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National Doughnut Week

Indulge in the sweet delight of National Doughnut Week! It's the perfect excuse to enjoy a doughnut (or two) every day.

Sunday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAnnounced annually by The Children's Trust

OBSERVED INUnited Kingdom

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYDesserts

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Let's sprinkle some sweetness into our lives with National Doughnut Week starting on May 18! Mark your calendars, as this is the week that we formally pay homage to this sweet, fluffy, and totally irresistible circular pastry that has been making our taste buds dance with joy since the 19th century. Originating in the United States, doughnuts have transformed and taken on different forms across the globe. Whether you're a fan of the classic ring doughnut, sugar-dusted, filled, or the ever-so-popular glazed variety, this week provides the perfect opportunity to indulge without guilt. Let's celebrate the sugary goodness that has brought sheer delight to people all over the world for centuries!

TIMELINE

National Doughnut Week Timeline

Origin of Doughnuts

Towards the end of the eighteenth century, doughnuts, namely olykoeks or "oily cakes", made their way to America with Dutch settlers.

Creation of Ring Doughnuts

American sailor Hanson Gregory claimed to have invented the ring-shaped doughnut by punching a hole in the center with the ship's tin pepper box.

First Doughnut Chain

The Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation was founded by Vernon Rudolph, setting up the stage for doughnut chains in the United States.

Start of Doughnut Week UK

National Doughnut Week started in the UK as a fundraiser event for children’s charities by baker Christopher Freeman.

National Doughnut Day

National Doughnut Day, celebrated on the first Friday of June, was established by The Salvation Army in Chicago to honor the "Donut Lassies" who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Doughnut Week

Bake your own doughnuts

Make a special memory in the kitchen by baking your own doughnuts at home. Experiment with flavors, fillings, and toppings to create your very own signature doughnut.

EMBARK

Embark on a doughnut tour

Take the week to visit local bakeries and doughnut shops. Discover the diverse varieties each shop offers and find your new favorite doughnut..

HOST

Host a doughnut tasting party

Invite friends and family for a fun-filled doughnut tasting party. Ask each guest to bring a different kind of doughnut, then feast on the sugary goodness together.

DONATE

Donate doughnuts

Spread the sweet joy of National Doughnut Week by donating boxes of doughnuts to a local charity, school, hospital, or law enforcement station.

THROW

Throw a doughnut themed party

Celebrate the week with a doughnut themed party. Have doughnut decor, doughnut-shaped balloons and party games related to doughnuts.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Doughnut Week

Spreads Happiness

Doughnuts are synonymous with joy and what's better than spreading this sweetness during National Doughnut Week? Through donations to local charities or sharing them with friends at a tasting party, this holiday brings cheer to everyone involved.

Unleashes Our Creativity

Whether you're baking your own doughnuts at home or organizing a doughnut-themed party, National Doughnut Week sparks creativity. From the wide variety of flavors, fillings, and toppings, to decor and doughnut games, this week encourages us to get inventive.

Introduces Us to New Varieties

This sweet week serves as a passport to the world of doughnuts as we embark on doughnut tours around local bakeries and shops. It's a chance to explore new flavors, styles, and find our next favorite treat.

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