Loukoumades (Greek Honey Donuts)

About This Recipe

One of the oldest known desserts in the world, loukoumades are small, light yeast-leavened dough balls fried until golden and hollow inside, then drenched in warm honey, sprinkled with cinnamon, and topped with crushed walnuts.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 250 gplain flour
• 7 ginstant yeast (1 sachet)
• 250 mlwarm water
• 1 tspsugar
• 0.5 tspsalt
• 1 Lvegetable oil for frying
• 150 mlhoney
• 1 tspground cinnamon
• 50 gwalnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 tbspsesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Make batter

   Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add warm water and whisk until a smooth, sticky batter forms. Cover with cling film and rest in a warm place for 30–45 minutes until bubbly and doubled.

2. 2

   Heat oil

   Heat oil in a deep saucepan to 180°C (350°F).

3. 3

   Fry the donuts

   Using two wet spoons or a small ice cream scoop, drop walnut-sized balls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches of 6–8 for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over.

4. 4

   Drain

   Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels.

5. 5

   Serve

   Pile loukoumades in a bowl. Warm honey slightly and drizzle generously over the top. Sprinkle with cinnamon, walnuts, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Variations

• •

  Drizzle with chocolate sauce instead of honey.

• •

  Add a pinch of cinnamon directly to the batter for extra warmth.

• •

  Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.

• •

  Spicier: add a finely chopped fresh chile or a teaspoon of crushed Aleppo/Urfa pepper to the aromatics for warm, layered heat instead of a single sharp hit.

Storage

Best eaten immediately. Leftovers can be re-crisped in a 180°C oven for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions