Tucked along North McEwan Street in Clare, Michigan, Cops & Doughnuts is not your average bakery. Real police officers own and run this beloved shop, giving it a one-of-a-kind story that’s as sweet as the treats inside.
From crispy bacon-topped maple bars to custard-filled giants that weigh nearly a pound, this place has earned its reputation as a true Michigan gem. With a 4.6-star rating and thousands of happy visitors, it’s clear that the drive to Clare is absolutely worth it.
The Famous Bacon Maple Doughnut
Travelers rolling down I-75 have spotted the signs for years, and the bacon maple doughnut is the main reason many finally pull off the highway. Thick strips of crispy bacon rest right on top of a soft, maple-glazed bar that hits every note between sweet and savory.
It’s the kind of treat that makes you stop mid-bite just to appreciate what you’re eating.
Reviewers consistently call it a must-try, and one visitor flat-out said, “The bacon maple donut is worth it.” The maple flavor is bold and rich, coating every bite with a sugary warmth that pairs surprisingly well with the salty crunch of the bacon. Fair warning: one is rarely enough.
If you’re making the trip to Cops & Doughnuts Headquarters in Clare, this doughnut should be your first stop at the counter. Grab at least a half dozen to share.
Custard-Filled Doughnuts That Defy Expectations
Forget anything you think you know about custard doughnuts. At Cops & Doughnuts Headquarters in Clare, MI, these pillowy rounds are stuffed so generously with custard that they reportedly weigh close to a pound each.
That’s not an exaggeration — that’s just Tuesday at this bakery.
One enthusiastic reviewer put it plainly: “Custard-filled donuts weigh almost a pound there’s so much custard in them and ingredients are high quality.” The dough itself is soft and fresh, acting more like a vessel for the creamy, rich filling than anything else. Every bite delivers a satisfying burst of flavor that feels indulgent without being over-the-top.
For anyone who has ever been disappointed by a skimpy custard doughnut from a chain shop, this is the answer you’ve been looking for. Order two — you’ll wish you had once the first one disappears.
A Unique Origin Story Worth Knowing
Most bakeries have a story, but none quite like this one. Cops & Doughnuts started when a group of real Michigan police officers banded together to save a beloved local bakery from closing its doors forever.
Rather than let a community institution disappear, they pooled their resources and took ownership — turning it into something far bigger than any of them probably imagined.
That heartwarming backstory gives the whole place a special energy that visitors immediately notice. One reviewer wrote, “The food is wonderful and the story of the bakery is heart warming.
It was one of the highlights of our Michigan trip.” Walking through the shop, you’ll spot old police artifacts, memorabilia, and fun displays that celebrate both the officers and the community they serve.
It’s more than a doughnut shop — it’s a living piece of Clare, Michigan history that happens to smell absolutely amazing every single day.
The Three-Room Layout You Need to Explore
Walking into Cops & Doughnuts Headquarters feels like discovering a place that keeps getting better the further you go. The first room greets you with fun merchandise — think mugs, t-shirts, jams, jerky, and plush doughnuts that make great souvenirs.
It’s cheerful and browsable, but don’t linger too long because the best part is still ahead.
Push through to the second room and the doughnut cases come into full view. The selection is enormous, colorful, and honestly a little overwhelming in the best possible way.
One first-timer described it as “a sensory overload of deliciousness.” Flavors range from banana cream to triple chocolate to peanut butter, and the display seems to go on forever.
The third room offers comfortable seating where you can sit down, relax, and actually enjoy your haul. Some tables even have regulars who’ll chat your ear off — a charming small-town bonus.
Sticky Buns With Pecans: A Loyal Fan Favorite
Some menu items earn a dedicated following, and the sticky buns with pecans at Cops & Doughnuts have clearly done exactly that. One longtime visitor shared that they’ve been making the trip north for years specifically to get these, even bringing grandchildren along to share the tradition.
That kind of loyalty says everything about how good they really are.
The buns are golden, gooey, and packed with the warm, nutty richness that pecans bring to baked goods. Whether you eat them fresh at the shop or save a few for the road, they hold up beautifully.
Even a recent shape change didn’t shake the devotion of regular customers — the flavor stayed right where it needed to be.
If the doughnuts aren’t calling your name that day, these sticky buns are a brilliant backup plan. Honestly, ordering both is the smarter move anyway.
An Impressive Variety of Flavors for Every Craving
One of the most common reactions from first-time visitors is pure surprise at the sheer number of flavors available. Cops & Doughnuts doesn’t believe in keeping things boring.
From banana cream filled with chocolate topping to peanut butter cream to triple chocolate with chocolate chips, the menu reads like a dream list for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Seasonal baked goods rotate in regularly, which means repeat visitors almost always find something new to try. Beyond doughnuts, the bakery also offers cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and Bismarck-style pastries.
A strawberry Bismarck earned high praise from one reviewer who called it “very good” and made it a highlight of their visit.
Whether you prefer something fruity, chocolatey, creamy, or nutty, there’s a flavor combination at this Clare, Michigan shop that was basically made with you in mind. Budget extra time just to read through all the options.
Friendly Staff That Makes Everyone Feel Welcome
Great food is one thing, but the people behind the counter at Cops & Doughnuts make the experience genuinely memorable. Multiple reviewers across different visits consistently praise the staff for being warm, knowledgeable, and never making anyone feel rushed — even when they pop in close to closing time.
