Who Invented the Doughnut: The Amazing Story Behind the Treat

The donut, a tasty treat with a history as long and winding as its many varieties. The doughnut hole, thanks to Captain Hanson Gregory who used a tin pepper box to punch a hole in the dough, allowed doughnuts to cook faster and was a major game changer. From ancient fried doughs to modern day gourmet doughnuts, doughnuts have traveled through time and around the world and have become the delicious treats we know today. In this post we’ll explore the history of the donut, from its beginnings to its transformations and fun facts that make it a culinary classic. Come along with us on this tasty trip through time!

The Early Days of the Doughnut

The history of the donut goes back way before it got its modern name and shape, with early uses of the term “dough nuts” dating back to the 1800s. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, enjoyed various forms of fried dough treats which would eventually become the donut. Let’s take a look at the early history of this tasty treat.

Ancient Civilizations and Fried Dough

Greece and Rome: In ancient Greece small sweetened balls of dough called “loukoumades” were deep fried and drizzled with honey, often served as offerings to the gods or as party treats during festivals. The Romans had a similar concept called “globuli” which were balls of sweetened dough fried and dipped in honey or fish sauce. These early fried doughs were popular not only for their taste but for their simplicity, requiring only basic ingredients and cooking methods. Middle East: The Middle East also has a long history of fried dough. One of the earliest examples is “zalabiyeh” a treat made from a simple batter that is fried until golden and soaked in syrup or honey. This dates back to medieval times and is still enjoyed in various forms throughout the region today. Middle Eastern cuisine spread through trade and conquest and brought fried dough to other parts of the world.

Medieval Europe

As sweetened cake fried made its way to Europe it evolved in different ways depending on the region.

Britain: In medieval Britain a similar treat called “dough knots” was enjoyed. These were pieces of dough tied in knots and fried, often sprinkled with sugar or spices. Dough knots were made during festivals and were street food. Germany: In Germany “striezel” or “strudel” emerged as variations of fried dough. Striezel were braided or twisted pieces of dough, fried and coated in sugar. The name “strudel” later became associated with layered pastries filled with fruit or other sweet fillings but the original concept was much simpler and closer to what we would recognize as a precursor to the modern donut.

The Dutch

The modern donut’s direct ancestor can be traced to Dutch settlers in early America. In the 17th century Dutch immigrants brought with them a recipe called “olykoeks” which translates to “oil cakes”. These doughnuts were balls of sweet dough fried in hot oil often filled with fruit or nuts.

Colonial America: As the Dutch settled in what would become New York (originally New Amsterdam) their olykoeks became popular. But one problem remained: the center of the dough was often uncooked while the outside was browned. To fix this they would sometimes stuff the centers with fillings that cooked at the same rate as the dough.

The Doughnut Hole

One of the biggest innovations in the donut’s evolution was the hole in the center. While the exact origin of this is debated a popular story credits Hanson Gregory a young sailor with inventing the ring shaped doughnut in 1847. According to legend Gregory was fed up with the raw centers of the fried cakes and used the top of a tin pepper box to punch out the middle creating the ring shape that ensured even cooking. This simple yet brilliant innovation was a major milestone in the donut’s history.

European and American Variations

As donuts spread across Europe and America they continued to evolve influenced by local tastes and ingredients. Doughnut holes the bite sized treats made from the dough taken from the center of ring doughnuts have become a cult following and are often topped with confections.

France: The French enjoyed “beignets” a type of deep fried pastry that could be sweet or savory. Beignets became famous in New Orleans, Louisiana where they are dusted with powdered sugar and served with coffee. Spain: In Spain “churros” became a favorite. These long ridged sticks of fried dough are often served with a thick chocolate dipping sauce. Churros are popular worldwide and are often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. Italy: In Italy “zeppole” and “bomboloni” are traditional fried dough treats. Zeppole are small round dough balls that can be filled with cream, custard or other fillings. Bomboloni are larger and filled with pastry cream or jam.

