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These Scottsdale Donuts Are So Beautiful That You’ll Want To Take A Photo (And Then Eat Them All)

Buzzfeed crowned it Arizona’s most popular donut shop, and one bite will show you exactly why this unassuming Scottsdale bakery has earned such devoted praise.

Don’t be fooled by the ordinary strip mall exterior because The Local Donut is revolutionizing what you think you know about donuts.

Since opening, this small but mighty shop has been crafting artisanal donuts that blur the line between pastry and art, featuring everything from chewy mochi donuts to Instagram-worthy creations topped with Fruity Pebbles and mascarpone.

What started as a local neighborhood spot has become a destination for donut enthusiasts willing to drive hours for flavors like Ferrero Rocher, Ube & Spam, and their legendary Crème Brûlée donut that stays fresh for days.

Signature Creations That Set The Standard

Mochi Donuts: These chewy, ring-shaped beauties offer a completely different texture experience from traditional donuts. The matcha green tea and yuzu flavors transport you straight to Hawaii, while the ube variety delivers that perfect Instagram-worthy purple hue alongside incredible flavor.

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Crème Brûlée Donut: This isn’t just a donut with custard filling – it’s a masterpiece that captures the essence of the classic French dessert. The custard center is silky smooth, and the donut base provides the perfect canvas for this indulgent creation.

PB&J Perfection: Their peanut butter and jelly donut elevates childhood nostalgia to gourmet status. The balance of nutty richness and fruity sweetness creates a bite that’s both familiar and surprisingly sophisticated.

S’mores Spectacular: Complete with marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker elements, this donut delivers campfire nostalgia in pastry form. The mascarpone topping adds an unexpected gourmet twist that sets it apart from typical s’mores desserts.

Nutella Cronut: This hybrid creation marries the flaky layers of a croissant with donut sweetness, all elevated by rich Nutella filling. It’s buttery, chocolatey, and absolutely irresistible.

Fruity Pebbles Fantasy: Yes, you read that right – this colorful creation captures the essence of your favorite childhood cereal in donut form. It’s playful, nostalgic, and surprisingly delicious.

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Maple Bacon Mastery: Their take on this trendy flavor combination achieves the perfect balance of sweet maple glaze and crispy bacon bits without overwhelming the delicate donut base.

Atmosphere & Experience

Cozy Interior: Despite its small size, the shop creates a welcoming environment with modern décor and the intoxicating aroma of fresh-baked goods greeting you at the door.

Display Case Magic: The colorful array of donuts behind the glass creates an almost museum-like experience – each creation is a small work of art worth photographing before devouring.

Community Vibe: The friendly team takes time to explain flavors and help with selections, creating a personal experience that makes every customer feel like a regular.

Sustainable Approach: Their commitment to plastic-free packaging shows they care about more than just great taste – they’re thinking about environmental impact too.

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Dog-Friendly Space: Four-legged family members are welcome, making this a perfect stop during neighborhood walks or weekend adventures.

Other Considerations

Premium Pricing: These artisanal creations command higher prices than standard donut shops, but the quality ingredients and innovative flavors justify the cost. Think $4-6 per donut rather than $1-2 for basic varieties.

Early Bird Advantage: Arriving early in the day ensures the best selection, as popular flavors sell out quickly. Weekend mornings can get particularly busy with locals who know the secret.

Limited Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday with varying hours – typically 6am-12pm on weekdays and extended weekend hours until 2pm or 4pm. Monday and Tuesday closures give the team time to create new flavor experiments.

Pre-Order Wisdom: For special occasions or specific flavors, calling ahead or using their online ordering system ensures you won’t leave empty-handed during busy periods.

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Rotation Schedule: The menu constantly evolves with seasonal specials and limited-time creations, meaning there’s always a reason to return and try something new.

Strip Mall Parking: Convenient free parking right outside makes this much more accessible than downtown alternatives, though the lot can fill up during peak weekend hours.


The Local Donut
📍 3213 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Writer: Julie Moretti
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Julie is a freelance writer who fell in love with Arizona’s desert beauty after moving to Phoenix for a marketing job over a decade ago. She now spends her weekends hiking in the mountains, exploring quirky roadside attractions, and tracking down the best Mexican food around Tucson.