Satisfy your sugary cravings with the help of Scotland's best doughnut makers

Sometimes only the sugariest treat will do.
DOH's Cookie Monster doughnutDOH's Cookie Monster doughnut
DOH's Cookie Monster doughnut

The origin of the doughnut can be traced back to the Dutch olykoeks of the 15th century.

We’re sure the original is pretty dissimilar to the decadent versions of today, which include the cronut, yumnut and other freaky hybrids.

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If you’re still a fan of a plain old glazed number, you’re missing out on the stuffed and icing-slathered versions that pass for a doughnut these days.

As well as the makers, below, don’t miss Considerit (plant-based doughnuts), Honeycomb & Co and The Bearded Baker, all in Edinburgh, as well as Dundee’s Pacamara, The Fat Batard in Peebles, and new lockdown business, DOH, Giffnock, who make The Cookie Monster (vanilla glaze, Oreo crumb and dark chocolate sauce).

We’ll take three dozen of each.

Fisher & Donaldson

There seems to be a consensus that this place, with branches in St Andrews, Cupar and Dundee, does the best fudge doughnut in the whole of Scotland if not the world. It’s this 101-year-old business's best-selling cake, and is filled with confectioner’s custard and topped with a smooth fudge icing. They started a home delivery service during the first lockdown and have sold over 17,000 fudge doughnuts online since then. They also make giant versions (to serve ten) for birthdays.

Fudge doughnut, Fisher & DonaldsonFudge doughnut, Fisher & Donaldson
Fudge doughnut, Fisher & Donaldson

Room & Rumours Coffee

The lockdown takeaway queue has become a familiar sight during the pandemic. This new cafe has drummed up a few, with wannabe Homer Simpsons lining up to bag banana creme, Biscoff, chocolate orange, rhubarb and custard and other filled doughnuts. Follow them on Instagram for updates.

Arch 12 and 13, East Market Street, Edinburgh (@Room&RumoursCoffee)

Room & Rumours' doughnutsRoom & Rumours' doughnuts
Room & Rumours' doughnuts

Newport Bakery

This bakery, owned by MasterChef The Professionals 2016 winner, Jamie Scott from The Newport Restaurant, just celebrated its first birthday. They’re currently offering pre-orders for collection or delivery to the local area (see social media for details). Jamie has recommended their orange and tablet doughnut, and we don’t need much persuasion.

7 Cupar Road, Newport-on-Tay, Fife (www.facebook.com/TheNewportBakery/)

Tantrum Doughnuts

Tantrum DoughnutsTantrum Doughnuts
Tantrum Doughnuts

Any doughnut fan worth their salt (or should that be sugar), knows about this place. It was established in 2015 and they now have two Glasgow shops and a bakery. Their signature brioche doughnuts take 16 hours to prove, and their bestsellers are vanilla custard creme brulee and a sophisticated sounding pistachio and hibiscus ring. They also do limited-edition flavours, like red velvet, lemon meringue or carrot cake. Available for delivery locally through UberEats or Deliveroo.

The Kilted Donut

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Take yourself to the next level of doughnut appreciation with this place’s unusual savoury flavours, which have included black pudding with red pepper and tomato chutney. Too scary? Then go for the traditional cranachan or their All the Chocolate number. In common with many doughnut businesses, this place is owned by a couple - husband and wife team, Mark Anderson and Lena Wollan - who were inspired by the doughnutteries of New Orleans.

191 Great Junction Street, Edinburgh (www.kilteddonut.com)

Perk Coffee and Doughnuts

The Kilted Doughnut's waresThe Kilted Doughnut's wares
The Kilted Doughnut's wares

Established in 2018, this place specialises in handcrafted doughnuts, with flavours including Gimme S’mores and Settle Petal (with rose, lime and black pepper glaze), They’re currently offering delivery to surrounding areas, and collection.

36 Church Street, Inverness (www.perkcafe.co.uk)

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