Dunkin’ Donuts, the Massachusetts based seller of little fried cakes, has launched a contest to find America’s next biggest donut. “Create Dunkin’s Next Donut” is an online contest that allows visitors to the company’s Web site to make virtual creations from among the various flavors, toppings, fillings, and, if you really want to get “out there,” shapes. Top prize is $12,000, and no, you don’t get to keep the donut copyright.

(Sounds to me like someone at DD has figured a way to fire the research and development department and save some dough.)

One dozen finalists — though in baker terms that might mean 13 people — will travel to Dunkin’ Donuts University in Braintree, Mass., for a bake-off, which sounds a lot better than a boil-in-oil-off.

There’s a Dunkin’ Donuts University? Can you major in sprinkles? Has anyone done a master’s thesis on hole theory?

For details on the contest, which runs through April 7, and to get started on your design, visit www.dunkindonuts.com/donut.