National Donut Day: Where To Score Freebies And Deals In Murrieta

MURRIETA, CA — National Donut Day is always observed on the first Friday in June, and there are plenty of places in the Inland Empire offering deals on the sugary swirls. The Salvation Army’s now legendary “Doughnut Lassies” were the first to fry up the fluffy pastries using helmets of frontline soldiers as their cook-pots during World War I.

Before we dive into where you can score free doughnuts and other deals in Murrieta, a bit of history: National Donut Day was created in Chicago in 1938 as a tribute to the volunteer corps of 250 women who traveled overseas during World War I to provide support to frontline troops. They distributed clothing and supplies and planned to hand out baked goods, a logistically difficult task.

Two of the women, Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance, began frying doughnuts in helmets, and the “tasty treats boosted morale and won the hearts of many soldiers,” according to an account by the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission and Doughboy Foundation.

We have 19th-century Dutch immigrants to thank for bringing “olykoeks,” or oily cakes, to New Amsterdam, as Manhattan was known at the time. They were essentially fried dough balls, but over time, they evolved into the ring-shaped treat with a hole in the middle. Americans are said to consume about 10 billion doughnuts a year.

Donut Freebies And Deals In Southwest Riverside County

Here are some places with National Donut Day deals in Temecula, Murrieta and Wildomar:

7-Eleven: On June 6, rewards members can get a glazed doughnut for 50 cents at participating 7-Eleven locations. After National Donut Day, the same doughnuts are available for $1 through June 24.

Dunkin’: For the 15th consecutive year, Dunkin’ is offering a free doughnut with the purchase of any beverage, and is also teaming with luxury lifestyle and accessories brand Stoney Clover Lane on a limited-edition, branded merchandise morning breakfast combination. Remember, you can use Uber Eats, Doordash or GrubHub for your doughnut craving, you just might not get your free treat. Find Your Dunkin' at:

• 40361 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Murrieta
• 36270 Hidden Springs Road, Wildomar
• 26905 Newport Road, Menifee
• 749 S. Sanderson Avenue, Hemet

Krispy Kreme: Guests can enjoy any doughnut of their choice for free, with no purchase necessary, on Friday. Also, in celebration of the Original Glazed doughnuts’ 88th birthday, all guests can get a dozen of the signature treat for $2 with the purchase of any dozen at regular price in the shop and via drive-thru at participating Krispy Kreme shops. On Saturday, Krispy Kreme launches its “14 Days of Original Glazed,” which offers special deals to rewards club members through June 20.

Find your Krispy Kreme location at:

• 40575 Winchester Road, Temecula
• 30007 Haun Road, Menifee
• 27511 San Bernardino Avenue, Redlands
• 72787 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage
• 4485 Mills Circle, Ontario

Where do you like to get your donuts in Murrieta? Let us know!

Sources for this report include news releases, The Food Network, and The Krazy Coupon Lady.