If donuts and churros had a Mediterranean cousin, it would be loukoumades—crispy golden orbs drenched in warm honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon or nuts. Whether served from a street cart in Athens or a yiayia’s (grandma’s) kitchen, loukoumades are pure, bite-sized joy. These ancient sweets aren’t just delicious—they’re a window into Greek culture and hospitality.
In this guide, you’ll discover what makes loukoumades special, how to make them from scratch, and why they’ve stood the test of time.
Print
Loukoumades: Greek Honey Puffs Explained
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 pieces 1x
Description
Loukoumades are golden, crispy Greek donuts soaked in honey syrup and topped with cinnamon or nuts—a traditional sweet dating back to ancient times.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp sugar (for syrup)
- 1/4 cup water (for syrup)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or zest
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
- Optional: chopped walnuts or sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and warm water. Mix into a smooth batter and let rise until airy.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a piping bag or small scoop, drop portions of dough into hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/4 cup water, and lemon juice. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss hot loukoumades in warm syrup for full absorption.
- Serve garnished with cinnamon and optional walnuts or sesame seeds.
Notes
Serve immediately for best texture. Pair with Greek coffee or enjoy with a drizzle of Nutella and ice cream for an indulgent twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Table of Contents
What Are Loukoumades?
Ancient Greek Origins
Loukoumades have roots as far back as the first Olympic Games, where victors were reportedly rewarded with “honey tokens.” Today’s loukoumades are deep-fried yeast dough balls, light and fluffy on the inside, crisp outside, and soaked in honey syrup.
Why They’re Called “Greek Donuts”
The nickname “Greek donuts” comes from their shape and cooking method—but unlike American donuts, they’re syrup-soaked instead of sugar-glazed, and often served with crushed walnuts, cinnamon, or sesame. Read more in Classic Greek Dessert Recipes
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour
- Instant yeast
- Warm water
- Salt
- Sugar
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Honey
- Lemon juice or zest
- Ground cinnamon
- Optional: walnuts or sesame seeds
Equipment: Mixing bowl, deep fryer or pot, slotted spoon, piping bag or small scoop
Return to The Ultimate Guide to Greek Desserts for more traditional favorites
The Frying Process Explained
Getting the Right Puff
- Allow the dough to rise until very airy—this is key to fluffiness.
- Use a small scoop or piping bag to drop dough into hot oil (350°F/175°C).
Oil Temperature Tips
- Keep oil steady and hot, but not smoking.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and oil temperature drops.
- Remove when deep golden brown, ~2–3 minutes per side.
How to Make the Honey-Cinnamon Syrup
- Combine honey, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
- Simmer until slightly thick.
- Toss hot loukoumades in warm syrup right after frying for maximum absorption.
- Garnish with cinnamon and nuts if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: With just syrup and cinnamon
- Indulgent: Drizzle with Nutella, top with ice cream
- Traditional: Pair with Greek coffee or rakomelo
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cold oil = soggy dough balls
- Overcrowding = uneven frying
- Underproofed dough = dense texture
- Skipping the syrup toss = dry centers
Frequently Asked Questions
Are loukoumades vegan?
The dough can be made vegan (no eggs or dairy), and frying oil should be plant-based. Just skip honey or substitute with agave syrup.
Can I air-fry loukoumades?
Not effectively. You’ll lose the crispy shell and pillowy center that only oil frying achieves.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like sunflower or canola work best.
2 thoughts on “Loukoumades: Greek Honey Puffs Explained”
Comments are closed.