The early history of the donut is a patchwork of cultural influences and culinary experimentation. From ancient Greek loukoumades to Dutch olykoeks the concept of fried dough has been loved by many civilizations. Each culture’s twist added to the rich and diverse history of what we now know as the donut. As these early forms of fried dough traveled through time and across continents they laid the foundation for the delicious and varied donuts we enjoy today.

The Evolution in America

By the 19th century olykoeks had evolved into what we now know as donuts. One of the biggest innovations was the hole in the center. The story goes that in 1847 a young sailor named Hanson Gregory was fed up with the doughy uneven and raw center and cut it out creating the ring shape we know today. This simple yet brilliant innovation ensured the donut cooked evenly.

Throughout the 19th century donuts became a household staple often made at home or sold by local bakers. They were a comfort food especially in rural areas where baking was a common household activity. The rise of doughnut shops in the US further solidified their cultural status with pink boxes and diverse varieties becoming iconic.

The donut’s popularity continued to grow and by the early 20th century they had become a part of American culture. The invention of the automated donut machine by Adolph Levitt in 1920 made donuts more widely available and consistent in quality. Levitt’s invention paved the way for donuts to become a national phenomenon available in bakeries and cafes across the country.

The World Wars and Doughnut Dollies

The two World Wars played a big role in donuts becoming a part of American culture. During World War I the Salvation Army served fresh donuts to soldiers on the front lines in France. These brave women known as “doughnut dollies” fried donuts in helmet stoves and handed them out to the troops. Serving fresh donuts to soldiers was a big deal because it was a symbol of hope and comfort in the harsh reality of war.

This act of kindness left a lasting impression and when the soldiers got back they continued their love affair with donuts and spread their popularity further.

World War II saw a similar effort with the Red Cross and other organizations continuing the tradition of serving donuts to soldiers. The donut had become a symbol of comfort and support associated with the home front’s effort to sustain and uplift the spirits of those fighting overseas.

The Rise of Donut Chains: Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme

The post war era marked the beginning of the donut’s commercial boom with the rise of major donut chains. In 1948 William Rosenberg opened the first Dunkin’ Donuts in Quincy, Massachusetts. Rosenberg’s vision was to serve high quality coffee and fresh donuts an idea that resonated with the American public. Dunkin’ Donuts quickly expanded and became a national and then international brand.

Krispy Kreme founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina became another donut icon. Known for their light and airy Krispy Kreme doughnuts and the famous “Hot Now” sign Krispy Kreme gained a loyal following because they were popular. Krispy Kreme stores expanded big time and became a cultural institution and a part of American life.

These chains played a big role in standardizing donut production ensuring consistency and quality and making donuts widely available. They also introduced the concept of the donut shop as a community gathering place where people could get a sweet treat and a cup of coffee.

Modern Donuts

In recent years the donut industry has seen a surge of innovation with gourmet donuts and artisanal shops popping up everywhere. National Doughnut Day celebrated in the US on the first Friday of June every year honors Salvation Army members who served donuts to soldiers during World War I and highlights the history and culture of donuts. These modern takes on the classic donut often feature unique flavors, high quality ingredients and creative presentation. From bacon topped maple bars to lavender infused glazes the possibilities are endless. Here are some of the most notable trends and innovations in the world of donuts today.

Gourmet Donuts

Gourmet donuts have taken over the culinary world and raised the humble donut to new levels. The cultural practice of “dunking donuts till” has been romanticized in popular culture as a symbol of comfort and relief during anxious waiting periods especially during wartime. Artisanal donut shops around the world are experimenting with flavors and ingredients beyond the traditional. These donuts feature exotic ingredients like matcha, hibiscus and Earl Grey tea. Some shops even incorporate savory elements like bacon, cheese and herbs to create the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Bacon Maple Bars: One of the most popular gourmet donuts combining the sweetness of maple glaze with the savory crunch of bacon.
Lavender Lemon: A delicate combination of floral lavender and zesty lemon often topped with edible flowers.
Matcha Green Tea: Infused with the flavor of matcha these donuts are a twist on the classic.

