Nebraska might not have an official donut trail like Ohio, but we have some excellent donut shops (or is it doughnut shops?). I created this post to feature donut shops throughout Nebraska, in large cities and small towns. And, because I’m inspired by that Ohio donut trail, I created my own version of a Nebraska Donut Trail at the end of the post. Enjoy!
UPDATE: This post was first published in 2019 and has been updated in July 2024 to reflect closures.
Why some Nebraska donut shops didn’t make the list
The criteria to be on this Nebraska list included A) the donut shops needed to be locally-owned shops and B) they needed to sell donuts, obviously. In some cases, the bakeries were more famous for other pastries (and I’ll point those out later), but still, donuts have to be available at the bakery in order to be included.
In cities that had more than one locally-owned donut shop, I used two methods to decide on which to include. For Omaha, I went with my favorite since I have compared the options (and there are a lot of great options). I’m more of a traditional donut fan, so cake donuts without a lot of frills are my favorite, and thus, Olsen Bake Shop was picked over something others.
In Lincoln, I looked at various review sites plus this story about Lincoln donut shops (sorry, since this first published, the newspaper added a pay wall). Since websites kept ranking a chain as the top donut shop, I selected the highest ranking locally-owned shop.
Side note: I nearly included all the Daylight Donuts that popped up in a few Nebraska towns. But, it’s a chain, and not even a Nebraska chain, so please don’t point out that the lone donut shop in your town was left off this list if it’s a Daylight Donuts.
Great donuts in western Nebraska
Ready to explore the state one donut shop at a time? Let’s start in the western side of the state. Whenever possible, I included fans’ feedback on the bakery. So, if you are a fan and want to chime in about your favorite bakery, leave me a comment.
1. Bluffs Bakery
Where: 1520 Broadway, Scottsbluff
About: According to the Bluffs Bakery Facebook page, the Bluffs Bakery bakes its products from scratch and uses all fresh ingredients. “We make every item from scratch. We also try to buy as many local ingredients as we can. That includes Robinson Honey from the honey farm in Scottsbluff, NE.”
Bluffs Bakery is owned by Ron Ahlers, Sr., a master baker, and Chris Ahlers. The bakery’s Facebook page said Ron was one of the first 500 certified bakers in the United States. Two other bakeries on this list are connected with the Ahlers (Gering Bakery).
What readers say: Jessica H. said both Gering Bakery and Bluffs bakery both have cute cookies and an assortment of cakes and donuts but that Bluffs bakery has a larger assortment of cookies, bagels, and muffins, and so many donuts doughnuts. “Bluffs also had Italian sodas (not great) and other breakfast and lunch items.”
2. Gering Bakery
Where: 1446 10th St., Gering
About: Gering Bakery, along with Bluffs Bakery, is owned by Ron Ahlers, Sr., and Chris Ahlers.
What readers say: Amanda C. grew up in Gering and said “The Gering bakery has delicious donuts and cookies. They also make absolutely incredible cabbage burgers! 🤤 I miss that bakery!”
Katie M. puts it simply: “I love the Gering Bakery!”
Jessica H. said between Bluffs Bakery and Gering Bakery, she prefers Gering Bakery. “Gering Bakery and Bluffs bakery both have cute cookies and an assortment of cakes and doughnuts. Gering has a better and larger assortment of doughnuts and a little bit of bagels. Bluffs bakery has a larger assortment of cookies, bagels, and muffins, but not as large of an assortment of doughnuts. I like Gering’s cookies better.”
3. Kimball Bakery
Where: 124 S. Chestnut St., Kimball
About: Kimball Bakery has partnered up with the cupcake maker, Merrycakes, to bring sweet sweet goodness to Kimball, Neb.
What readers say: Jessica H. said her visit was rather disappointing at Kimball Bakery, but she did let me know they had a cute glazed man.
Donut shops in the Nebraska Sandhills
4. Verdigre Bakery
Where: 405 S. Main St., Verdigre
About: Verdigre, Neb., is billed as the kolache capital of the world. Soooo, here’s a bakery where you’re probably better off ordering what they’re famous for (kolaches). But, this is a donut list, so fear not, Verdigre Bakery has donuts.
What readers say: I didn’t get a lot of reader responses about donuts here because – big surprise – kolaches kept coming up.
Beth L. said “We love the kolaches at the Verdigre Bakery!!”
While kolaches are their specialty, Andrea N. said she prefers to order the rohliky there (and if you’re curious, Andrea said the kolaches made by the Methodist church in town during Kolache Days are the best). “Rohliky is the thing at Verdigre’s bakery. I get that every time I go back. … Donuts are good there too! But I nearly always just get rohliky.”
