June 5

National Donut Day

A food observance on the first Friday in June celebrating donuts and honoring The Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.

Yearly Date

First Friday in June

Observed in

United States

Introduction

It's time to get ready for a sweet treat - it's National Donut Day on the first Friday of June! This day has been celebrated since 1938 and is a great excuse to indulge in your favorite donut. The idea behind National Donut Day was created by The Salvation Army in 1938, not only to honor those that served donuts to soldiers during World War I, but also to raise much needed funds during the Great Depression. So let's all come together and celebrate this special day with some delicious donuts!

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National Donut Day Timeline

1847

Donut Invention

The ring-shaped donut was reportedly invented by Hanson Gregory, an American, in 1847 on board a lime-trading ship.

1917

Donuts in War Time

Volunteers from The Salvation Army served homemade donuts to American soldiers in France during World War I, an act that boosted the popularity of donuts in the United States.

1934

First Donut Shop Chain

The first national donut chain, Krispy Kreme, opened its doors in Nashville, Tennessee, marking the beginning of nationwide donut shops.

1938

National Donut Day

The Salvation Army declared the first Friday of June as National Donut Day to raise funds during the Great Depression and honor their World War I volunteers.

1950

Dunkin' Donuts Founded

The multinational donut company, Dunkin' Donuts, was founded, expanding the popularity of donuts even further.

Present Day

Donut Varieties and Celebrations

Donuts evolved with countless flavors, styles, and sizes and National Donut Day continues to be celebrated with special promotions and new donut introductions.

How to Celebrate National Donut Day

1 Bake your own donuts

Making your own donuts is not nearly as hard as it seems. All you need is flour, sugar, yeast, milk, eggs, and butter. Mix the ingredients together and then fry them in hot oil for a few minutes. Enjoy the taste of homemade donuts!

2 Go out for donuts

For those who don't have time to make their own donuts, try out that new bakery that serves them. Search for Donuts on Yelp and see where your donut adventure takes you.

3 Visit a donut museum

There are many museums dedicated to the history and art of donuts. Visit one to learn about the history of donuts, how they are made, and where they originated from.

4 Host a donut-making party

Invite your family and friends over for a fun evening of making donuts together! Everyone can take turns adding ingredients, rolling out the dough, and frying the donuts.

5 Take a donut-making class

Search out your local cooking school and sign up for a donut making class. You'll learn so much about making delicious donuts that you'll never want to buy store bought again.

Why We Love National Donut Day

Donuts are delicious

It's hard to deny the deliciousness of donuts. Whether it's a classic glazed, filled with cream or jelly, or topped with frosting, sprinkles or other toppings, donuts just make us happy! They're the perfect treat for any occasion and can add sweetness to any day.

Donuts are customizable

With so many different types of donuts to choose from, you can easily customize them to suit your taste. Top them with various frostings, fillings, and decorations, and you'll have an irresistible treat that all your friends and family will love!

Donuts bring people together

What's better than enjoying a tasty donut? Enjoying it with others! National Donut Day is a great excuse to gather together for some sugary goodness and good conversation. So get together with friends, family or coworkers and celebrate everyone's favorite sweet treat!