MINNEAPOLIS — After a nearly decade-long absence, Dunkin’ Donuts is preparing to return to Minnesota.

The Massachusetts-based doughnut and coffee chain is laying the groundwork for about 50 stores in Minnesota.

Steve Rafferty, senior director of U.S. franchising for Dunkin’ Brands, said the bulk of those locations would be in the Twin Cities, along with others in the Duluth, Rochester and Mankato markets.

Rafferty said targeting Minnesota is part of a national expansion strategy that saw the company make inroads last year in Salt Lake City, Dallas, Houston and other markets.

But he said it may be at least 12 to 18 months before Dunkin’ Donuts locations open in Minnesota.

In 2008, Dunkin’ Donuts announced plans to sell about 100 franchises in Minnesota, but that effort never materialized.