LeAnna B. is another one who has a preference to kolaches made elsewhere (her in-laws’ recipe). She was disappointed with the kolaches there. “I had much higher hopes than what we ate from the bakery.”
Tasty donuts in northeastern Nebraska
5. Delight Donuts
Where: 818 S. 13th St., Norfolk
About: To be honest, not much is out there about Delight Donuts in Norfolk. From what I can see in photos, though, this donut shop sells enormous donuts.
What readers say: According to Jill T. “I can’t be in Norfolk without stocking up on Delight donuts!!! Best donuts and most amazing owners! Definitely a Norfolk staple! Nothing beats seeing that pink box on the break room table.”
Delicious donuts in southeastern Nebraska
6. Jim And Connie’s Blair Bakery
Where: 132 S. 17th St., Blair
About: Located not too far from Omaha, Jim and Connie’s Blair Bakery has a lot of fans here. They sell more than donuts, including pfeffernusse at Christmas time.
What readers say: Jim R. has childhood memories at the Blair bakery and said they have the best glazed donuts. “I always recommend to friends and coworkers to stop by there and get a glazed donut when they are in the area.”
Susan L. and Annie R. is also fans of their glazed donuts. Annie mentioned something about being sure to get them when warm, because, yeah. “Jim and Connie’s Blair Bakery is the BEST. I drive from Omaha to get their glazed donuts.”
Kelli K. is a big fan, too. “Love love love Jim and Connie’s in Blair!!!! Get the donuts, long johns, bear claws, okay there isn’t any of their pastries that are not delicious. I’ve had co workers in Omaha offices specifically request jim and Connie’s donuts they are so good!! Get there early on Friday, though – it is Blair tradition the high school kids bring donuts to share in homeroom on Friday.”
And, the bakery’s donut holes gets a recommendation from Katie W. “Jim and Connie’s glazed donut holes are one in a million. My coworkers from Omaha request for me to stop quite often and they are never disappointed!”
7. Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard
Where: 5995 G Road, Nebraska City
About: Kimmel Orchard has been around since 1925. Being an orchard, the draw is all-things-apples. So, obviously, you get the apple donut. The apple donuts are made fresh every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (seasonally).
What readers say: Maureen Q. said “Best donuts ever!! It’s been too long since I’ve had them.”
9. Olsen Bake Shop
Where: 1708 S. 10th St., Omaha
About: It’s easy to miss this donut shop just south of the Old Market – it’s a true hidden gem. Olsen donuts are fresh and no frills, just great tasting. It’s near the zoo and botanical gardens if you want a place to walk off the donut calories.
What readers say: “I only eat Olsens bakery donuts. Best in town,” said Jephrey M.
Dan H. agreed, saying “They’re the best I’ve ever had, period. Try other donuts when I’m out of town and nothing ever compares.”
Related post: I’ll be the first one to say Omaha has A LOT of great donut shops in addition to Olsen Bake Shop. Start with this list of tasty donuts in West Omaha!
10. Randy’s Donut Shop
Where: 201 Capitol Beach Blvd., suite 5, Lincoln
About: Randy’s competes with a popular regional chain with Nebraska’s only location (ahem, Hurts Donuts). However, from the reviews I’ve read online, Randy’s has a following.
According to the Lincoln Journal Star “Another family-owned local establishment, Randy’s lauds freshness, hand-made quality and cost as indicators of its success. Staff member Amanda Ryan said that Randy’s price of 85 cents for a doughnut is the lowest in town. Options include the ever-popular original glazed raised doughnut as well as other raised options and multiple cake doughnut choices.”
Am I missing a hidden gem of a donut shop in Nebraska? Leave a comment and let me know!
11. Sunrise Bakery
Where: 419 Court St., Beatrice
About: This long-time bakery celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017 – and it’s stayed in the family (current owner Clayton Replogle is the great-great-grandson of the original owner).
According to the Beatrice Daily Sun “The donuts, the bread, the cakes, the puddings and creams: everything but the fruit filling is made from scratch in the kitchen.”
What readers say: Samantha M. brought Sunrise Bakery to my attention. She said “My family loves their rolls and when we moved away whenever we visit our grandparents we stop in to get their buttered rolls and donuts!”
Amanda V. agreed, and said “Still trying to find a place in Omaha that even comes close to comparing!”
