The History of the American Donut: From Colonial Times to Today

The donut's journey in America is a fascinating story that spans centuries. Dutch settlers arriving in the New World brought with them 'olykoeks' (oily cakes) — balls of sweetened dough fried in pork fat. These early treats were the precursors to modern donuts. The invention of the hole in the donut is often attributed to Hanson Gregory, a 16-year-old ship captain's apprentice from Maine, who in 1847 allegedly punched a hole in the center of a fried cake with the ship's tin pepper box to make it cook more evenly. By the early 20th century, donuts had become a staple of American culture. During World War I, female volunteers known as 'Donut Lassies' served donuts to American soldiers overseas, cementing the pastry's place in American hearts. The first automated donut machine was unveiled in 1920 at the World's Fair in New York City. Krispy Kreme opened in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Dunkin' Donuts followed in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts. Today, America's donut culture has exploded into an artisan movement, with craft donut shops across the country creating innovative flavors and creative toppings that would have been unimaginable to those early Dutch settlers.