National Dounut Day

A cheerful person takes a bite of a donut while wearing a colorful, retro-style outfit in a delightful bakery setting.. — National dounut day illustration

Calling all donut aficionados! It's time to celebrate National Donut Day, a whimsical holiday that pays homage to everyone's favorite fried, sugary treat. Whether you're a jelly-filled fanatic or a classic glazed connoisseur, this day is all about indulging in the deliciousness of donuts. So grab your favorite flavor, cozy up with a cup of coffee, and let's dive into the sweet history of National Donut Day!

When is Dounut Day?

It's national dounut day on the 5th June.

The Origins of National Donut Day

Believe it or not, National Donut Day has deeper roots than the sprinkles on a chocolate covered donut. The holiday originated during World War I, when the Salvation Army's Donut Lassies served fresh donuts to soldiers on the front lines. These heavenly pastries provided a taste of home and became an instant morale booster. To honor their service, National Donut Day was established in 1938 and has been celebrated with glazed glory ever since.

A Hole Lot of Donut Fun Online

In today's digital age, National Donut Day has taken on a life of its own on the internet. Social media platforms are flooded with mouthwatering donut pictures, innovative donut-inspired recipes, and hilarious donut memes. Donut lovers unite online to share their favorite donut shops, discuss donut trends, and even participate in virtual donut eating contests. It's a sugary sensation that brings joy to taste buds and Wi-Fi connections alike!

Donut Day Deals and Delights

National Donut Day wouldn't be complete without some scrumptious deals and discounts. Donut shops across the country participate in the festivities by offering free or discounted donuts to customers. It's the perfect excuse to treat yourself and possibly even try a new flavor or two. So mark your calendar, because this is your chance to satisfy your donut cravings without breaking the bank!

History behind the term 'Dounut'

1809

The Birth of the Dounut

The origin of the word 'dounut' can be traced back to 1809 when Washington Irving mentioned it in his book 'A History of New York.' He described these treats as 'balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog's fat, and called doughnuts, or olykoeks.' The term 'doughnut' was derived from the Dutch word 'olykoek,' which means 'oily cake.' It referred to the traditional Dutch pastries made by frying balls of dough in animal fat or oil.

1847

Doughnuts make their debut

The term 'doughnut' first appeared in the 1847 cookbook 'A New System of Domestic Cookery' by Eliza Leslie. The book contained a recipe for 'doughnuts' in which they were described as small cakes made of sweetened dough fried in lard.

1809

The First Recorded Use

The term 'doughnut' was first recorded in 1809 in Washington Irving's book 'A History of New York'. He described them as 'balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog's fat, and called doughnuts, or olykoeks'. This marked the earliest known use of the term in writing and introduced the concept of frying dough for a delicious treat.

1809

The Creation of the Modern Donut

The term 'donut' is believed to have originated in Washington Irving's satirical work, 'A History of New York', where he humorously referred to the fried dough pastry as a 'dough-nut'. This marked the first known use of the term in literature, solidifying its place in language and culture.

18th Century

Origin of Fried Dough

The precursor to the modern donut can be traced back to the 18th century, where an English cookbook referred to as 'The Complete Practical Cook' contained a recipe for 'dow nutsch'. At that time, it was simply a ball of fried dough, rather than the ring-shaped treat we know today. These fried pastries were often soaked in sugar syrup and sometimes filled with sweet or savory fillings.

1896

Americanization of the term

The term 'doughnut' gradually transformed into 'donut' due to the influence of American English and a desire for simplification. This shorter version gained popularity and became the more common spelling.

1847

The Spelling Evolution

The spelling of 'doughnut' underwent a significant change in the mid-19th century. In 1847, an American writer named Hanson Gregory claimed to have invented the ring-shaped doughnut that we are familiar with today. He wanted to make it easier to carry and eat, so he removed the center of the dough and created the iconic ring shape. Along with this innovation, Gregory also simplified the spelling to 'donut.' This spelling quickly gained popularity, although both 'doughnut' and 'donut' remained in use.

Mid-19th Century

Voyage to America

The term 'doughnut' first appeared in print in an American cookbook called 'Mrs. Hannah Glasse's The Art of Cookery made Plain and Easy' in 1803. However, it wasn't until the mid-19th century that doughnuts gained popularity in the United States. Dutch immigrants brought their tradition of olykoeks, oily cakes, to America, which later became known as doughnuts. The term 'donut' also started to be used as a shortened form of 'doughnut,' leading to the modern spelling we commonly use today.

1847

The Modern Spelling Emerges

In 1847, an American novelist named Elizabeth Gregory made a breakthrough in the history of the term 'doughnut'. She is credited with the invention of the modern spelling, 'donut'. It is said that she used to make doughnuts for her son and would fill the center with nuts and sweet fillings. She would then put hazelnuts or walnuts where the doughnut's hole would be, creating a unique and delectable treat.

