Loukoumádes: Greek Honey-Drizzled Doughnut Holes

Loukoumádes Greek Honey-Drizzled Doughnut Holes

Loukoumádes are Greece’s answer to doughnuts – but unlike ring-shaped Western doughnuts, these are little airy puffs drizzled generously with honey. The history of loukoumades stretches back millennia; legend says winners at the first Olympic games (776 B.C.) were awarded “honey tokens” – bite-sized fried dough soaked in honey, to honor the gods. Today, loukoumades remain a festive favorite in Greece. Picture a steaming basket of small golden spheres: crisp on the outside and pillowy within, each drenched in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. The simplicity is part of their charm. A basic yeast batter of flour, water, salt, and sugar transforms into clouds when fried, and then takes on sweetness from the honey bath.

In modern Greece, loukoumades are often served hot from the pan. Street vendors set up stands, especially during fairs or around Christmas and Greek festivals. Families make them at home too, especially for special occasions or Mardi Gras celebrations. Many like to garnish loukoumades with chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar. In Greece you might find versions flavored with orange blossom honey or cinnamon-scented syrup. Each variation celebrates the familiar joy of warm honey-dough bites. They capture a comforting, almost nostalgic feel – even on a quiet evening, a plate of loukoumades can feel ceremonious.

This recipe demystifies loukoumades for home cooks. The steps are straightforward: a lightly sweet dough is mixed and allowed to bubble up, then dropped spoonful by spoonful into hot oil. In minutes, each ball puffs up. Drain them, then cover them in warmed honey and cinnamon. What you serve is a plate of golden, honey-glazed doughnut balls – an ancient Greek treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Loukoumades – Greek Honey Doughnut Holes (Classic Dessert)
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Loukoumades – Greek Honey Doughnut Holes (Classic Dessert)

Recipe by Travel S Helper
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Loukoumádes are small Greek fried dough balls, similar to doughnut holes. The dough – made from flour, water, yeast, a bit of sugar and salt – is mixed and left to rise until bubbly. Then, using spoons or your hands, portion balls of dough into hot oil and fry until puffed and golden. Drain them briefly, then spoon warm honey (mixed or plain) over the pile, letting each stick. Finally, sprinkle with ground cinnamon (and optionally chopped walnuts). Serve immediately for best taste and texture: crisp outside, soft inside.

Ingredients

  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (about 120 g) – base of the dough. Use plain (unbleached) flour for a light texture. (Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed, but let batter rest longer.)

  • Salt: ¼ teaspoon – balances the sweetness.

  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon – feeds yeast and slightly sweetens the dough. (Adjust to taste; the honey adds most sweetness.)

  • Yeast: 1 teaspoon (approx. 5 g) active dry yeast – makes the dough rise and form bubbles.

  • Water: 1 cup warm (around 110°F / 43°C) – enough to make a thick batter. (Optionally use milk or half milk for richer flavor.)

  • Oil for Frying: About 2 inches of vegetable oil (sunflower or canola) – neutral-flavored with a high smoke point. Heat to 350°F.

  • Honey Syrup: ½ cup honey – preferably Greek or wildflower honey, warmed slightly so it pours easily. For a thinner syrup, mix ¼ cup honey with ¼ cup hot water.

  • Spice: Ground cinnamon – for dusting after drizzling honey.

  • Optional Toppings: Chopped walnuts or pistachios – for sprinkling on top; sesame seeds; or a splash of vanilla or orange-blossom water in the honey for extra aroma.

  • Substitutions & Notes: The dough can be vegan if made with water and no eggs or dairy, as below. For fewer calories, swap honey for agave or keep it minimal. If you prefer a lighter batter, add 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice (makes them fluffier). Some recipes add a beaten egg; omitting it (as in this one) keeps loukoumades neutral for vegetarians (though honey itself is not vegan).

Directions

  • Mix the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, ¼ tsp salt, and 1 Tbsp sugar. In another cup, dissolve 1 tsp yeast in the warm water. Let it sit 5 minutes until foamy. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour. Stir with a spoon until a thick, sticky batter forms. (Time: ~5 min mixing).

