The Best Donut Shops from Memphis to the Smokies

Let’s celebrate Donuts! Do you have a favorite? So, who doesn’t love donuts? They are definitely one of my family’s favorite treats. It’s all about indulging in delicious donuts and discovering new flavors. From classic glazed to creative gourmet varieties, Tennessee donut shops like Status Dough, Donut Distillery, The Donut Shop, and Gibson’s Donuts in Memphis will make your day extra special. So, grab a friend, and let’s taste our way across Tennessee while checking out these amazing donut shops. After all, what’s better than enjoying the sweetness of the day together? Whenever you take a bite, savor the moment and share the joy with everyone!

A Sweet Start: The Fun History of Donuts

Ever wonder how donuts began? They started as simple fried dough balls called “olykoeks” brought to America by Dutch settlers in the 19th century. Then, in 1847, an American sailor named Hanson Gregory created the classic donut shape with a hole in the middle to help it cook evenly. Since then, donuts have evolved into the tasty treats we love today, with endless flavors and styles. So, every time you bite into a delicious donut, you’re enjoying a sweet tradition that’s been shared for generations!

Birthday Donuts: Our Sweet Family Tradition

Do you have any donut traditions in your family? Each birthday morning at our house, we had a special tradition of serving breakfast in bed, before the birthday person started their day. The star of this breakfast? Chocolate milk and donuts! We always had the small, chocolate-covered donuts, everyone’s favorite, along with the white powdered ones that were a hit too—just a bit messy. And really, what goes better with donuts than a cold glass of chocolate milk? This sweet tradition made birthdays extra special and has given us wonderful family memories. So, do you have any fun donut traditions?

Sweet Stops: Donuts Across Tennessee

So, let’s get started and journey across Tennessee to discover these amazingly delicious donut shops! We’ll kick things off in West Tennessee, my hubby’s family’s neck of the woods, and make our way across the state, finally landing in Johnson City for our last sweet stop. From Memphis to Johnson City, each donut shop promises unique treats and sweet hospitality you won’t want to miss. I can’t wait for you to join me and enjoy a donut (or two) along the way. Let’s make some tasty memories together!

Gibson’s Donuts: A Memphis Favorite

Gibson’s Donut Shop has been serving the Memphis community for over 50 years. This family-owned gem is known for its fresh, made-to-order donuts and a wide variety of flavors, including seasonal specialties. Open daily from 5 am to 12 am, you can grab a donut before you start your day. Undoubtedly, Gibson’s southern hospitality surpasses even their delicious donuts, making everyone feel welcome. Also, my grandson loves the donuts at Gibson’s, and sometimes he even gets free donut holes! Certainly, don’t miss their famous maple bacon donuts, my favorite red velvet donuts, and other classic and specialty flavors. Altogether, stop by and taste why everyone raves about Gibson’s Donuts in Memphis, TN!

Jackson’s Donut Shop: Fresh Donuts Daily in Jackson

Jackson’s Donut Shop is a local mom and pop shop that makes their donuts fresh daily. With a wide variety of selections, it’s a great place to stop in for a treat. So, every donut is served with a smile, making your visit even more enjoyable. Also, whether you’re craving a classic flavor or something unique, Jackson’s has you covered. So, stop by and give them a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Donut Distillery: Mini Donuts and Delicious Drink Flights in Nashville

Visit the Donut Distillery in East Nashville and treat yourself to some delicious gourmet mini donuts. Made fresh with a huge selection, and since these are minis, you can try a bunch! How about trying one of their specialty donuts, the Whiskey Glaze or the Strawberry Lemonade donut? Sounds amazing! Another plus is that you can enjoy your minis with a drink flight—sounds fun! Also, Donut Distillery offers donut cakes, perfect for special celebrations. So, swing by; it’s definitely a spot that will sweeten your day! Check out their website HERE!

Five Daughters Bakery: Home of the 100 Layer Donut in Franklin

Have you heard of the 100 Layer Donut? You can find these amazing treats at Five Daughters Bakery in Franklin. Basically, they’re kind of like a croissant and a donut rolled in one, coated in sugar, filled with crème, and topped with glaze—sounds incredible, right? They also offer yeast-raised donuts, too. Believe it or not, they also have gluten-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free options that are still packed with deliciousness. Additionally, with monthly seasonal flavors, there’s always something new to try. This family-owned donut shop, with 6 other locations in Nashville, is a must-visit for any donut lover! Check out their website HERE!

Tiny Little Donut Shop: Sweet and Simple in Franklin

Since 2017, Tiny Little Donut Shop has been making delicious donuts daily and serving them hot and fresh. With classic flavors and monthly flavors, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you. Located in the heart of Franklin, just a mile from historic downtown, their roadside vintage Airstream serves up sweet and simple goodness that will leave you with a smile. So, go ahead and make plans to stop by, and get there early because they sell out quickly. They also have two other Tennessee locations—check them out on their website HERE!

Tastee King Donuts: Donut Heaven in Chattanooga

Known as the “nearly world-famous donuts,” Tastee King Donuts has you covered with a huge selection of different types of donuts—all made fresh every morning and loved by everyone. With over 150 donut options, the selection here seems limitless! So, if you’re craving a donut, this is the place to be. They also have another Tennessee location in Ooltewah, where you can book a birthday party—a fun place to celebrate surrounded by donuts! Also, they have a Donut Truck; contact them to see where it will be next. Located in Chattanooga, Tastee King Donuts is a must-visit. Lastly, be sure to stop by and grab a delicious donut—you won’t be disappointed!