12. Wahoo Bakery
Where: 544 N. Linden St., Wahoo
About: Like any great Nebraska bakery, Wahoo Bakery sells cakes, cookiesand rolls in addition to donuts (and of course, kolaches). Check ahead of time to see what their donut of the month is. They’ll sell the specialty flavor on Saturdays.
Donut shops in southwestern Nebraska
13. Sehnert’s Bakery and Bieroc Cafe
Where: 312 Norris Ave., McCook
About: Sehnert’s has been around since 1957 and run by the same family. While this is the place to go to try the famous bieroc of Nebraska, it’s included on this list because they also have tasty donuts.
It’s worth pointing out that this is the lone Nebraska bakery that can say they have a James Beard America’s Classic Award, which they earned in January 2019.
What readers say: Want donut recommendations? Stacy W. has a few. “Sehnert’s is an institution in my hometown. Anytime people come back to town this is a must stop. For donuts the sundae donut and apple fritters are a big draw. My personal favorite item are the peanut butter brownies.”
Monica J. pretty much convinced me that I need to try one of everything off their menu. Here’s what she said about Sehnert’s: “The buttercream frosting is the BEST! I remember my mom ordering cakes from there ever since I was little ❤️ I’ve found no buttercream that compares. With that being said, the chocolate Sundae is freaking the best ever. Also- the cream horns are to die for. Every Holiday season they also make Stollen bread- ridiculous. I can’t even explain the goodness that happens in your mouth after eating a piece of warm Stollen from the oven. I’ve never had anything like it. You can just taste all of the homemade goodness.
“Another item I’ve ordered since I was young is the Delaware Doughnut! It’s a cheese and sausage filled “doughnut”- no icing. 🤤🤤 And last- the bieroc (runza). I order dozens of these to take home. There’s just nothing like the homemade “bread” flavor. I personally LOVE the hamburger/cheese/sauerkraut. I can’t eat Runza’s runzas because I grew up on these and they’re that good.”
The Nebraska Donut Trail
Now that you’ve got a list of Nebraska donut shops, why not go visit them? Grab a map and loosen your belts, I created a donut trail for the state.
The Nebraska donut trail starts and finishes in Omaha. The round-trip nature of the trail allows for people to start at any point. The route I have mapped out is a little more than 1,200 miles.
Here are your stops:
- Olsen Bake Shop, Omaha
- Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard, Nebraska City
- Sunrise Bakery, Beatrice
- Randy’s Donut Shop, Lincoln
- Wahoo Bakery, Wahoo
- Bluffs Bakery, Scottsbluffs
- Gering Bakery, Gering
- Kimball Bakery, Kimball
- Rolling Pin Bakery, Sidney (CLOSED)
- Sehnert’s Bakery and Bieroc Cafe, McCook
- Rosie’s Deli & Rolls, Ord
- Verdigre Bakery, Verdigre
- Delight Donuts, Norfolk
- Jim And Connie’s Blair Bakery, Blair
Many bakeries on this list are known for something other than donuts. It’s forgivable if you show up at one of them and buy something else to eat instead of a donut. I won’t tell anyone.
Celeste L
Saturday 10th of July 2021
The best donuts for me will always be at Daylight Donuts in Kearney....I know it's technically a "chain" as it's a franchise, but the guy who owns the one in Kearney has owned it for, well, at least decades. Maybe it's the nostalgia of what I've grown up with, but I've never found a donut that compares to theirs. Soft, fluffy, perfect glaze...yum. If you're ever out that way, check it out!
Bob Sautter
Sunday 15th of September 2019
Sehnert's Bakery has been a part of our lives for over 60 years since Matt's parents bought the bakery from.our next door neighbors. After moving to York, we still keep in touch, and make a 360 mile round trip every December to pick.up stollen bread, bierocs, pizza crusts and cinnamon bread. I have educated fellow Yorkites on how awesome the stollen bread is and bring back close to 50 loaves and 2-3 dozen loaves of cinnamon that Matt bakes the morning we drive to McCook. I have standing orders everytime we go to McCook. Sehnert's is simply the best!
Chelsey Knuth
Thursday 22nd of August 2019
Finding good places to eat breakfast is the most important part of any trip for me - thanks for making my next trip to Nebraska that much easier (or maybe harder to choose between these)!
Sage Scott
Tuesday 20th of August 2019
Holy donut! This makes me want to jump in the car and start driving north in time for these shops to open. Drool!
Kim
Wednesday 21st of August 2019
Ha! Which one would you go to first?
Chrysa
Tuesday 20th of August 2019
I'm ready to try EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM! They all look sooo good.