Krispy Kreme is making sure your Halloween is extra special this year with a fun giveaway!
This Sunday, Oct. 31 (aka Halloween), grab your costume and family and head to a “Krispy Skreme” shop and you’ll get a free doughnut! All customers who visit a location dressed in costume will be the lucky recipients of a free sweet treat, with no purchase necessary.
photo: Krispy Kreme
If you make it to a Krispy Skreme location on Saturday, you can take advantage of the last Saturday Scary Sharies, where you can snag a $1 “Saturday Scary Sharies” dozen with the purchase of any dozen. Each dozen comes in a special edition spellbook box, while supplies last.
Summer desserts are easy—a scoop of ice cream, sorbet, or gelato and everyone’s happy. But as the weather begins to cool down and the darkness creeps in earlier, you might be craving something that provides a little more comfort. Get ready to snuggle up to DC’s best sweets; we rounded up the city’s most iconic fall desserts so you can tuck in to a satisfying sweet treat. Whether your favorites are cinnamon, chai or pumpkin, grab your utensils and get your fall flavor on!
What says autumn more than apples and apple cider? A quintessential fall treat, apple cider donuts do double duty as a delicious breakfast or dessert. And The Farmer’s Porch at Butler’s Orchard is offering up some major fall treats. In addition to the traditional pumpkin pie or pumpkin roll, they offer apple cider donuts by the donut or the half-dozen. But perhaps the best reason to make the 40-minute drive is their Apple Cider Donut Sundae: an apple cider donut with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and caramel topping.
Insider tip: Due to the 40-minute drive and the orchard requiring reservations, it’s worth making a day of this. Pick your own Halloween pumpkins, enjoy the huge slides, and spend some time with the farm animals before enjoying dessert (before or after dinner!).
If you or your little one often feel like you have to miss out on dessert because you’re gluten-free, Rise Bakery has you covered. Plus, many of their dishes are also dairy, soy, egg, and/or nut free! They’ve got some deliciously tempting treats on their menu that just scream autumn. Some of our personal faves: their apple pie (or the vegan apple pie), pumpkin cheesecake with ginger molasses cookie base, pumpkin roll, carrot cake, cinnamon roll, or cinnamon coffee cake. Yeah, there’s plenty to love.
Insider tip: There’s a super-small seating area so plan to take your treats to-go. You can walk to Kalorama Park in about five minutes to enjoy your desserts.
Ice cream might not be your first idea of the ideal fall dessert, but if you head to Rocky Point Creamery, it just might become your first idea. Offering unique flavors like Pumpkin, Salty Caramel Pretzel, and Caramel Apple (on rotation, so check their Facebook page to know when it’s available), their ice cream goes from summer refresher to fall comfort. They also have a Green Apple Sorbet for dairy-free dessert. Not to miss: check out their Halloween candy-themed flavors, such as Reese’s Pieces, M&M, Almond Joy, Trick or Treat, and Monster Mash. Yum! Sometimes they offer spur of the moment flavors, so make sure to check their Facebook page each week to know what’s on offer!
Insider tip: This ice cream shop is on a working farm, so your littles can wave to real-life dairy cows and climb a farm tractor converted into a slide!
Got a little pancake-lover in the house? Then they’ll probably love Crepeaway. Crepes are very similar to pancakes but much thinner, and Crepeaway serves them up with a variety of sweet-tooth satisfying choices. First, they add Nutella chocolate, then they add your choice of powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar, fruits, berries, or cookies. There are a lot of options here, so it’s unlikely anyone’s going to leave disappointed. If you’re not sure what to order, ask the staff for recommendations.
Insider tip: They offer both pickup and delivery, but you will want to make sure you can eat your crepes as soon as possible so they’re still hot. They do lose a little of their yumminess as they cool down.
If you thought doughnuts were just a breakfast food, you’ve never been to District Doughnut and Coffee. These delectable doughnut flavors are swapped out seasonally, but you’ll sink your teeth into delicious scratch-made Vanilla Bean yeast dough year-round. Their fall menu includes Pumpkin Crème Brulee, Pumpkin Glazed, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Apple Cider Bites.
