Start your day with a sugar rush at Des Moines’ newest doughnut shop

You could be a “responsible adult” and start each day with a filling fruit smoothie or a hearty bowl of oatmeal. You know … a healthy breakfast.

But where’s the fun in that?

A sugary-sweet suggestion: ChuChu Donuts, downtown Des Moines’ newest provider of deep-fried happiness. The shop, located at 550 SW 9th St., dishes out freshly baked doughnuts, croissants and hot coffee for sweet-toothed Iowans (guilty!) looking for a sugar-filled jump start to the work day.

What you’ll see 

Hand-crafted creative flavors are served alongside time-tested classics. Hope for a glazed dozen or a handful of doughnut holes? They’ve got you covered. Looking to get a bit experimental? Seeing doughnuts covered in Fruity Pebbles or M&M candy wouldn’t be out place behind ChuChu’s glass counter, either.

Non-doughnut menu options include cinnamon rolls, honey buns and jalapeno croissant rolls. Drinks include tea, milk, Snapple and soda.

More:There's a doughnut shop now open in downtown Des Moines, and it's serving cronuts

A crunchy Fruity Pebble doughnut covered in blue icing, a half-dozen holes and cup of coffee completed my Wednesday morning order. Fresh, filling and sweet enough to satisfy a day’s sugar craving.

What it’ll cost you

Cake and regular doughnuts cost 99 cents each, with a half-dozen costing $5.45 and a dozen running at $10.79 before tax.

Higher priced options include $1.49 for a long john, $2.49 for an apple fritter or $2.69 for a cinnamon roll. A medium cup of coffee costs $1.69; a medium cappuccino goes for $2.99.

Why you’ll come back 

Glazed cronuts, of course.

ChuChu is one of the only places in the metro offering the croissant + doughnut concoction ($2.49 each). The shop was sold out on my visit, with about a half-dozen customers asking when the next batch hits shelves.

It doesn’t take an early morning sugar addict to know that pairing two of the best breads into one bite makes another ChuChu visit a no-brainer. Until then, smoothies will have to suffice.

ChuChu Donuts

Find it: 550 SW 9th St., #5108, Des Moines

Hours: Monday through Sunday, 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More information: 515-243-2534 or search "ChuChu Donuts" on Facebook.