  • Proof the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a cloth. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled and bubbly, about 1–2 hours. The mixture should look airy with bubbles on top.

  • Heat the oil: When dough is nearly ready, pour oil into a deep pot or fryer to a depth of about 2–3 inches. Heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy or kitchen thermometer to check. (Too cool and the dough sinks; too hot and it browns too quickly.) (Time: ~5 min).

  • Shape and fry the dough balls: Once the oil is hot, dip a tablespoon or small ice-cream scoop into oil (to prevent sticking). With a greased spoon or your fingers, scoop spoonfuls of dough and drop them gently into the oil. Alternatively, pinch dough between oiled fingers to form balls about 1-inch wide. (Tip: Don’t crowd – fry a few at a time.) Fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, about 1–2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

  • Drizzle with honey: Warm the honey if it’s very thick (20 sec microwave or a splash of hot water). Place the fried doughnut balls in a serving bowl or plate. Drizzle generously with honey, ensuring each is coated.

  • Add cinnamon & nuts: Immediately sprinkle ground cinnamon over the honeyed loukoumades. If using nuts, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pistachios on top so they stick.

  • Serve warm: Loukoumades are best eaten at once, while hot. Serve immediately on a plate, perhaps with extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on the side.

Tips, Troubleshooting & Variations

  • Serving Suggestions & Pairings: Loukoumades are traditionally served warm in a bowl, often stacked high. Provide small dessert plates. They go wonderfully with Greek coffee or strong black tea. For a fun presentation, double-dip some in chocolate sauce instead of honey. In modern Greek cafés, they sometimes offer scoops of vanilla ice cream alongside for a warm-cold contrast.
  • Storage & Reheating: These are best fresh (the next day, they soften and lose crunch). If needed, store at room temperature in an airtight container for a day. To refresh, reheat loukoumades on a baking sheet at 300°F for 3–4 minutes. If fully cooled, re-fry them briefly to revive crispness before drizzling new honey.
  • Variations & Substitutions (4 ideas): - Baked Loukoumades: For a lighter version, pipe or spoon the dough into oiled mini muffin tins and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes, then toast under broiler for color. Drizzle with honey as usual. (Texture is more cake-like.) - Sugar Syrup: Some recipes use a thin sugar syrup (water + sugar boiled) instead of pure honey. To make syrup, dissolve ½ cup sugar in ½ cup water, boil and cool, then use instead of honey for a different sweetness profile. - Savory Twist: Skip honey and serve unsweetened (or with a yogurt dip) as a savory snack. In this case, remove sugar from dough and add herbs (like oregano) for fried dough fritters. - Spiced Honey: Infuse the honey with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange peel while warm for extra fragrance before drizzling.
  • Chef’s Tips: - Keep oil at a steady temperature (about 350°F). Test one dough ball first. Adjust heat as needed after each batch. - If dough sticks to your ladle or fingers, dip them in oil before scooping. - The dough should be sticky and loose; avoid adding too much flour or it will not puff properly. - Drain fried loukoumades on paper towels briefly, but don’t let them sit long; honey soaks in quickly when warm.
  • Optional Add-Ons: Essential shopping list: yeast, honey, oil, cinnamon, and flour. Dough can be made 2 hours in advance and kept under a warm cover. Honey can be warmed ahead and kept in a small pitcher to pour. Prepare nuts in advance for topping.
  • Equipment Needed: Mixing bowl, slotted spoon or skimmer, deep pot or frying pan with high sides, kitchen thermometer, paper towels.

Nutrition Facts (per 3 doughnut balls with honey)

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories150 kcal
Total Fat7 g
Saturated Fat1 g
Carbohydrates21 g
Sugars9 g
Protein2 g
Sodium50 mg

Allergens: Contains wheat (gluten).
Note: Made without eggs or dairy (vegan except for honey).
Swap honey for maple syrup to suit vegan diets (though some vegans avoid all honey).

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