Insider tip: While these specialty doughnuts are delicious any time of day, swing by early in the day to make your selections. By late afternoon, you may have limited options or none at all. They’re that good!
Your little one's picky palate may not be ready for French food in general, but their immature taste buds will appreciate this vanilla bean crème brûlée. The toasted sugar crust has the perfect amount of crunch, while still remaining a creamy, rich dessert. It comes with a French cookie on the side, too. For some truly autumnal flavors, try their Apple Tart Tatin or the Milk Chocolate Pot De Crème.
Insider tip: The crème brûlée, like their other desserts, is sized for sharing so grab a spoon!
If you’ve got a unicorn or rainbow lover in the house, head to Baked & Wired for a cupcake that looks like it was baked and frosted by Lisa Frank herself. It's a funfetti cake topped with buttercream frosting and brightly colored sprinkles; frosting colors change regularly for extra fun. Their fall assortment is a dozen delicious cakecups for $52.80. You get four each of pumpkin, dirty chai, and chocolate doom flavors. You might want to wipe the drool of your chin before you go.
Insider tip: Some of the cupcakes have adult-themed names. If you have a non-reader, it probably is a non-issue.
Does your tot love Nutella? S’mores? Anything and all things gooey? Then they’ll adore this Nutella pizza meant for sharing. It’s thin pizza dough topped with mascarpone, Nutella, pistachios and mini-marshmallows. Rich and delicious, this dessert is the best combo of pizza and dessert.
Insider tip: Even if it’s just you and the kiddo, order this full-size pizza. The leftovers will taste just as delicious reheated in the microwave tomorrow.
Osteria Marzano 6361 Walker Ln Metro Park VI (#140) Franconia, VA Online: www.osteriamarzano.com
If your little has never had churros before, this Spanish tapas restaurant’s delectable dessert may spoil them on traditional churros forever. Boqueria offers churros con chocolate, the traditional fried dough with a cinnamon-sugar dusting that you dip in thick hot chocolate. They also have churros rellenos, filled with either Nutella or dulce de leche. Whichever ones you get, your kiddo is guaranteed to love them.
Insider tip: The main dining area at the Penn Quarter location can get a bit loud when it fills up. You may want to swing by during quieter periods if your little one is sensitive to loud noises.
Does your munchkin live on waffles for breakfast? One of the most beloved hand-held foods just got more fun with... bubbles! At Tiger Fork, the bubble waffle is served with two scoops of ice cream plus “fun stuff." The “fun stuff” is a random assortment of toppings from sprinkles to crushed cookies to pixie sticks chosen by the kitchen. You might not know what toppings you’ll get, but you know sugar overload is guaranteed!
Their Baonut holes are fried bao with cashew sauce and cinnamon and sugar. Like a traditional donut hole but with that extra flair, these are utterly delicious. If you want to have that fall bonfire feel with a little something special, try the Chinese S’more. It’s roasted marshmallow with chocolate five-spice streusel and ice cream.
Insider tip: They only serve the bubble waffle at dinner.
Indique offers Gulab Jamun, a milk solid donut hole drizzled with honey and served with vanilla ice cream. This melt-in-your-mouth dessert comes out piping hot with a super-soft texture and a hint of rose flavor. You might even catch a hint of cardamom in the ice cream. Plus, it’s perfectly pint-sized, making it an excellent dessert for littles.
Insider tip: If you plan to go at brunch, make sure you get a reservation. They get very busy!
Indique 3512-14 Connecticut Ave. NW Cleveland Park Online: www.indique.com
The Source
The Source by Wolfgang Puck offers a 15-layer carrot cake that is worth its weight in gold. While a serving looks light and thin, this rich dessert is easy to share (and is topped with ginger ice cream. Yum!).
Insider tip: Take your little on their birthday, and the restaurant will write their name on the menu!
