Let me put you on to one of my favorite little donut finds, Nomsters. This tiny cash-only shop in Severn, MD is a mom-and-pop donut spot for early risers. Carlson’s Donuts is one of those small mom-and-pop spots that feels like a hidden gem the second you walk in. It’s cash only, it’s tucked into Severn, and the donuts are made the way I want a donut to be made: fresh, pillowy, and gone before lunch if you sleep in. I could not WAIT to tell you guys about this one. Come early though, because the yummiest flavors sell out fast.
I grabbed a half dozen in a box (more on the box-versus-bag thing later, lol) and honestly, everything I tasted was delish. But a few of these really stuck with me, so let me break it all down.
What Carlson’s Donuts Is Known For
Carlson’s is known for its apple fritters and sour cream donuts, and after my visit I get why. This is a classic morning donut shop, no frills, no trendy gimmicks, just really solid fried noms made fresh daily. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot that doesn’t need a flashy sign or a mile-long line to be great, and that’s exactly why it feels like such a find.
A lot of the best donut shops around here keep those short morning windows, and Carlson’s is no exception, which is honestly part of the charm. There’s something to be said for a place that only makes donuts, only in the morning, and does it really well.
If you’re a donut fiend like me, you already know I’ve eaten my way around a lot of these spots. Carlson’s actually earned a place on my roundup of the best donuts in Maryland, and eating their noms reminds me why every single time. The fluffiest, freshest options really do move fast, so timing matters (…again, get there early).
What to Order at Carlson’s Donuts
Here’s everything I got this time, plus my honest take on each one:
- Potato donut (glazed): This was my number one, and I did not expect it. It’s a potato donut glazed on the outside, so you get this soft, almost cakey-pillowy inside with a sweet glaze shell. Potato donuts aren’t something you spot on every menu, so this one felt like a real find.
- Sour cream donut: Soooo good. This is one of the many they’re known for, and the hype is well deserved.
- Boston cream: Lovely. If you’re a filled-donut person like me, this is your move. It reminded me why I love a good cream-filled donut, a little like the filled brioche ones over at Blondie’s Doughnuts in Edgewater. Still so bummed they’ve officially closed, but it’s ok. We have lots of amazing options to choose from in Maryland.
- Powdered donut stuffed with marshmallow: Such a fun one. It’s a powdered donut hiding a marshmallow filling, and it rounded out my top picks. 10/10 for sure.
- Apple fritter: One of their most popular donuts. It wasn’t my favorite pick of the day, but it’s a must-try if fritters are your thing.
- Glazed: A classic done right. Nothing flashy, just a good, fresh glazed donut. Sometimes that’s all you want.
My four faves were the potato, the sour cream, the Boston cream, and the marshmallow. But truly, I didn’t get a single dud in the entire box.
Is Carlson’s Donuts cash only?
Yes, Carlson’s Donuts is cash only, so plan ahead and bring bills before you go. There’s no card reader to fall back on, and the last thing you want is to be standing at the counter eyeing an apple fritter you can’t pay for, lol. A quick stop at an ATM first saves the heartbreak.
What time should you get to Carlson’s Donuts?
Get there on the earlier side, because the most popular flavors sell out. The shop opens at 5 AM and closes at 11:30 AM (or sell out), so the window’s short and the good stuff goes quickly. If you’ve got your heart set on a specific donut, the earlier you roll in, the better your odds.
How much are donuts at Carlson’s Donuts?
Carlson’s is super affordable: a single donut’s $1.40, a dozen runs $15, and a half dozen’s $8.50 in a box or $8 in a bag. Yes, the box costs an extra fifty cents, so if you’re not fussed about presentation, grab the bag and save yourself the change. Either way, this is a genuinely budget-friendly donut run.
Good to Know
- 📍 7846 Telegraph Road, Severn, MD 21144
- Hours: 5:00 to 11:30 AM, Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays)
- Cash only, so bring bills
- Pricing: single donut $1.40, half dozen $8.50 (box) or $8 (bag), dozen $15
- Phone: 410-551-7592
- They’ve got a 4.8 star rating across 650+ Google reviews, so it’s not just me, lol
- Go early, the fan-favorite flavors sell out before closing
Carlson’s Donuts is exactly the kind of mom-and-pop spot I love putting you guys on to: fresh, affordable, unpretentious, and clearly beloved for a reason. The potato donut alone is worth the drive to Severn, and the sour cream and Boston cream sealed the deal for me. If you love a fresh, made-that-morning donut that lives up to the hype (the same reason I keep going back to Sandy Pony Donuts), this one belongs on your list. Just remember: cash only, and go early.
Have you guys been to Carlson’s yet? Let me know your go-to order in the comments, foodie friends! And PS. their OG location’s in Annapolis, and that spot doubles as a Thai Kitchen so definitely make sure to check them out there as well.