1847

The Doughnut

Hanson Gregory, a 16-year-old American sailor, claimed to have invented the modern ring-shaped doughnut during his voyages. To solve the problem of undercooked centers, he suggested removing the dough's center, resulting in a circular shape that cooked more evenly. This innovation led to the creation of the classic doughnut we know today.

1934

National Donut Day is established

National Donut Day was created by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor the women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. It is celebrated annually on the first Friday of June and has become a beloved day to indulge in and celebrate the tasty treat.

World War I (1914-1918)

Doughnut Salvation

During World War I, female volunteers known as the 'Doughnut Girls' provided support to the soldiers on the front lines by serving fresh doughnuts to boost morale. The Salvation Army, along with other charitable organizations, played a vital role in providing these treats as a taste of home. This association with comforting memories and generosity further enhanced the popularity and cultural significance of doughnuts.

1920

The Rise of Dunkin' Donuts

The term 'donut' became even more widespread and ingrained in popular culture in the 20th century. In 1950, a small coffee and donut shop opened in Quincy, Massachusetts, named 'Dunkin' Donuts.' This iconic chain contributed to the popularity of the term 'donut' and further solidified its place in American vocabulary. Dunkin' Donuts introduced various flavors, shapes, and toppings, popularizing donuts as a beloved and indulgent treat across the country.

1872

The Doughnut Cutter Patent

In 1872, a man named John F. Blondel from Thomaston, Maine, patented the first doughnut cutter. This invention revolutionized the way doughnuts were made by providing a quick and efficient method to cut out the center hole. The doughnut cutter became increasingly popular and set the stage for mass production, making it easier to create and consume doughnuts on a larger scale.

1920s

The Donut vs. Doughnut Debate

During the 1920s, the spelling of 'doughnut' began shifting to 'donut'. While the exact reasons for this abbreviation are unclear, it is often attributed to the influence of advertising campaigns by doughnut chains. The shorter spelling gained popularity due to its simplicity, eventually becoming widely accepted.

1950s

Donut chains fuel the donut craze

In the 1950s, the rise of prominent donut chains like Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme helped popularize and commercialize the donut culture. These chains brought new flavors, iconic branding, and convenient drive-thru locations, contributing to the expansion of the donut industry.

1937

The National Donut Association

In 1937, the National Donut Association (NDA) was founded to represent the commercial donut industry in the United States. This organization further popularized the term 'donut' through its advocacy and promotion of donut-related events, such as National Donut Day. The NDA's efforts solidified the term's widespread usage and cultural significance.

1920

The Rise of Dunkin' Donuts

The term 'doughnut' continued to evolve, particularly with the emergence of popular doughnut chains. In 1920, William Rosenberg opened a coffee and donut shop named 'Open Kettle' in Quincy, Massachusetts, which later became Dunkin' Donuts. The success of Dunkin' Donuts not only popularized the term 'donut' but also contributed to the widespread consumption and love for doughnuts around the world.

Late 20th Century

The Rise of Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme

The late 20th century saw the rapid expansion of major doughnut chains such as Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme. These companies brought doughnuts into the mainstream and popularized signature styles, like the Boston Cream and the Original Glazed. Their marketing campaigns and easily accessible locations contributed to the widespread love for these delicious treats.

1950s

The Donut's Popularity Soars

With the rise of coffee shops and fast-food chains in the 1950s, donuts became increasingly popular as a breakfast treat. Donut shops, such as Dunkin' Donuts, played a significant role in establishing the donut's position as a staple of American cuisine. The term 'donut' became firmly ingrained in the cultural lexicon, representing a beloved and iconic food.

1938

The First National Doughnut Day

In 1938, the Salvation Army established the first National Doughnut Day in the United States. It was created to honor the volunteers, known as 'Doughnut Lassies,' who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. The event became a way to celebrate the history, cultural significance, and the sweet delight of doughnuts, solidifying their place in the national consciousness.

Present Day

Creative Donut Evolution

Today, doughnuts have become a cultural icon, with countless variations and innovative flavors available worldwide. From artisanal bakeries to trendy gourmet doughnut shops, the donut has truly evolved into an art form. Whether it's a classic glazed, a decadent filled donut, or a unique creation, the love for these round delights continues to grow and captivate the taste buds of people around the globe.

2013

National Donut Day gains social media recognition

With the advent of social media, National Donut Day gained widespread popularity and recognition. People started sharing their indulgence in donuts across various platforms, resulting in increased awareness and participation in the celebration of this delightful day.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest donut ever made weighed a whopping 1.7 tons? That's equivalent to the weight of about 12,000 regular-sized donuts! It was created in 1993 in Utica, New York, and measured 16 feet in diameter. Now that's a supersized donut!