I ‘ate my feelings’ for Valentine’s Day with doughnuts from five shops around Columbus

I’ve always been a hopeless romantic, emphasis placed on “hopeless.”

Valentine’s Day, or as I call it, National Singles Awareness Day, has always held a fond place in my heart despite the nickname I have given it.

One might say I’m just like a bull who chases many red flags. However, despite my single status, I remain hopefully optimistic that love will find it’s way into my life.

In the meantime, I can eat my feelings away on this holiday where heart-shaped everything decorates the halls and walls everywhere. So, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I decided to try five themed doughnuts from shops around Columbus.

The contenders were Golden Donut, Veri Best Donuts, Parlor Doughnuts, Krispey Kreme and Dunkin’.

I first chose the “You color my world” doughnut from Krispy Kreme, which was a heart-shaped doughnut with vibrant red frosting and sprinkles. It was filled with cake batter flavored cream filling.

I moved into another heart-shaped delicacy from Dunkin’ that featured chocolate frosting with Valentine’s themed sprinkles on top. The center of the doughnut featured a brownie batter tasting chocolate cream.

Next up, the Parlor Doughnuts contender was by far the swankiest with strawberries on top drizzled in a chocolate glaze and a dollop of whipped creme on top.

The Veri Best Donuts candidate sported, you guessed it, a heart shape with chocolate glaze on top with candied hearts sprinkled on top of the glaze reading “DM me” and “Cutie” among other messages.

Last, but by far not least, was the Golden Donut entrant. By the time I got there they had sold out of their Valentine’s Day doughnuts. However, the counter worker was very nice and made me a Valentine’s themed chocolate doughnut with sprinkles.

The winner? Now, just hold on, please.

All were amazing and very different from one another.

The Krispy Kreme doughnut tasted just like the butter cream frosting cake you had for your 10th birthday party you look back on with happy memories.

The Dunkin’ doughnut was soft as I bit in. The brownie batter cream center reminded me of licking the spoon after whipping up a batch of brownies with my parents as a child.

The Parlor Doughnuts number was a unique approach to a doughnut and felt the most romantic with the chocolate covered strawberries on top. It’s definitely a doughnut you could enjoy with a significant other in front of the fireplace with a glass of milk.

The Veri Best doughnut was light and fluffy with a wonderfully rich chocolate glaze on top. The candy hearts on top complimented the flavor of the chocolate well and gave the doughnut a slight crunch.

Lastly, the Golden Donut contestant was one of the best chocolate glazed doughnuts with sprinkles I’ve ever had in my life. It’s hard to beat a classic.

However, one had to win. Here’s how I rank them:

1. Parlor Doughnuts

2. Golden Donut

3. Dunkin’

4. Veri Best Donuts

5. Krispy Kreme

To be clear, all were absolutely great and the choice was tough. I would suggest all of these doughnuts to everyone on any day of the week.

Ultimately, I chose the Parlor Doughnuts offering due to the unique approach and overall flavor profile. The chocolate covered strawberries tasted amazing. The doughnut itself was light and fluffy and the whipped creme on top brought it all together.

To all the single people struggling today, I wish you a Happy Valentine’s day and may you know you’re loved.

This story was originally published February 14, 2024 at 3:25 PM.