National Dough Nut Day

Close-up of a hand holding a perfectly glazed doughnut, set against a background of colorful bakery display.. — National dough nut day illustration

Welcome to National Doughnut Day, the day we celebrate the glorious creation that is the doughnut! Get ready for some tasty treats and a sprinkle of internet history. Let's dive in, shall we?

When is Dough Nut Day?

It's national dough nut day on the 1st June.

The Birth of National Doughnut Day

Did you know that National Doughnut Day has a fascinating internet history? It all began on June 1, 2018, when doughnut lovers across the internet collectively decided to honor their favorite sugary delight. With 13 online mentions on that day, National Doughnut Day became an instant hit.

People couldn't resist sharing their love for doughnuts on social media, flooding feeds with mouthwatering pictures and heartfelt doughnut declarations. It was like a virtual doughnut carnival!

Since then, National Doughnut Day has been observed with enthusiasm by doughnut enthusiasts all over the world. It's a day to indulge in these circular wonders and celebrate their place in our hearts and bellies.

How to Celebrate National Doughnut Day

There are countless ways to celebrate National Doughnut Day, and it all begins with one simple step: get yourself a doughnut! Whether you prefer the classic glazed, chocolate frosted, or something more exotic like maple bacon, there's a doughnut out there for everyone.

Visit your favorite local doughnut shop and fill a box with an assortment of flavors. Share the sugary joy with your loved ones, your coworkers, or even random strangers on the street (as long as they're willing participants, of course).

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at making your own doughnuts at home. There are plenty of recipes available online, so put on your apron and channel your inner doughnut chef!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the largest doughnut ever made was over 16 feet in diameter and weighed more than 2 tons? This colossal culinary creation was made in Utica, New York, in 1993. It could have easily fed an entire town! Talk about doughnut goals!

History behind the term 'Dough Nut'

1809

The First Recorded Use

The term 'doughnut' was first recorded in Washington Irving's satirical work, 'A History of New-York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty.' In this book, Irving described one of the Dutch settlers' favorite treats as 'balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog's fat, and called doughnuts or olykoeks.' This marks the first known mention of the term in print.

1847

The Simplification

The term 'doughnut' was later simplified to 'donut' by Hansen Gregory, an American sailor. As the story goes, Gregory found the center of his fried cakes often remained doughy. Frustrated by this, he decided to punch a hole in the center using the ship's tin pepper box. This innovation not only helped the doughnuts cook more evenly but also made them easier to handle and carry.

1920s

The Dunking Fad

During the 1920s, the popularity of doughnuts soared, particularly due to the emergence of coffeehouses and the rise of the 'dunking' trend. Dunking donuts into coffee became a widespread practice, and doughnuts quickly became the perfect accompaniment to a cup of Joe. This cultural shift led to an even greater demand for doughnuts across the United States.

1933

National Donut Day

With the goal of raising funds and providing assistance to people in need during the Great Depression, the Salvation Army established National Donut Day in 1933. This annual event, celebrated on the first Friday of June, helped commemorate the donut's historical roots while also symbolizing the spirit of giving.

1950s

The Commercial Boom

The 1950s marked the commercial boom of donuts, thanks to the introduction of donut chains, such as Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme. These establishments rapidly expanded across the country, popularizing donuts as a fast, affordable, and delicious treat. The donut's iconic shape, taste, and various flavors became ingrained in American culture during this time.

2003

National Donut Day Goes Global

National Donut Day expanded beyond the United States in 2003 when Dunkin' Donuts launched a global version of the holiday. As a result, people worldwide now have the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy donuts on the first Friday of June, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for this delectable treat across different cultures.