Editors’ Choice
The ANGRY Donut, Newburyport
Standout Qualities: A rich brioche dough with no sugar is used for the donuts, which means a lot of experimental flavors appear, like a savory pizza donut and the now menu-standard Fruity Pebbles. Maple Bacon, Cinnamon Sugar, and Toasted Coconut are frequent flavors too.
What’s Unique: The name comes from partner Jill Passen’s nickname, the Angry Baker, for her tendency to use baking as therapy when she’s in a foul mood. She also bakes when happy, luckily for us.
Insider Tip: The shop closes earlier than the posted hours when the donuts sell out, which is often, so get there early.
38 Washington St., Newburyport, 978-358-8776, theangrydonut.com
Readers’ Choice
Kane’s Donuts, Saugus
Standout Qualities: With a wide variety of donuts as well as its giant coffee roll the size of a cake, this legendary shop is a good reason to see more of Saugus than Route 1.
120 Lincoln Ave., Saugus, 781-233-8499, kanesdonuts.com