Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good home-made donut. One of my earliest childhood memories was when my mom woke me up in the middle of the night from my grandparents on Finn Hill in Kirkland, Washington, and drove me home to totem lake. My mama worked the night shift and went to college during the day. On special occasions in the middle of the night, when she would pick me up after her shift at the 24-hour grocery store, we would stop at a donut house were the freshly baked their donuts right as we were getting in.
I would wake up from the car, in a daze, and open my mouth to a sweet, hot, gooey donut. Fresh from the oven, steaming with joy, and my belly would be filled with sugar. No amount of sugar could keep me awake, but oh boy, by the time the morning hit, I could still taste donut on my breath. Luckily, this donut shop is still around, and every time I am in Totem Lake, I go and get a box of donuts. They are no longer 24 hours, but they are from 5 am to 1 pm every day.
Countryside Donut House
Countryside Donut House doesn’t seem like much from the outside. They are in a strip mall that has always looked a bit run down, and a bus stop that has many stray wanders. Once you step foot inside the donut house, you’re met with crusty tiles that were once new and white. There is a sleek new wooden counter where the register is, and of course, a giant glass case filled with freshly baked goodies. Thinking back, my mouth is already watering. The smell was sticky sweet; the yeast was so thick in the air I could almost eat it. There is nothing like a freshly made donut, and here are the best ones to try.
Cinnamon Buns
Cinnamon Buns– They bake massive twisty cinnamon buns in the shape of a gigantic donut. They are glazed over with cinnamon covered in the middle of every layer. Each bite is warm, a thick with the gooeyness of the glaze. There is nothing that pairs better than a steaming black cup of coffee.
Old Fashion
Old Fashion– One of my favorites has nothing on it. However, it is a thickly rounded donut with a hole in the middle. It is very cakey, no glaze, or chocolate, but it is entirely perfect for dipping in a coffee cup. I’m not sure when I started dunking my donuts in coffee, but getting a plain donut to absorb that nutty coffee roast is everything. I am a black coffee drinker, so if you put a lot of cream and sugar in your coffee, I don’t know how that will taste.
Maple Bar
Maple Bar– Growing up, I would beg for these. I loved the sweetness of the fresh maple glaze on top; it smelled like trees and made my tummy growl. I would have dreams about these long rectangle donuts with a brown sugar maple glaze on top. They would be dripping on my fingers and shirt; I would, of course, lick clean after finishing this donut.
Vanilla Donut
Vanilla Donut, Chocolate Frosting- This donut is, of course, a plain donut, a top smeared with chocolate frosting and, of course, sprinkles! I love the assortment of sprinkles, rainbow in color. The sprinkles give the donut an excellent crunch that melts away to a fluffy center. A sprinkle donut is the most cheerful donut to choose from.
Many of you will never go to this part of Totem Lake, but if you’re driving by, make sure to show this local business your support. You can call and order ahead, or wander in for quick service. The earlier you go in, the more likely you will get the freshest donuts, piping hot from the oven.
| Countryside Donut House | |
 | 11613 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034 |
 | |
 | +1 425-821-1752 |
Google Reviews
[wp-review-google-place-reviews place_id = “ChIJUWFAqX8NkFQRiHoZ3WKllFE”]
Yelp Reviews
[wp-review-yelp-business-reviews id=”countryside-donut-house-kirkland” title=”Countryside Donut House” review_num=”3″]
