MAIN Home Life Holidays & Observances National Donut Day 2024

Happy National Donut Day!

Every year on the first Friday in June, donut lovers rise to celebrate a circle of sweet, doughy goodness that has a day 'holey' in its honor.

This year, mark your calendars for Friday, June 6, when Americans everywhere kick back and enjoy a frosty one on National Donut Day 2025.

2025 National Donut Day freebies

This year, watch for Dunkin' and Krspy Kreme to carry on the fine tradition of giving away free donuts all day on National Donut Day.

And if past years are any indication, 7-Eleven will be offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal for reward members.

Duck Donuts, a growing national chain, will also likely join with free giveaways on the bnig day.

Also watch for Stop & Shop and Walmart for special deals on glazed donuts during the sweet one-day celebration.

Meanwhile, keep it here for official updates as National Donut Day 2024 kicks off in June.

also see -> National Coffee Day

National Donut Day fun facts

America's favorite : Entenmann's remains the largest donut-maker in the United States, producing more than 40 million boxes a year. The company's rich frosted chocolate donut has been the #1 best seller since its introduction in 1972. 

Who invented the donut? Some historians can trace its origins back to a fried treat served by New Yorkers during 18th century Dutch colonial days.

The first Donut Day : The very first National Donut Day was instituted by the Salvation Army to honor the "donut Lassies" who kept American soldiers in Europe well-supplied with donuts during World War I. (So if an army marches on its stomach - did the humble donut really help win the war? Possibly.)

How to celebrate National Donut Day

As usual, watch for national donut chains like Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme to celebrate with competitive offers for free donuts to lure in customers on June 2.

That said, National Donut Day can be celebrated in any way you choose. As long as it's glazed, powdered, chocolate or plain! Extra sprinkles are extra festive, or try mixing it up with a morale-boosting Boston Creme donut.

At home, the many and various ways to prepare donuts are limited only to your imagination. For purists, here's a recipe for a basic donut that may be customized in any way you like. (NOTE: For starters, you'll need a donut cutter and a deep fat fryer.)

How to make homemade donuts

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1 quart oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in deep fryer to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg.
3. Mix in melted butter until dry ingredients become crumbly.
4. Stir in milk and beaten egg.
5. Flour your hands and begin to knead the dough until firm and smooth.
6. Turn dough out onto a floured board and flatten down to 3/8 inch thickness.
7. Dust donut cutter with flour and press into the dough.
8. Slowly and carefully drop donuts into the hot oil and fry for about 1 minute on each side or until golden brown.
9. Drain on paper towels.

Helpful hint: For a quick topping, add granulated or powdered sugar to a brown paper bag. Add the donuts, close the top, and give the bag a good shake until donuts are thoroughly coated.

More about National Donut Day around the Web:

National Donut Day 2025 - Yes, the day has its own official site - featuring fun facts, information and history, an interactive US map where you can find participating donut shops celebrating the day, plus a tempting donut photo gallery and video.

National Donut Day - Wikipedia - Detailed history of the day with pictures and related resources.

also see -> National Junk Food Day | National Ice Cream Day

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