Creative Presentation

Modern donut makers are not just focusing on flavors but also on presentation. The design and Instagrammability of the donut has become a big part of the donut experience. Some shops create donuts with intricate designs, themed designs and even custom orders for special occasions.

Galaxy Donuts: Donuts with swirly colors like the galaxy often finished with edible glitter.
Unicorn Donuts: Decorated with pastel colors, sprinkles and fondant to look like unicorns these donuts are a party favorite.
Donut Bouquets: Instead of flowers some people now gift bouquets of beautifully arranged donuts for special occasions.

International Flavors

Donuts are a global phenomenon and many countries have put their own spin on the donut. These international flavors are now popping up everywhere and adding to the donut diversity.

Japanese Mochi Donuts: Made with glutinous rice flour these donuts are chewy and come in flavors like matcha, black sesame and yuzu.
Italian Bomboloni: These Italian donuts are filled with pastry cream, Nutella or jam and dusted with powdered sugar.
Mexican Churro Donuts: A combination of the traditional churro and donut these treats are coated in cinnamon sugar and often served with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.

Healthy Options

As consumers get health conscious the donut industry has adapted by offering healthier alternatives. Many shops now offer options that cater to different dietary requirements and restrictions like gluten free, vegan and baked (not fried) donuts.

Gluten Free Donuts: Made with alternative flours like almond, coconut or rice flour these donuts are perfect for those with gluten intolerance.
Vegan Donuts: Using plant based ingredients these donuts are animal free and still packed with flavor and texture.
Baked Donuts: Instead of fried these donuts are baked resulting in a lighter lower calorie treat.

Mashup Creations

Mashup desserts have become a big trend and donuts are no exception. These creative combinations of donuts with other favorite treats are a game changer.

Cronut: A croissant donut hybrid created by Dominique Ansel which went global.
Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slices of donuts used to sandwich scoops of ice cream, two favorite desserts in one.
Donut Cakes: Large cake sized donuts that can be sliced and served like a traditional cake often for birthdays and special occasions.

Technology and Donuts

Technology has also played a part in modern donut innovations. From automated donut machines to online ordering and delivery apps the donut industry has gone digital to improve the customer experience.

Automated Donut Machines: Machines can now produce donuts at high speed and consistency. Some even let you watch the process and it’s entertainment.
Online Ordering and Delivery: Many donut shops have online ordering and delivery now so you can enjoy your favorite treats from home.
Smart Donut Shops: Some shops have introduced self service kiosks where you can customize and order your donuts with a few taps on a screen.

Pop-Up Shops and Donut Trucks

Pop-up shops and food trucks have brought donuts to new and unexpected places. These mobile and temporary setups are exciting and exclusive often with limited time flavors and events.

Donut Trucks: Mobile donut shops that can be found at festivals, fairs and even parked on city streets serving fresh donuts to the passing crowd.
Pop-Up Shops: Temporary donut shops that pop up in different locations for a short time and create buzz and crowds that want to try the unique offerings.

Modern donut shops are also giving back to their community and promoting social causes. From supporting local farmers to participating in charity events the donut industry is getting more socially responsible.

Local Sourcing: Artisanal donut shops are sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers to support the local economy and freshness.
Charitable Initiatives: Some donut shops are donating a portion of their profits to charities or participating in events to raise awareness and funds for various causes.
Sustainable Practices: Eco friendly practices like biodegradable packaging and reducing food waste are becoming more common in the donut industry.

