do-Nuts, multiple locations

The doughnut shop opened its flagship location in Houston in 1936 and has steadily grown ever since. With more than 60 varieties, it’s hard to pick just one favorite. When in doubt, go with the glazed. There are nearly 200 Shipley’s throughout the state, making it easy for everyone to sample their sweets.

Voodoo Doughnut, multiple locations

This Portland transplant has locations across the Lone Star State in Austin, Cypress, Houston, and — soon — Dallas. A colorful, kooky shop, Voodoo is best known for its flavor combinations like bacon maple and passionfruit cheesecake. Can’t choose? Grab one of the iconic light pink boxes and go for a Voodoo Dozen, which brings together 13 of the shop’s best offerings.

CTA: While you’re at it, seek out another Texas delicacy: the kolache. If you find yourself near West (about 20 miles north of Waco) on your next road trip, stop in for some of the best kolaches in Texas.

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