Celebrate National Doughnut Day 2026 with These Delicious Recipes and Fun Facts

National Doughnut Day is a sweet celebration that doughnut lovers eagerly await every year. In 2026, this tasty holiday falls on the first Friday of June, offering the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite treats. Whether you prefer classic glazed, filled, or creatively topped doughnuts, this day is all about enjoying doughnuts and learning about their rich history. This post will guide you through some delicious recipes and share fun facts to make your National Doughnut Day 2026 memorable.

A colorful assortment of doughnuts on a rustic wooden table

The History Behind National Doughnut Day

National Doughnut Day started in 1938, created by the Salvation Army to honor the women who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. These women, known as "Doughnut Lassies," boosted morale by providing fresh doughnuts to troops on the front lines. The day was also meant to raise funds for the Salvation Army’s social programs during the Great Depression.

Today, National Doughnut Day is celebrated across the United States with free doughnuts, special deals, and doughnut-themed events. It’s a day that brings communities together over a shared love of this sweet treat.

Classic Doughnut Recipes to Try at Home

If you want to celebrate National Doughnut Day 2026 by baking your own doughnuts, here are two classic recipes that are simple and delicious.

1. Classic Glazed Doughnuts

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup warm water

• 1 cup warm milk

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 egg

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• Vegetable oil for frying

  
  

Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  
  

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine yeast mixture, warm milk, sugar, salt, egg, and butter.

3. Gradually add flour and knead until smooth and elastic.

4. Cover dough and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5. Roll out dough to 1/2 inch thickness and cut into doughnut shapes.

6. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry doughnuts until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.

7. Drain on paper towels.

8. Mix glaze ingredients and dip warm doughnuts into the glaze. Let set before serving.

   
   

2. Filled Jelly Doughnuts

Ingredients:

• Use the same dough recipe as above.

• Your favorite jelly or jam for filling.

• Powdered sugar for dusting.

  
  

Instructions:

1. Follow the dough preparation steps above.

2. Cut dough into rounds without holes.

3. Fry doughnuts as above and drain.

4. Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag to fill doughnuts with jelly.

5. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

   
   

These recipes bring the joy of fresh, homemade doughnuts right to your kitchen. Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own signature doughnut.

Plate of jelly-filled doughnuts with powdered sugar on a wooden table

Fun Facts About Doughnuts

Knowing some interesting facts can make National Doughnut Day even more enjoyable. Here are a few to impress your friends and family:

• The largest doughnut ever made weighed over 1.7 tons and was created in 1993 in the United States.

• Doughnuts were originally called "olykoeks," meaning oily cakes, by Dutch settlers in early America.

• The hole in the middle of doughnuts helps them cook evenly and faster.

• The most popular doughnut flavor in the U.S. is glazed, followed by chocolate frosted.

• Doughnut shops often see a spike in sales on National Doughnut Day, with millions of doughnuts sold nationwide.

  
  

Creative Doughnut Ideas for Your Celebration

If you want to take your National Doughnut Day 2026 celebration to the next level, try these creative ideas:

• Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice doughnuts in half and fill them with your favorite ice cream.

• Savory Doughnuts: Experiment with cheese or bacon toppings for a salty twist.

• Doughnut Decorating Party: Invite friends or family to decorate plain doughnuts with various toppings like sprinkles, nuts, and sauces.

  
  

These ideas add variety and fun to your doughnut experience, making the day even more special.

Doughnut decorating station with toppings and plain doughnuts on a table