Name: Loukoumades: Greek Honey Doughnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487171H56M32S
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon dry active yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; ¾ cup warm water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup honey; 1/3 cup water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 cinnamon stick (optional); Vegetable oil (for frying); Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling); Chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loukoumades are the ultimate combination of crispy, fluffy, and sweet in one bite. The doughnuts have a light, airy texture that contrasts perfectly with the sticky, sweet honey syrup that drenches them. The cinnamon and nuts add an aromatic and crunchy finish that takes this dessert to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a Greek-themed dinner, looking for a fun dessert for family and friends, or just craving something indulgent, Loukoumades are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the dough:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dry active yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
¾ cup warm water
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt

For the syrup:

1 cup honey
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cinnamon stick (optional)

For frying and garnish:

Vegetable oil (for frying)
Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)
Chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the dough:

In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
Add the olive oil, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form. You may need to add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Make the syrup:

While the dough is rising, prepare the honey syrup. In a saucepan, combine the honey, water, sugar, and cinnamon stick (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup has thickened slightly.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Fry the dough:

Once the dough has risen, heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or frying pan over medium heat. You’ll want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C) for frying.
Wet your hands with water to prevent the dough from sticking, then take small spoonfuls of dough and gently drop them into the hot oil, forming small dough balls. Fry the doughnuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Fry the Loukoumades for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Assemble the Loukoumades:

While the Loukoumades are still warm, place them in a large bowl and pour the cooled honey syrup over them, ensuring that each doughnut is coated.
Sprinkle the Loukoumades with ground cinnamon and garnish with chopped walnuts or pistachios for an added crunch.
Serve the Loukoumades warm and enjoy immediately!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Nutty topping: Add finely chopped almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to the honey syrup for a nutty twist that complements the sweetness of the Loukoumades.
Chocolate syrup: Drizzle melted chocolate over the Loukoumades for a decadent chocolate version.
Orange blossom water: Add a few drops of orange blossom water to the honey syrup for a fragrant floral note that enhances the flavor.
Vegan version: Use a plant-based oil for frying and substitute the honey syrup with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly dessert.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Loukoumades are best enjoyed fresh, as they are crispy when first made. However, you can store leftover Loukoumades in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days.
Reheating: To bring back some of the crispiness, reheat the Loukoumades in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with fresh syrup and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make Loukoumades without yeast?

Yes, you can make a quicker version by using baking powder instead of yeast. However, the texture won’t be quite as light and airy as the traditional yeast-based version.

Can I make Loukoumades in advance?

Loukoumades are best when freshly made, as they are crispy on the outside and soft inside. However, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry, let it come to room temperature before cooking.

Can I use a different syrup for Loukoumades?

While honey syrup is traditional, you can use other syrups like maple syrup or chocolate syrup. However, the honey syrup gives the Loukoumades their signature flavor.

How do I make Loukoumades crispy?

To ensure the Loukoumades are crispy, fry them in hot oil (about 350°F or 175°C). Don’t overcrowd the pan, and make sure the dough balls are small enough to cook through quickly. Drain them on paper towels after frying to remove any excess oil.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?

Dipping your hands in water before handling the dough will prevent it from sticking. You can also use two spoons to drop the dough into the hot oil if you prefer not to handle it with your hands.

Conclusion

Loukoumades are a classic and indulgent Greek dessert that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. The fluffy, honey-soaked doughnuts are impossible to resist, and their crispy exterior and soft interior make them a treat worth savoring. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a gathering, or just craving something sweet, Loukoumades are the perfect choice. Their simple ingredients, quick prep time, and irresistible flavor make them a must-try dessert that will transport you straight to Greece with every bite!