12 Doughnuts To Celebrate National Doughnut Day

There are some holidays out there that we don't really need (National Pistol Patent Day, anyone?), and then there are some that are absolutely, 100 percent indispensable. National Doughnut Day, on June 5, is one such day. National Doughnut Day doesn't discriminate — it celebrates all doughnuts. Baked. Fried. Filled. Unusual. And for those of us who want our doughnut fix immediately without having to mess up our kitchens, both Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme are giving away FREE doughnuts on this amazing day. Best day ever? Yeah, I think so.

Understandably, many people lay claim to the invention of the doughnut. (Who wouldn't want to take credit for it?) In 1847, Hanson Gregory claimed to have created the ringed doughnut shape we know and love today as a way of avoiding raw, soggy centers. By World War II, doughnuts were so popular that Salvation Army "doughnut lassies" would bring them to soldiers on the front lines.

Since then, our love for doughnuts has only grown, and with it, our desire to create crazier, more complex treats. We've seen the rise of the cronut, the donnoli, and the wonut. Fillings have gotten more unusual, and the shape has even worked its way into the body-mod world.

All this is to say, there's no wrong way to celebrate National Doughnut Day. Below, we offer you a few suggestions.

1. Chocolate Iced Cake Doughnut

We'll start off easy — you can't go wrong with a classic.

2. Coffee Doughnut Bites

Sure, you could serve your doughnuts with coffee, but wouldn't it be even better to serve doughnuts with coffee in them?

3. Black Sesame Matcha Doughnuts

Or perhaps you prefer tea. These green tea-flavored treats have you covered.

4. One Doughnut To Rule Them All

You can also get a side of fandom with your doughnut.

5. People Aren't The Only Ones Who Like Doughnuts, You Know

Your four-legged friend might want to celebrate with you.

6. Baked Pumpkin Cat Doughnuts

But maybe you're more of a cat person. These adorably twee doughnuts are there for you.

7. Blueberry Lemon Old-Fashioned Doughnut

This classic combination of blueberry and citrus is guaranteed to make you go back for seconds. (Or thirds.)

8. Brown Butter Pistachio Doughnuts

There is nothing that doesn't taste better with brown butter. Nothing.

9. Salted Caramel Cheesecake Doughnut

This doughnut thinks it's dessert. We're OK with that.

10. Lemon Meringue Doughnut

Tart lemon filling topped with pillowy, toasted meringue? Yeah, that should be acceptable.

11. Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwich

This is almost too much to handle. Except not at all. I'll take all three of those, please.

12. Doughnut Ice Cream

And this doughnut is actually dessert. Or this dessert is actually a doughnut. Either way, that's ice cream with doughnut bits in it.

I think at this point, there's only one thing left to say:

Images: Giphy; Salvation Army; leahwsprague/Flickr; Under the Tuscan Gun; The Little Epicurean; I Am A Food Blog; Joy The Baker; The Merry Thought; A Cozy Kitchen