Last summer was all about the cronut (croissant/doughnut). But now the latter half of that popular mash up is stepping into the spotlight as bakeries around the country craft pastries with an eye towards the culinary and imaginative. Like the cupcake revolution before, doughnut makers are pushing the boundaries. From boozy creations to savory collaborations, we’ve got 12 spots across the Midwest guaranteed to make you rethink the doughnut.

Illinois

The Doughnut Vault

401 ½ N. Franklin St.
Chicago, IL 60654
Website

We’ll look for any excuse to nab a birthday cake doughnut from this Chicago bakery (whose special day is coming up?). But if you can’t find a reason to pick one up, there are always flavors such as dreamsicle and smokin’ hot chocolate coconut-glazed: perfect for no reason at all.

Fritz Pastry

1408 W. Diversey Pkwy.
Chicago, IL 60614
Website

It may not look real, but that hot pink coloring on Fritz’s prickly pear and cinnamon sugar vanilla doughnut is all natural. The Chicago spot serves up distinct square-shaped pastries topped with a doughnut hole, and have stocked up on vegan and soy-free options to make them a one-stop shop for breakfast, brunch and of course, doughnuts.

Glazed and Infused

Five locations throughout Chicago
Website

This summer, Glazed and Infused made Chicagoans forget about the cronut when they came out with their doughnut ice cream sandwiches. The dessert-savvy makers consistently roll out tasty creations such as spiced buttermilk with vanilla bean glaze and crunchy PB&J that makes their five Chicago locations hard to pass up.

Iowa

Topped Doughnuts

129 N. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50023
Website

Here’s an excuse to head to Ankeny, Iowa. The tiramisu doughnut: a yeast-raised treat dipped in coffee icing, filled with coffee and mascarpone crème, drizzled with chocolate and dusted with cocoa. Need we say more?

Minnesota

Glam Doll Donuts

2605 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Website

Teresa Fox tops her from-scratch creations with everything from sriracha and peanut butter (yes, those are on the same doughnut) to provolone and muenster. Recently, Glam Doll teamed up with the Twin Cities based bitters company, Bittercube, on a line of boozy doughnut creations. Think of combinations such as blackstrap bitters, bourbon and ginger beer, as well as cognac and orange bitters bubble sugar. Drink—we mean eat—up.

Mojo Monkey Donuts

1169 W. 7th St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
Website

Every week Lisa Clark cranks out about 5,000 doughnuts, including flavors such as mango and organic coconut, key lime and chocolate with pistachio. She starts baking at 7 p.m. to get ready for the morning rush, and it's paid off. In 2013, the St. Paul owner won the “Emerging Women Business Owner of the Year” award.

Yoyo Donuts & Coffee Bar

5757 Sanibel Dr.
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Website

Got food allergies? Then YoYo may be your new go-to spot. They’re completely peanut and tree nut free, and don’t use preservatives in their dough mix. Instead, they use a special combination of potato flour, wheat flour and barley flour (plus a little extra spice) to give their doughnuts a unique flavor and texture. It’s also the only donut shop we found where you can fill up on Chicago-style hot dogs and homemade chili dogs—if you’re still hungry that is.

Missouri

Strange Donuts

2709 Sutton Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63143
Website

These game changing “dones” transcend your average sugary breakfast treat to explore uncharted savory territory. The St. Louis bakery often collaborates with local chefs to make mind-blowing creations like “The Pregame,” a doughnut with spicy buffalo chicken, Dorito chips and ranch dressing; or the “Mai Pho King Done,” a Pho broth-filled pastry topped with hoisin glaze, herbs, carrots, peanuts and sriracha.

World's Fair Doughnuts

1904 S. Vandeventer Ave.
St. Louis, MO 6311
314-776-9975
Website (Yelp)

This little mom-and-pop shop doesn’t have a website, Facebook page or even a computer on its premises. But what it does have is old-fashioned buttermilk donuts, fried pies and a sour cream cake doughnut that’s caught the attention of the Food Network and the New York Times.

Nebraska

The Doughnut Hole

350 Canopy St., Ste. 120
Lincoln, NE 68508
Website

Brothers Nate and Lucas Gingery left a life of modeling in New York City to open a doughnut shop in Lincoln, Neb. After eating their way through Brooklyn and Manhattan, the pair decided doughnuts made with fresh and natural ingredients impressed them most, and now source local ingredients for their creations.

Ohio

Jack Frost Donuts

4960 Pearl Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44109
Website

This spot is known for its extravagant toppings and sugary works of art. Think Easter doughnuts piled high with Peeps, coconut shavings for grass and jelly bean Easter eggs.

Wisconsin

Greenbush Bakery

1305 Regent St.
Madison, WI 53715
608-257-1151

Greenbush Bakery is open late, and faithful customers insist the doughnuts there are “to die for.” The Madison bakery serves up caramel-stuffed donuts, maple cream-filled donuts and an apple fritter bigger than your iPhone.