Greek-American Loukoumades are crispy, golden, bite-sized doughnuts drenched in sweet honey syrup and dusted with cinnamon. This delicious treat combines the rich flavors of honey and spices, making it a perfect dessert for celebrations or a sweet snack. They are easy to prepare with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, and honey, creating a light and airy texture with a warm, syrupy finish.
Kitchen thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)
1 saucepan (for honey syrup)
Sifter (optional, for flour)
Ingredients
1 ½cups180g all-purpose flour
1packet7g active dry yeast
1cup240ml warm water
2tablespoons25g sugar
½teaspoonsalt
1tablespoon15ml olive oil
Vegetable oilfor frying
1cup240g honey
1tablespoon15ml water
1teaspoonground cinnamonoptional, for garnish
¼cup30g chopped walnuts or almonds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough comes together and is sticky.
Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). There should be enough oil to submerge the dough balls.
Fry the Loukoumades: Once the dough has risen, use a spoon or your hands to scoop small portions of dough and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine honey and water. Bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the syrup is thin and warmed.
Assemble and Serve: Immediately drizzle the warm honey syrup over the fried Loukoumades. Garnish with ground cinnamon and chopped nuts if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Dough Texture: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, add a little more warm water until the desired consistency is reached.
Frying Tips: Fry in small batches to ensure the Loukoumades cook evenly and become crisp. The oil temperature should stay around 350°F (175°C) to avoid burning or undercooking.
Storage: Loukoumades are best enjoyed immediately after frying. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days, but they may lose their crispiness.
Vegan Option: Use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey for a vegan version. Ensure the dough contains no dairy or eggs.