Uh oh...
It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Read More about this safari issue.
When I was a kid, my cousin worked at a donut shop and would often come home with a box of leftovers at the end of her shift. I can still hear that famous “time to make the donuts” line echoing in my head, because those late-night boxes probably sparked my lifelong love for donuts. Back then, a powdered strawberry-filled donut was my favorite, but these days I lean more toward old-fashioned sour cream or a chocolate cream-filled donut.
As a family, we’re always on the hunt for a good donut, especially when we’re traveling across Arkansas. And while national chains are everywhere, it’s the small-town shops and local bakeries that win us over every time. Here are some of our favorite local donut shops to find a sweet start to the day.
Batten’s Donuts and Bakery – Paragould
Batten’s Bakery has been serving baked goods to the community of Paragould since 1954. From cookies to cakes to pies and, of course, donuts, you can’t help but satisfy your sweet tooth. They also serve a full breakfast menu and make one of the best chocolate fried pies I’ve ever tasted. Everything is made fresh daily.
Bradley’s Donuts – Farmington
Bradley’s makes all sorts of donuts, cinnamon rolls and kolaches. Everything you’d expect to find at your local bakery. But they stand out because of their character donuts, holiday-themed donuts and colorful glazes paired with a rainbow of sprinkles. They also serve coffee and boba drinks.
Community Bakery – Little Rock
Community Bakery has been a community cornerstone since 1947. They began with a bakery, eventually adding a cafe and becoming one of the first places in Little Rock to offer espresso drinks. They are now serving three meals a day, plus all the donuts and baked goods you can dream of. The Chocolate Old Fashion/Sour Cream donut is my personal favorite.
Irish Made Donuts – Fort Smith
Two donut shops with the same name were started by brothers in towns across the state from each other in the 1960s. Both locations were sold to other owners and the Pine Bluff location closed several years ago. The Fort Smith Irish Made location remains a community staple that has been making donuts for over 60 years.
Julie’s Sweet Shoppe and Bakery – Conway
You can’t go wrong with a place named Julie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery. Everything is baked fresh daily at this hometown favorite. Known for their fluffy donuts, irresistible fried pies and savory kolaches, this family-run bakery draws a steady stream of regulars.
Magnolia Bake Shop – Magnolia
Magnolia Bake Shop holds the honor of being Arkansas’s oldest continuously operating bakery. It’s been serving baked goods to the community since 1928. While it’s most famous for its cakes, locals also love the donuts that pair perfectly with a morning cup of coffee. This charming bakery has been a Southern tradition for nearly a century.
Credit: Lyndi Fultz
Red Barn Donuts – Rogers
Red Barn Donuts is a family-owned shop that’s quickly become a community favorite. In addition to their handmade donuts, they have a warm, welcoming vibe. They serve both classic and creative varieties, from fluffy glazed rings to specialty flavors that rotate with the seasons. Along with donuts, you’ll also find hearty breakfast items that make it a go-to morning stop.
Love donuts? Check out Kevin Shalin’s Top 10 Doughnut Shops in the Natural State for more flavorful options.
We do the work.
You check your email.
Sign up for our weekly e-news.
Get stories sent straight to your inbox!
Like this story? Read more from Julie Kohl
Arkansas is full of hidden treasures, but few are as tasty as the...
This fall, I began my 18th year of teaching art. I love watching kids...
September in Arkansas still feels like summer, with hot afternoons and...
Join the Conversation
Leave a Comment