The best sweet treat of fall has arrived at orchards across Vermont: the apple cider donut.  This is my favorite type of donut, and I love traveling around the state for nuanced taste tests of them all – some sugared, some not. Cider donuts are definitely the tastiest sign of fall in Vermont. Many orchards create their signature versions that are a heavenly taste of fall you must try! Here is a list of where you can find the best cider donuts in Vermont this fall at orchards, bake shops, and roadside stands.

Who makes the best cider donut in Vermont or New England? Share in the comments below to champion other local businesses!

Shelburne Orchards, Shelburne, Vermont

The cider donuts are Shelburne Orchards are many locals’ favorite in the area and sell out quickly from the farm stand. Stay for pick-your-own apples (even honeycrisp!) along with samples at their distillery of Dead Bird Apple Brandy and Pommeau, tractor rides, live music, hot cider and more! It’s also a stunning drive overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains leading into the orchards.

Happy Valley Orchard, Middlebury, Vermont

Having lived down the street for many years, Happy Valley Orchard makes my favorite cider donut in the state! It’s always my first visit for a taste of fall! Happy Valley Orchard is just outside of downtown Middlebury and offers live music, wagon rides, and picked apples to take home. Unfortunately in 2023, the majority of their crop was wiped out due to a late hard frost in May, which took out their flowers. The cider donuts are offered sugared and plain! Get their donuts at LuLu Ice Cream in Vergennes with ice cream in the middle!

Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Waterbury Center, Vermont

Cold Hollow Cider Mill is a hub of traditional cider-making. Known for its time-honored cider production and warm, un-sugared cider donuts, the mill offers visitors a firsthand look at the cider-making process and the chance to sample fresh apple cider (or take a cup of hot cider to go!). Watch cider donuts being made after you peruse tons of other local products too. (These are my favorite unsugared in the state!) Visit their hard cider tasting room as well.

Yates Family Orchard, Monkton, Vermont

Yates takes the cider donut to a whole new level with the addition of a creemee! Try the Dreamee (with hot, made-to-order donuts with your choose of cider, maple, vanilla or chocolate ice cream) or the Supremee (with added apple pie filling and a caramel drizzle on it!). You can also get a creemee in your coffee! Yates is a beautiful family-run orchard between Middlebury and Burlington and has stunning mountain views, in addition to picnic tables to enjoy your treat overlooking the orchard.

Burtt’s Apple Orchard, Cabot, Vermont

Burtt’s has it all – pick-your-own apples, pears, elderberries, pumpkins and cherries! Try their maple slushie and don’t leave without some syrup. As far as their cider donuts go, many locals swear theirs is one of the fluffiest cider donuts in Vermont with just the right crunch on the exterior. They also have a corn maze, golden and wooden apple hunts with prizes, and an apple slingslot – definite fun for the whole family.

Stine Orchard, Monkton, Vermont

Previously Boyer’s Orchard, a longtime locals’ favorite, Stine Orchard offers pick-your-own apples and pears, along with picking parties and live music Thursday and Saturday evenings. Head to the orchard for picking, cider donuts and cider steamed hot dogs! They’re located in Monkton, partway between Hinesburg and Vergennes – or between Middlebury and Burlington. Grab a fresh apple pie also while there with apples from their 20 varieties on site.

Hackett’s Orchard, South Hero, Vermont

Hackett’s has been an orchard to visit in the Champlain Islands since 1967 and they’ve been perfecting their cider donuts since then. Many Vermonters think these are the absolute best in the state! Pair your donut with fresh cider or try some of their apple crisp on site.

The Apple Barn & Country Bakeshop, Bennington, Vermont

The Apple Barn is recently under new ownership but is a community staple in Bennington with a history of deliciousness for over 50 years! This bake shop has tons of delicious offerings but their cider donuts are a stand out. The also offer mini cider donuts and are doing a cider-donut competition this fall (count me in).

Green Mountain Orchards, Putney, Vermont

Since 1914, the Darrow family has been growing fruit at Green Mountain Orchards. They are one of Vermont’s largest and oldest orchards. In addition to making some of the best cider donuts in Southern Vermont, they also grow apples, blueberries, peaches, plums, raspberries, and pumpkins. Their farm stand remains open through Christmas, so you can stock up on locally sourced products, syrup, cheese, and frozen meats.

What cider donuts in Vermont have you tried? Which Vermont cider donuts are your favorite?

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