Donut glossary: Crullers, fritters, and more explained
Ever stared at a donut shop menu and wondered what the difference is between a cruller and a fritter? Or maybe you’ve heard of a bear claw but weren’t quite sure what makes it different from a filled donut. You’re not alone! With so many styles, shapes, and names, the world of donuts can be delightfully confusing.
This beginner-friendly donut glossary will help you get to know all the major types of donuts—so you can order with confidence (and maybe try something new) on your next visit.
Classic donut types
| Donut name | Description |
|---|---|
| Yeast donut | Light, airy, and made with leavened dough. Typically fried and glazed. |
| Cake donut | Dense and moist with a crisp edge. Made with baking powder or soda. |
| Filled donut | Stuffed with custard, jelly, or cream. Usually round and sugar-coated. |
| Glazed donut | A yeast or cake donut covered in sweet glaze—often the shop’s best-seller. |
Twists, rings, and holes
| Donut name | Description |
|---|---|
| Donut hole | Bite-sized pieces from the center of ring donuts. Great for sharing. |
| Twist | Dough twisted before frying. Often glazed or sugar-coated. |
| Ring donut | The classic round donut with a hole in the middle. Can be glazed or frosted. |
Specialty and regional styles
| Donut name | Description |
|---|---|
| Cruller | Made with eggy choux dough, fried into a ridged, twisted shape. |
| Fritter | Chopped fruit and dough fried together, then glazed—crispy and rustic. |
| Bear claw | A pastry-like donut with a claw shape, often filled with almond or apple. |
| Long John | A rectangular bar-shaped donut, often filled and topped with icing. |
| Mochi donut | Chewy donut made with rice flour, often in a bubble-ring shape. |
Donuts you might spot near you
While some styles are nationwide favorites, others are more regional. For example:
- Apple fritters are a must-try in /washington/seattle
- Crullers are a Northeast classic—look for them in /massachusetts/boston
- Long Johns are popular in the Midwest, especially in /illinois/chicago
- Mochi donuts are trending in cities like /california/los-angeles
Whether you love a light and fluffy yeast donut or a rich, crunchy fritter, there’s a donut style for every craving. Keep this glossary handy the next time you visit your favorite shop—you might just discover a new favorite.
Hungry for more donut knowledge? Head back to our homepage and explore the best donut shops near you.