Few treats are as universally beloved as the donut. Whether glazed, filled, dusted with sugar, or twisted into intricate shapes, donuts have a rich history spanning centuries and cultures. But where did they originate, and how did they become the iconic sweet indulgence we know today? Let’s take a journey through the origins and evolution of the donut.

Early Beginnings: Fried Dough Across Cultures

The concept of fried dough is ancient and can be found in numerous civilizations throughout history. While the modern donut has distinct characteristics, its roots stretch far and wide.

Ancient Civilizations and Early Fried Dough

Ancient Egypt & Rome: Archaeological evidence suggests that Egyptians and Romans made a form of deep-fried dough, often sweetened with honey.

China & India: Both cultures have long-standing traditions of fried pastries, such as youtiao (China) and gulab jamun (India), which bear similarities to modern donut varieties.

Medieval European Influence

During the Middle Ages, Europeans developed their own fried dough variations:

Dutch “Olykoeks” (Oil Cakes): The Dutch played a significant role in the evolution of the donut. In the 17th century, they made olykoeks, or “oil cakes,” which were small balls of dough fried in fat and often dusted with sugar. These early donuts, however, lacked the signature hole in the center.

German & Scandinavian Pastries: Countries like Germany and Denmark had their own versions of deep-fried dough, such as Berliners and Äbelskivers, some filled with fruit or custard.

The Donut Arrives in America

The modern donut owes much of its popularity to early Dutch settlers who brought their olykoeks to New Amsterdam (now New York) in the 1600s. However, these fried dough balls had a problem—often, the center would remain raw while the outside crisped up.

The Invention of the Hole

In the mid-19th century, a crucial innovation occurred, attributed to Hanson Gregory, an American sailor. In 1847, Gregory supposedly cut holes into the center of his dough balls to ensure even cooking. His mother, Elizabeth Gregory, is also credited with making a spiced dough version using nutmeg and stuffing them with nuts (possibly where the name “dough-nut” originated).

The Industrial Revolution and Mass Production

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, donuts became increasingly popular in the United States. However, it was the Industrial Revolution that propelled them into mainstream culture.

The Rise of the Donut Machine

In 1920, Adolph Levitt invented the first automated donut-making machine in New York City. This machine revolutionized donut production, allowing for mass production and making them more accessible to the public.

The Donut in Wartime

During World War I, donuts gained cultural significance when the Salvation Army “Donut Lassies” served freshly made donuts to American soldiers in France. This simple treat became a comfort food for the troops, solidifying its place in American culture.

Donuts in Modern Culture

The mid-20th century saw the emergence of major donut chains that further cemented their popularity:

• Dunkin’ Donuts (1950): Founded by William Rosenberg, this chain popularized the idea of donuts as a daily staple alongside coffee.

• Krispy Kreme (1937): Originally from North Carolina, this chain became famous for its hot, fresh, and glazed donuts.

Regional & International Variations

• Beignets (France & New Orleans, USA) – Square, fluffy, powdered sugar-covered fried dough.

• Churros (Spain & Latin America) – Long, ridged dough pastries, often dipped in chocolate.

• Malasadas (Portugal & Hawaii) – Soft, sugar-coated fried dough, introduced to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants.

• Sufganiyot (Jewish Tradition) – Jelly-filled donuts eaten during Hanukkah.

How “Doughnut” Became “Donut”

The word “doughnut” first appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1782, originally referring to small fried balls of dough, sometimes filled with nuts. The term appeared in early American cookbooks and remained the standard spelling for most of the 19th century.

The simplified spelling “donut” emerged in the early 20th century, gaining popularity due to commercial branding by Adolph Levitt, who shortened the name for marketing appeal. However, it was Dunkin’ Donuts, founded in 1950, that cemented “donut” as the preferred American spelling.

Today, “donut” dominates in the U.S., while “doughnut” remains standard in the UK and other English-speaking countries. The change reflects how language adapts for convenience—especially in advertising and mass production.

A Timeless Treat

From ancient civilisations to modern-day coffee shops, donuts have evolved while maintaining their simple charm. Whether you enjoy a classic glazed ring, a filled Berliner, or a unique international variation, each bite carries centuries of history and tradition.

So the next time you indulge in a donut, remember—you’re not just eating a treat, you’re taking part in a centuries-old culinary legacy.

And if reading about the rich history of donuts has made you crave a taste of the past, why not try baking your own at home? With our simple and delicious recipe, you can recreate the classic flavors that have delighted generations. Click here for the recipe.