The Source 575 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC Online: www.wolfgangpuck.com
Make dessert an extra special occasion by bringing the kids to Firefly for dinner. Firefly doesn’t advertise it on the dessert menu, but they have the perfect make-your-own dessert for kids. Before dinner, each kid is given cookie dough to decorate to their own satisfaction. While you eat, the cookie is baked and then served to your little one as dessert. This might be the perfect dessert: a pre-dinner activity to keep them busy, and a dessert they’re guaranteed to eat since they made it themselves!
Insider tip: The atmosphere is a bit upscale, so if the kids are cranky, it might be better after a nap.
Firefly 1310 New Hampshire Ave. NW Dupont Circle Online: www.firefly-dc.com
Who’s ready for some Halloween fun this year? To make up for last year’s so-so celebrations, we’re getting extra creative with some playful costume ideas, inspired by some of the most iconic parts of LA. The hard part? Picking which LA-themed costume for kids is our favorite.
LA's a doughnut town (here's our full list of must-go doughnut spots in LA) so embrace the love of circular sweet treats with this adorable DIY doughnut costume via Hellowonderful_co.
Angelenos that grew up visiting the iconic La Brea tarpits will appreciate this saber-toothed tiger Halloween costume. Of course if your kid is more into dinosaurs than tigers, you can order this fossil dinosaur costume to represent the National History Museums's iconic dinosaur displays.
Perfect for any little "Big Boy" in LA. After all, the burger chain is one of the city's most iconic restaurants. If you're crafty, here's the DIY tutorial for the costume. If not, you can always add red straps to these checked PJ bottoms and call it a day.
Another LA institution, See's Candies has been around since 1921 when the first shop opened on Western Ave. Today, workers still wear a traditional black and white uniform reminiscent of the old days, and photographer Gina Lee perfectly recreates the look on her little one. Fun fact: The I Love Lucy with Lucy with gobbling chocolates off a conveyor belt? That was at See's Candies' factory.
Bring a little pop culture to your costume (and impress the neighbors) with a reference to the Jeff Koons exhibit at The Broad, featuring the artist's balloon dog sculpture.
This ensemble is a nod to one of LA's most beloved burger joints, courtesy of the Cali mom Chelsea Foy's Lovely Indeed Instagram account. If your kiddo has a younger sibling, they can always go as the ketchup. Or get your whole brood in on the action with this complete tutorial.
LA is arguably the taco capital of the United States. End the debate about where to find the best tacos in the city once and for all with this costume. (Don't want to DIY it? Here's a ready-to-go kid's taco costume.)
Because Angelenos have been sushi lovers for decades, long before the rest of the country caught on. Check out LA mom Laura Izumikawa's Instagram for even more costumed-baby inspiration.
You might not think there’s a holiday in between Labor Day and Halloween, but National Coffee Day is a thing—and its falls this year on Wed., Sep. 29. If you’re wondering where to get free coffee on this very special day, we’ve got a few places you can hit up to keep the caffeine flowing.
Here’s your official National Coffee Day celebration guide.
Starbucks
Bring in a clean, reusable cup and walk away with a free cup of Pike Place Roast up to 20oz.
Krispy Kreme
Reward Members can snag a free brewed coffee and doughnut of their choice and non-rewards members can receive a free brewed coffee. No purchase necessary!
It’s a big day for Peet’s! Customers can get a free coffee with the purchase of a 1/2 or 1 pound bag of coffee. You also a chance to win a $2,000 Peet’s Black Card in the Peet’s Coffee National Coffee Day Giveaway, plus 25% off freshly hand-roasted coffee beans, K-Cup Pods and espresso capsules at shops and on peets.com Sept. 25-Sept. 29.
Circle K
Text “FREE” to “31310” to receive a digital coupon for a free cup of coffee to use on Sept. 29.