Fun Facts and Trivia

National Donut Day: Celebrated on the first Friday of June every year National Donut Day honors the “Donut Lassies” of World War I. The day was established in 1938 by the Salvation Army as a fundraiser during the Great Depression.
World’s Largest Donut: In 1998 a 1.7 ton strawberry jelly donut was created in Utica, New York and set the record for the world’s largest donut.
Space Donuts: In 2014 the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission captured an image of a donut shaped comet unofficially nicknamed “the Donut Comet.”
Donuts in Pop Culture: Donuts have made their mark in pop culture most famously associated with Homer Simpson from “The Simpsons” whose love for donuts is well known.
The Mystery of the Name: The origin of the word “donut” is a bit of a mystery. Some believe it comes from the term “dough knots” while others think it might refer to nuts originally placed in the center of the dough to cook it through.
Donuts and Cops: The stereotype of police officers loving donuts originated in the mid-20th century when donut shops were among the few places open late at night and provided a convenient place for officers to grab a snack and do paperwork during the graveyard shift.
World Record for Eating Donuts: The record for most powdered donuts eaten in three minutes is held by Kevin “L.A. Beast” Strahle who consumed nine donuts in 2017.
The Donut King: Ted Ngoy a Cambodian refugee became known as “The Donut King” after establishing a successful donut shop empire in Southern California in the 1970s and 1980s. His story is a testament to the American Dream and the cultural significance of donuts in immigrant communities.
Cronut Craze: In 2013 French pastry chef Dominique Ansel created the “Cronut” a hybrid of a croissant and a donut. The pastry became an overnight sensation with people lining up for hours to get their hands on one.
Donuts in Space: In 2006 the crew of the International Space Station enjoyed donuts delivered by a Progress spacecraft making it one of the most unique deliveries of this beloved treat.
Donut Ice Cream Cones: Combining two popular treats the “donut cone” is an innovative dessert where a donut is shaped into a cone and filled with ice cream offering a delightful twist on both sweets.
The Donut Hole Dilemma: The small round pieces of dough cut out from the center of ring donuts known as “donut holes” have become a popular treat in their own right. Some people even prefer them over regular donuts!
Celebrity Donut Fans: Many celebrities have publicly declared their love for donuts. For instance singer Ariana Grande has a well known affinity for donuts even featuring them in her music video for “The Way.”
Donut Emojis: The donut emoji 🍩 was added to Unicode in 2010 and has since become a popular way to express love for the treat on social media and in text messages.
Donut Competitions: Donut eating competitions are popular at fairs and festivals. One of the most famous is the annual Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh, North Carolina where participants run 2.5 miles eat a dozen donuts and run back—all in under an hour.
Unique Donut Flavors: Around the world donut shops experiment with unique flavors. In Japan you might find donuts flavored with matcha (green tea) or filled with sweet red bean paste. In South Africa “koeksisters” are twisted donuts soaked in syrup.
Cider Donuts: In the northeastern United States particularly during the fall cider donuts are a seasonal favorite. Made with apple cider these donuts are a staple at apple orchards and fall festivals.
Donut Walls: At weddings and parties “donut walls” have become a trendy and fun way to serve donuts. These displays feature pegs where donuts are hung creating an eye catching and delicious centerpiece.
Record-Breaking Donut Chain: Dunkin’ Donuts now known as Dunkin’ holds the record for the most locations worldwide with over 12,000 stores in 36 countries.
Glazed Donut Burger: For those who love a mix of sweet and savory the glazed donut burger is a must try. This burger replaces the traditional bun with two glazed donuts offering a unique culinary experience.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: Since its founding in 1937, Krispy Kreme has become a cultural icon. Renowned for their light, airy texture and signature “Hot Now” sign, these doughnuts have captured the hearts of sweet treat enthusiasts worldwide.

Here are the fun facts and trivia that show the donut’s cultural power and creativity. Whether it’s setting records, popping up in pop culture or starting new food trends, the donut is a source of joy and wonder around the world.

Conclusion

From ancient fried doughs to modern artisanal masterpieces, the donut’s history is a proof of its timelessness and versatility. Each chapter of its evolution has added another layer of flavor and meaning, so the donut is more than just a sweet. It’s comfort, innovation and community, loved by everyone. As we celebrate the donut’s history we can look forward to many more chapters to come.