Ralph’s Donut Shop: A Sweet Taste of History in Cookeville, TN

Ralph’s Donut Shop in Cookeville has been a local favorite for decades, serving fresh homemade donuts since 1962. It’s become a Cookeville tradition, offering an assorted variety of flavors that everyone raves about. Ralph’s Donut Shop says they “love making your tastebuds smile,” and it’s easy to see why! Locally owned for generations, Ralph’s is often visited by students at Tennessee Tech and frequently revisited by alumni, which also includes my hubby, who absolutely loves Ralph’s donuts too. So, stop by—you definitely don’t want to miss out on this Cookeville gem! Also, you can check out their website HERE!

Master Donuts: Clinton, TN

Masters Donuts, located in Clinton, TN, has amazing donuts made fresh daily and is truly a local favorite spot. With a huge selection of flavors, you’re sure to find one to please everyone. So, how does a triple chocolate donut sound? Or maybe tutti frutti? Also, one of my personal faves is on the menu: glazed donut with icing and sprinkles. Additionally, Masters Donuts has a Knoxville location too. So, go grab yourself a donut and enjoy your sweet treat. Whether you’re in Clinton or Knoxville, Masters Donuts will surely brighten your day! Explore their tasty treats HERE!

Status Dough Doughnuts and Coffee: A Knoxville Sweet Spot

Status Dough Donuts and Coffee, located right here in Knoxville, is a popular local favorite with three convenient locations across the city. Known for their fresh daily donuts, they offer a great selection of glazed, iced, and filled varieties. Also, their yeast donuts are perfectly raised, making them light and fluffy every time. Besides the classic options, Status Dough also features a variety of specialty donuts to tempt your taste buds. Plus, they cater to vegan customers with tasty options like vegan glazed and vegan snickerdoodle donuts. So, go ahead and treat yourself, because as Status Dough proudly says, “You deserve a donut!” Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new and delicious to discover at Status Dough.

The Donut Shop: Where Community and Donuts Unite

The Donut Shop in North Knoxville, founded in June 2020 during the pandemic, has a mission to “create commUNITY” locally and globally. Plus, they create AMAZING donuts! They offer a great selection of cake, old-fashioned, yeast, and specialty donuts. And get this—they have an Oreo-stuffed donut and a sour cream old-fashioned cake donut dipped in house maple glaze—wow! Also, some of my kids go here A LOT! It’s definitely a favorite… and if I’m lucky, they bring me one too! Another plus, The Donut Shop offers catering, group reservations, and private parties. What a great spot for a birthday celebration or baby shower, right? Find more info on their website HERE. Plan to stop by soon and see why everyone raves about this place!

The Donut Theory: Gluten-Free Goodness on Wheels

Looking for gluten-free donuts? The Donut Theory, a mobile eatery, crafts made-from-scratch gluten-free donuts that are simply amazing! Specializing in old-fashioned donuts, they’re sure to be a hit. They also serve chicken, adding a fun twist with their unique chicken & donut combo. You can find them around the Knoxville area as they move around in their pink sprinkled food truck, which certainly reminds me of a donut, with the sprinkles around the bottom! So, follow them on Facebook to see where they’ll be next and sprinkle some happiness on your day! Also, don’t miss out on these delightful treats—track them down and treat yourself!

Richy Kreme Donuts: The Best Around in Maryville

Richy Kreme Donuts has been creating the sweet aroma of fresh donuts for the past 70 years, and it’s definitely a local favorite. With over 15 varieties of yeast doughnuts—how does a strawberry-filled donut sound? Pretty yummy to me! They also offer scrumptious cake donuts, made from scratch daily. With locations in both Maryville and Knoxville, Richy Kreme is a must-visit, so definitely stop by and enjoy one (or two)!

Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts in Pigeon Forge: Unleash the Sweet

Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts wants you to “unleash the sweet” and dive into their amazing flavors of donuts. You never know what exciting flavors they’ll come up with next! They have the best selection of sweets in the Smokies, and they also have doggy donut treats for your fur babies. Their donuts are amazing, with classic flavors and fun specialty ones too. So, how does a banana pudding or German chocolate donut sound? Pretty good, right? And that’s not all—they also serve ice cream, perfect for pairing with your donut. So, stop by one of their two locations and grab a treat for yourself and maybe one for your four-legged buddy too!

The Donut Friar in Gatlinburg: 55 Years of Sweet Success

Auntie Ruth’s Donuts & Pretzels: Donut Perfection in Johnson City

Donuts Across Tennessee

As our sweet journey across Tennessee comes to an end, we hope you’ve loved discovering these delightful donut shops. From Memphis to Johnson City, each stop offers delicious treats, unique flavors, and also some sweet Southern hospitality. So, next time you’re in Tennessee, make sure to stop by one of these local spots during your visit and enjoy a donut. Since we’ve shared all these wonderful places, you have plenty of options to choose from. Lastly, until then, keep savoring the sweetness of life and sharing it with those around you. So, until next time, Happy Trekkn!

Share Your Sweet Tennessee Adventures

Some links on this page may contain affiliate commissions that help us keep the adventure going. Thanks so much for your support!