You’ll get a free regular size brewed coffee with any bakery purchase over $2 at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Where else can you get free coffee on National Coffee Day? That depends. Your local coffee shops or cafes may offer free coffee or discounts to celebrate the occasion; you can always check local Facebook pages or Instagram accounts for your favorite local roasters.
Happy National S’mores Day! In honor of Aug. 10, Krispy Kreme is treating donut lovers to two brand-new s’mores-inspired sweet treats.
Beginning today, fans can snag a S’mores Classic or S’more Fudge Cake Doughnut at participating shops. In a special twist, Krispy Kreme has partnered with Hershey’s to take the limited offering to a whole new level.
So what are the donut deets? The S’mores Classic Doughnut is filled with marshmallow KREME, then dipped in Hershey’s chocolate icing and topped with marshmallow KREME, chocolate icing and graham cracker crumbs. The S’mores Fudge Cake Doughnut is a Hershey’s fudge cake doughnut that’s dipped in marshmallow icing, then topped with with Hershey’s chocolate icing and chocolate chips.
Is your sweet tooth tingling yet? The donut additions will be available for a limited time only at participating Krispy Kreme shops.
––Karly Wood
All photos: Courtesy of Krispy Kreme and Hershey’s
The newest Krispy Kreme donut collection is here! Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with some seriously patriotic dough.
The limited edition collection comes in a special star-spangled box and four red, white and blue specially designed donuts! Krispy Kreme is also offering a special sweet deal for the weekend only.
photo: Krispy Kreme
From Jun. 28 through Jul 4, snag the the BOGO Free Dozens deal. For every every any dozen you buy, you’ll get an Original Glazed dozen for free.
The limited edition donuts include a Freedom Ring Doughnut, an original glaze with icing stripes and sprinkles, a Patriotic Sprinkled Ring Doughnut, an original glaze with white icing and patriotic sprinkles, a Strawberry Shortcake Doughnut, a strawberry filled donut dipped in red icing, sprinkled with gold stars and topped with a KREME dollop and shortbread crumbles and finally, the Patriotic Eagle Doughnut, a Cookies & KREME filled donut dipped in blue icing, decorated with red and white stripes and topped with an eagle sugar piece.
Regular donuts too big your littles? You can also pick up a box of mini flag donuts 20 in red, white and blue colors also in a special box.
June 4th is National Donut Day! That means it’s time to get your donut on and we’ve got your ultimate list for you to enjoy free donuts for National Donut Day all day long. Grab your coffee and get ready to hit the road to snag your very own delicious fried dough…all for free!
Our fav day, your fav deal! Both will be back this National Doughnut Day, FRIDAY JUNE 4 – come in for a FREE doughnut of your choice🍩🎉
Get your hands on the best glazed donuts around when you hit up Krispy Kreme. No purchase is necessary and you get a choice any donut! One per customer.
Enjoy a free donut from Dunkin Donuts when you purchase any beverage! Snag a frosty drink and relax with your fave chocolate glazed, jelly or Boston creme.
Who's joining us for #NationalDonutDay this Friday?! A free bare, cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar donut for each guest who visits us in-store. No purchase necessary! 🥳 https://t.co/03UN8eK70B
Enjoy a classic donut when you visit your local Duck Donuts today. No purchase is necessary to grab a free bare, cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar donut.
If you find yourself in Texas, head to Shipley Do-Nuts for a hot glazed donut. You’ll get one for free with any purchase.
We are one week away from #nationaldonutday! Stop by your local LaMar's Donuts on Friday, June 4 for one free Glazed Donut and to support The Salvation Army. Learn more about National Donut Day and how you could win free donuts for a year! – https://t.co/DxZcHMUk9npic.twitter.com/TQUPwqnfoo
— LaMar's Donuts & Coffee (@LaMarsDonuts) May 29, 2021
5. Lamar’s Donuts
With 25 locations, we’re hoping you can find a Lamar’s Donuts near you. Visit your local shop to get a free glazed donut with no purchase necessary (but don’t get crazy––the offer is not good for specialty donuts!).