One visitor recalled stopping in late and noting that “they still didn’t make us feel rushed.” Another called the team “top notch, friendly, knowledgeable and kind.” That kind of consistent hospitality doesn’t happen by accident — it’s clearly part of the culture at this cop-owned Clare bakery.
For families traveling with kids, nervous first-timers overwhelmed by the menu, or anyone who just appreciates a genuine smile with their morning doughnut, the staff here delivers every single time. It transforms a quick pastry stop into something that feels more like a visit with old friends.
Prices That Won’t Hurt Your Wallet
Spending $20 on a mixed order of bacon doughnuts, custard, apple fritters, twists, chocolate doughnuts, and cannolis? That’s a deal that’s hard to argue with.
Cops & Doughnuts has built a loyal customer base partly because the quality is high and the prices stay refreshingly reasonable for what you’re getting.
One visitor admitted they “spent much more than planned” — but quickly added they didn’t regret a single penny. Another noted that prices were “much lower than expected,” which is a pleasant surprise in a world where a plain coffee can easily cost five dollars.
A large chocolate chip cookie runs about two dollars, and cinnamon rolls come in at just over eight dollars for a whole box.
For a bakery with this much character, history, and crowd-pleasing flavor, the price point feels almost too good. It’s one of those rare places where the value matches — and sometimes exceeds — the hype.
Police Memorabilia and Fun Photo Opportunities
Beyond the baked goods, Cops & Doughnuts doubles as a mini museum dedicated to law enforcement history. Old police artifacts line the walls of the seating area, giving visitors something interesting to look at while they enjoy their treats.
It’s a thoughtful touch that connects the shop’s origin story to the everyday experience of being there.
There’s also a dedicated photo area where guests can snap fun, shareable pictures — perfect for families, road trippers, or anyone who wants a quirky Michigan souvenir without buying a t-shirt. One reviewer specifically mentioned the “giant board of pins” and “mug shot” photo experience as highlights of their visit.
Kids especially love the interactive elements, and parents appreciate having something to keep little ones entertained while waiting in line. The whole setup gives Cops & Doughnuts a personality that makes it feel like far more than just a place to buy breakfast pastries.
Long Johns Worth Writing Home About
Long john doughnuts don’t always get the spotlight they deserve, but at Cops & Doughnuts in Clare, they’ve earned serious fans. The coconut-filled long john and the peanut butter long john are two standout options that first-timers frequently discover and immediately regret not ordering more of.
Both are generously filled and freshly made.
The coconut filling offers a tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the soft dough, while the peanut butter version leans rich and satisfying — the kind of thing that makes you close your eyes for a second after the first bite. One reviewer described both as “very good” and promised to return whenever they’re in the area.
Long johns are often underrated compared to their ring-shaped cousins, but this Clare bakery proves they deserve equal billing. If you’re building a mixed box, pencil in at least one of each — you won’t be disappointed by either choice.
Merchandise and Souvenirs to Take the Experience Home
Not everyone leaves Cops & Doughnuts with just a box of pastries. The first room of the shop functions as a full-blown gift area stocked with branded merchandise that makes for genuinely fun souvenirs.
T-shirts, coffee mugs, plush doughnuts, jams, and jerky are all part of the mix — and the quality is solid enough to actually use and enjoy at home.
One visitor found a t-shirt they “had to have” and admitted spending well beyond their original budget. That’s a familiar story for anyone who spends more than five minutes browsing the shelves.
The items feel connected to the bakery’s personality rather than generic tourist trinkets tossed on a shelf.
Picking up a mug or a plush doughnut is a great way to bring a little Clare, Michigan charm back with you. It also makes for an easy, crowd-pleasing gift for the doughnut lover in your life.
Open Every Day From Early Morning to Late Night
One thing that sets Cops & Doughnuts apart from many local bakeries is just how accessible it is. The Clare headquarters opens at 5 AM every single day of the week and stays open until 10 PM — a schedule that’s practically unheard of for an independent doughnut shop.
Early risers and late-night sweet-tooth cravings are both covered.
That kind of availability makes it easy to work into any road trip itinerary, whether you’re heading north on I-75 at sunrise or swinging back through on a Sunday evening. No need to stress about timing your visit perfectly.
The shop is simply there, ready and welcoming, almost any time you show up.
With hours like these and a location right in Clare at 521 N McEwan Street, there’s really no excuse to drive past without stopping. The doughnuts are fresh, the staff is friendly, and the door is open.
Why First-Timers Always Leave Planning Their Return Visit
There’s a pattern that shows up again and again in reviews for Cops & Doughnuts Headquarters: people show up as curious first-timers and leave already thinking about when they can come back. The combination of fresh baked goods, an engaging atmosphere, fair prices, and a genuinely warm staff creates something that’s hard to replicate at a chain or big-box bakery.
Families make it a road trip tradition. Grandparents bring grandkids.
Couples detour off the highway just to see what the signs are all about. And almost everyone walks out with more than they planned to buy — and zero regrets about it.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “If someone asked me where to get donuts, I would say Cops & Doughnuts every time.”
Clare, Michigan might not be on every traveler’s radar, but this bakery has a way of putting it there permanently. One visit is genuinely all it takes.