Dunkin’ is one of the most popular chain restaurants in America. They even claim in their tagline that America Runs on Dunkin’! Getting the energy to “run” possibly comes from the caffeine in popular Dunkin’ coffees and from the carbs in the chain’s donuts. Together, this dynamic duo is certainly a power couple. So if you’re out getting your coffee and you’re looking for the best Dunkin’ Donuts treat to enjoy with it, we’ve gone searching through “expert” picks to see which ones are the true favorites.
And there’s a scientific reason coffee and donuts are such a perfect pair. Researchers from Aarhus University found that coffee influences our sense of taste. After a cup of Joe, sweets taste that much sweeter and bitter sensations aren’t as intense. And the bottom line is donuts are sweet. Well, most of them.
According to Dunkin’, each country it does business in has its own donut that reflects the local cuisine and culture. For example, in Singapore, you can get wasabi cheese and seaweed cheese donuts. But if you’re in the U.S., you won’t find either of those on the Dunkin’ menus. In fact, this led us to look for the most-liked donuts the chain does offer in America.
Here are the top results based on 10 expert websites. Our list of the best Dunkin’ donuts is based on the most recommended flavors across our experts’ reviews. We hope you see something that catches your eye and entices your sweet tooth! So, let’s get to it — the best of the best Dunkin’ donuts are below! Let us know your favorite one in the comments, even if it didn’t make the expert-recommended list.
The List: Best 5 Donuts From Dunkin’, According To Experts
1. Chocolate Frosted
It’s no surprise a chocolate donut ranks No. 1!
Spoon University writes, “We all knew this was coming. How could the chocolate frosted not be in the top spot? The vanilla cake with the chocolate frosting is a match made in heaven. The chocolate isn’t overpowering to the pastry flavor and adds just the right hint of richness. The chocolate frosted donut symbolizes the perfect balance of sweetness that you dream about.”
Restaurant Clicks ranks this classic in the top spot, saying, “You can expect to see around 22 classic flavors at most locations year-round. A chocolate frosted donut is a great option when you’re craving one of the classics. This delicious doughnut comes with a generous topping of fudgy brown frosting. It can be pretty rich, so you may want to balance it with some fresh milk or a steaming cup of coffee. You can also get this donut with some colorfully festive sprinkles around the holidays.”
Adds Whimsy & Spice: This classic flavor isn’t too heavy, so you’ll enjoy every bite. And, while it’s true that a little goes a long way, you might find yourself reaching for another slice once you try this tasty treat.
2. Chocolate Glazed
We’re still not surprised to see chocolate claim the No. 2 spot. It’s rare to meet someone who isn’t a chocolate lover, and then pair chocolate with delicious fried dough, and voila, you’ve got magic.
Eat This even has a game-changing tip for eating it: “Dunkin’s chocolate glazed cake donut is essentially a giant chocolate munchkin. I’d argue it’s the perfect donut, especially if you’re a chocolate lover. (Pro tip: Refrigerate this baby. The cool crunch of the icing as you bite into the fluffy chocolate center will be a game-changer.)”
For Delish, it’s a delicious, almost-irresistible delight: “How can you improve upon the splendor that is a classic glazed donut? Make it chocolate. That pedigree plus the extra bonus of this guy’s cake-y texture makes it seriously difficult to pass by the bajillion locations of Dunkin Donuts we walk by every day.”
3. Glazed
Glazed is a royal choice, according to Thrillist: “The crown jewel of the donut kingdom. The glazed donut was heralded as perfectly balanced, chewy with a bit of a natural spring, and possessing just the right level of density. The icing isn’t a hastily assembled afterthought here, as it is with some of the other, busier flavors. Here, simplicity reigns. And it is good.”
A donut for everyone. Let’s Eat Cake says, “This is the epitome of a donut. It’s got the combination of perfectly risen dough, just enough sweetness not to overwhelm the taste buds, and appeals to everyone from 8 to 95.”
“Dunkin’ doughnuts was the gold standard for me as a child. The crispiness of the classic glazed doughnut [was] the best for me,” Ryan McCaskey, chef of Acadia in Chicago, Illinois, told Insider.
4. Cruller
Like funnel cake?
Yahoo! News reports on this very important topic, writing, “Like funnel cake in donut form, this favorite is often sold out at Dunkin’ locations. Perfectly sweet with a great texture, we also love to pull the layers apart to make sure we are getting maximum sugar in every bite.”
Insider consulted with chefs who weighed in on their favorites. The Cruller won some much-deserved recognition: “That whorled ring of deep-fried pastry dough is perfectly shaped to catch extra drips and drizzles of icing. Next, the crisp exterior hides a tender, airy, eggy pastry inside that is different from any other doughnut.”
5. Blueberry Cake
Whimsy & Spice recommends the Blueberry Cake donut as a unique, fruity, oh-so-easy to eat treat: “The blueberry cake donut features a rich purple color and blueberries mixed into the batter. This donut has a unique look, flavor, and texture that are unlike anything else you’ve ever had. For an extra sweet touch, it has a light sugar glaze. The texture is also very similar to a classic blueberry cake, but with the portability of a donut. You’ll love how easy it is to eat, too.”
It makes the cut for Boston.com, which says, “Like the Blueberry Glazed doughnut, the Blueberry Cake also tastes like a store-bought muffin, but drops much of the additional sweetness to its advantage. It’s likely a better option if you’re looking for a more realistic blueberry flavor than the Blueberry Glazed.”Any donuts you think should have been recommended by the experts? What are they missing out on? Let us know in the comments!
You might also be interested in:
- Best Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
- Best Candy Bars Of All-Time
- Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Best Coffee
- Best Coffee Beans
Sources:
- Spoon University
- Restaurant Clicks
- Eat This
- Delish
- Thrillist
- Let’s Eat Cake
- Yahoo! News
- Insider
- Whimsy & Spice
- Boston.com
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