It’s the day you’ve all been waiting for… 🥁 [dramatic drum roll]#NationalDonutDay is almost here! Stop by any of our shops on 6/4 to receive a FREE Glazed Cake Donut with any purchase!
— Stan's Donuts & Coffee (@StansDonutsCHI) June 1, 2021
6. Stan’s Donuts
Chicago residents! Head to Stan’s Donuts to grab a free glazed cake donut with that coffee purchase! We can think of no better combo than a good cup of Joe and a donut, can you?
Summer vacation is still a few weeks away but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the flavors of the season. Krispy Kreme has just launched their new collection and it’s available now.
Starting today, May 17, the Island Time Collection is available at participating locations in three tropical flavors. Not only do the flavors bring you to a summer state of mind, but the beachy toppings will have you craving a day at the shore, too.
photo: Courtesy of Krispy Kreme
The three flavors include:
Pina Colada Doughnut: An Original Glazed® doughnut filled with Pina Colada-flavored Kreme, dipped in a Pina Colada-flavored icing, sprinkled with toasted coconut shreds and topped with a candied cherry.
Island Time Doughnut: An Original Glazed doughnut filled with classic Kreme, dipped in light blue icing and graham crumbs to resemble an Island, and topped with a palm tree.
Key Lime Pie Doughnut: A doughnut filled with Key Lime Kreme, dipped in lime green icing, topped with graham crumbs and a Kreme dollop.
Not only will guests be able to enjoy the Island Times Key Lime Pie Doughnut option, but they’ll also be able to sink their teeth into the Key Lime Glazed Doughnut on Key Lime Fridays. May 21 and 28th, Krispy Kreme will offer both lime sweets for diehard citrus lovers.
The collection is only available for a limited time, so head to a Krispy Kreme near you.
2020 wasn’t exactly jam-packed with goodness. That is, expect for the Strawberry Glaze craze.
Given the popularity of this sweet, spring-time flavor last year, Krispy Kreme made the decision to treat the brand’s fans to another round of limited-time Strawberry Glaze doughnuts. The pink pick is available starting Apr. 26, 2021 at participating Krispy Kreme locations.
photo courtesy of Business Wire
Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme Chief Marketing Officer, said in a press release, “Last year, fans couldn’t get enough of Strawberry Glaze and have been asking for it to come back ever since.” Skena added, “So we’re bringing it back. Hurry in and enjoy!”
The delish doughnut flavor is back in two forms—a Strawberry Glazed Doughnut and a Strawberry Kreme Filled Doughnut. The glazed version is similar to the Original Glazed Doughnut, but with a tangy strawberry taste. If that’s not enough strawberry sweetness for you, the Kreme Filled version is exactly what the name sounds like. This sugary selection is filled with the brand’s beloved Kreme, in a strawberry flavor.
Krispy Kreme is teaming up with OREO for a doughnut experience that’s nothing less than extraordinary! Whether you’re a devote doughnut enthusiast, adore OREOs, or just can’t stay away from anything covered in cookie-coated frosting, this combo is for you.
The beloved brand is transforming the iconic Krispy Kreme glaze waterfall into an all-new OREO infused creation, starting Apr. 5. The Krispy Kreme and OREO pairing marks the first time in 84 years that the doughnut maker will partner with another company to create a new flavor of glaze.
Photo: Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme marketing office, Dave Skena, said in a press release, “We’ve taken everything fans love about OREO Cookies and ‘glazeifed’ it.”
The Krispy Kreme-OREO glaze will coat two new doughnuts—the OREO Cookie Glazed Doughnut (an original glazed doughnut covered in the special OREO glazed, stuffed with Cookies and KREME, and covered in an OREO Cookie piece icing drizzle) and the OREO Cookie Over-the-Top Doughnut (an OREO Cookie Glazed Doughnut with a Cookies and KREME filling topping, covered with a drizzle of chocolate icing, and finished with an OREO wafer).
The two new doughnuts debut nationally for a limited time starting Apr. 5, 2021.
