Don’t miss these sweet, delicious breakfast delights

By Olivia Venuta

Never underestimate the power of a morning sugar rush. We’ve decided that the best way to start one’s day is to crush a cruller or hunker with a dunker.

And because our collective adventures can unfold anywhere in the state, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites near and far.

Denver

Habit Doughnut Dispensary

This Platte Street bakery and convenience store may be everything you’re looking for to satisfy your sweet tooth and your sinful side. Infuse your doughnuts with 2 ounces of your favorite booze, a dose of CBD, or keep it sober. It’s up to you. Cigarettes, libations and infused coffee drinks also are available. And if you’re wanting to stay awhile, stop in to Carbon Cafe, their sister restaurant next door.

Baked N’ Denver

Located on South Broadway, this breakfast joint offers freshly baked doughnuts served with a smile. Baked N’ Denver opened in July 2020 and has been killing the breakfast game ever since. The energetic atmosphere is contagious and they serve more than just sweet treats. Breakfast sandwiches and wraps, sweet treats and coffee drinks are available from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. The doughnuts are to die for and they sell out quickly. Rush over to Baked N’ Denver to check it out for yourself.

Colorado Springs

Arnold’s Coffee and Donuts

House roasted coffee and hand-made doughnuts. What more could you ask for? Opened in 2019, Arnold’s persevered through the pandemic and continues to spread its love of good coffee and delicious doughnuts. Try their famous kolaches or a deep fried cinnamon roll for something new. As many of their customers have said, this “hole in the wall” is worth a try.

Donuts & Noodle Vietnamese Asian Cuisine

Stop in for Pho and leave with a doughnut for dessert. This shop combines sweet and savory for a unique Vietnamese dining experience. Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., you have plenty of time to drop by. The restaurant is gluten-free friendly, as there are gluten-free options for those in need. The unique fusion of foods will keep you coming back.

Estes Park

Donut Haus

The perfect fuel for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Donut Haus has been serving fresh pastries in Estes Park for over 30 years, and the current owners are still using the original recipes. The Donut Haus hires local kids who have been eating these delicious treats since they were born. The tiny iconic “haus” building recently closed, but the same treats are available down the road at the Tiny Town Sinclair station in Estes Park. Handmade daily, these doughnuts are a must have!

Durango

Durango Doughworks

This Durango classic offers more than just sweet treats. “Durango Doughworks is the only restaurant of its kind here in Durango. We offer classic American breakfast and lunch foods with full table service, and a variety of quick service to-go breakfast burritos, plus a huge selection of freshly made doughnuts and bagels seven days a week,” says owner Robert Ziegler. Durango Doughworks sources locally raised meats and uses organic flour for their hand-crafted bagels, all while giving back to the community with weekly donations to the local homeless shelter and non-profit community organizations. Listen to Ziegler when he says, “We love to be your first stop before a busy day at work or your next big adventure up in the mountains.”

Glenwood Springs

Sweet Coloradough

From coffee and doughnuts, to wine and sandwiches, Sweet Coloradough has it all. This full-service restaurant promises the highest quality food and the best tasting doughnuts in Colorado. With more than 100 different types of doughnuts daily, you will have options. If you’re looking to take a trip to Glenwood Springs, stop by the shop to taste it for yourself.

Steamboat Springs

Powder Day Donuts

Located in downtown Steamboat Springs, Powder Day Donuts provides skiers and snowboarders the sugar rush necessary to shred the slopes. The Fegelein family took over the shop in 2018, and have kept their community supplied with all the fresh doughnuts Steamboat could ever need. Every week the shop chooses a nonprofit that receives $1 from every “Nonprofit Special” (two doughnuts and a drip coffee). Go to Powder Day Donuts to support a good cause and a local business.

Boulder

Lucky’s Bakehouse and Creamery

Serving every kind of sweet tooth, Lucky’s creates doughnuts and pastries for every preference. Lucky’s Market co-owners Bo and Trish Sharon wanted to make natural, organic and delicious food that would be in everyone’s price range. Lucky’s Bakehouse and Creamery now sits across the parking lot from the Market, and utilizes the same fresh ingredients to create the delicious baked goods they’re known for. Everything is made fresh daily, so no matter when you visit, you’ll know you’re being served the best.

Pueblo

Schusters Banquet Bakery

Smack dab in the center of Abriendo Avenue sits a little white building with a bright blue awning. What you will find inside are the tastiest doughnuts at the most reasonable prices. Schuster’s is a Pueblo classic and a community favorite. Their staff members can guide you through all the options, so that you can pick the perfect doughnuts for your taste buds.

Fort Collins and Loveland

Peace, Love and Little Donuts

Starting in 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this doughnut shop has come a long way in 14 years. Peace, Love and Little Donuts now boasts over 20 stores across the United States, including locations in Fort Collins and Loveland. According to the owners, Peace Love and Little Donuts creates “Groovy, Far Out and Funkadelic Flavors,” including, Banana Crunch, Choco Pancake, Buttafinga, and even a doughnut named Dirt. Get one of the signature combinations or customize your miniature donut with a wide array of tasty (and often surprising) toppings.

Olivia Venuta, originally from Minnesota, recently graduated from the University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She enjoys reading, skiing, golfing and a good glass of wine.