National Donut Day: Get your fix at Boxer Donut, Mochinut, more in Westchester, Rockland
Jeanne MuchnickWhether you call them donuts or doughnuts, the fact remains: National Doughnut Day is traditionally celebrated on the first Friday of June, which this year means June 7.
The "food day" — amidst a long line of food days — was established in 1938 by the Chicago Salvation Army to honor women who served doughnuts, known as “doughnut lassies,” to soldiers during World War I.
Today, it mainly means indulging your sweet tooth and often, finding a deal. Whether you like your doughnuts plain, powdered, frosted or stuffed, Westchester and Rockland have several spots where you can find everything from gluten-free mochi varieties to traditional glazed. A sampling follows.
MAD Donuts
Since starting his business five years ago, White Plains resident Matt Moore has created a cult following with his hand-cut, handmade artisanal doughnuts. For National Doughnut Day, he'll be at the Armonk Lions Club fair in Armonk from 5 to 10 p.m.
Can't attend? No worries. He also delivers to various outlets across Westchester every two weeks (think Twisted Branch in Valhalla, Ice Cream Social in White Plains, Coffee Lab Roasters in Tarrytown and Climbing Wolf in Dobbs Ferry). Particularly popular is his apple fritter, with a dense center and a soft crumbly exterior.
All of his doughnuts are created with fresh, natural ingredients, some of which are dusted in powdered sugar; others jammed with jellies. He also does pop-ups. maddonutshop.com
Boxer Donut and Espresso Bar, Nyack
Expect a wide range of choices at this popular Rockland café where you can find yeast-raised, cake, vegan, or choux- based doughnuts, all of which are made by hand. For National Doughnut Day, if you buy one, you get another one free. Boxer is also known for serving Stumptown Coffee Roasters and working closely with Native Coffee Roasters to develop custom blends. 17 N Franklin St., 845-353-5300, boxerdonut.com.
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Mama Mia Dessert Bar, Rye Brook
Gluten free? No worries. This new dessert bar offers a host of mochi doughnuts along with Japanese taiyaki ice cream, gelato, Korean corn dogs, shaved snow and specialty boba milk teas. 104 S. Ridge St., 914-305-3536, mamamiadessertbar.com.
Baked by Susan, Croton-on-Hudson
In the mood for a taste of Fall? Pumpkin sugar doughnuts are available year-round at this cozy Croton staple where you'll also find a variety of other goodies such as pies, tarts, cookies and cakes. 379 S. Riverside Ave., Croton-On-Hudson, 914-862-0874, bakedbysusan.com.
Duck Donuts, White Plains, Mamaroneck
Customers can enjoy one free cinnamon sugar doughnut — no purchase necessary and in-store only — at this family-friendly doughnut shop where you'll also find made-to-order vanilla cake doughnuts. Traditional favorite toppings — there are a lot — include chocolate icing with sprinkles and maple icing with bacon. Best of all there's a viewing area where you can watch the doughnuts being made. 393 Tarrytown Road, White Plains, 914-219-4811 or 805 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck, 914-825-9722, duckdonuts.com.
Side Door Donuts, Billy & Pete's Social, Larchmont
If you know, you know. Side Door Donuts are available Saturdays and Sundays only from 9 am to 1 p.m. via the side door of Billy & Pete's. These are mini doughnuts in flavors such as s'mores, maple bacon, Fruity Pebbles, fluffernutter, Nutella strawberry, cinnamon roll and chocolate and peanut butter. 121 Myrtle Blvd., 914-909-5289, billyandpetes.com/side-door-donuts.
Beascakes Bakery, Armonk
Mini doughnuts with a range of toppings are in the case every Saturday at this woman-owned bakery, though for National Doughnut Day they will also be available June 7. Doughnuts are made daily and include cinnamon sugar, vanilla sprinkle, strawberry, maple, caramel coconut and black and white. 575 Main St., 914- 273-3612.
Mochinut, New City
Matcha green tea mochi doughnut anyone? Or what about Vietnamese coffee? There are more than 20 mochi doughnut flavors at this dessert shop making it hard to choose. Other options include Nutella, Oreo, white chocolate raspberry, Oreo and guava. 170 S. Main St., 845-323-4062, food.orders.co/mochinut.
Homestyle Desserts, Peekskill
Glazed, jelly, Boston cream, cake doughnuts and cannoli versions are part of the repertoire here where you can also find warm-pressed doughuts stuffed with ice cream. You'll also find milkshakes, boba tea and new late night hours. 24 S. Water St., Peekskill, 914-737-4659, homestyledessertsbakery.myshopify.com.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.