These heavenly Greek donuts, known as Loukoumades, are a divine combination of crispy exterior and pillowy interior, drizzled with golden honey and sprinkled with crushed walnuts.
This authentic Mediterranean treat takes just 80 minutes to prepare and yields 60 irresistible pieces that pack the perfect sweet punch at only 89 calories each.
Perfect for special gatherings or weekend indulgences, these traditional Greek delights bring the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality right to your kitchen.
Ingredients for Greek Honey Donuts (Loukoumades)
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup lukewarm water (240g) – Temperature is crucial for yeast activation
- 1 cup lukewarm milk (240g) – Adds richness to the dough
- 15g active dry yeast – Fresh yeast works best
- 3¼ cups flour (450g) – Use all-purpose flour for best results
- 2 tablespoons sugar – Helps activate the yeast
- 1 flat teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor
- 4 tablespoons olive oil – Makes dough more tender
- Vegetable oil for frying – Choose one with high smoking point
- For Topping:
- ¾ cup honey (350g) – Use quality Greek honey if possible
- Cinnamon powder – Fresh ground works best
- Chopped walnuts – Lightly toasted for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Combine lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Let rest for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Make the Batter: Combine yeast mixture with remaining dough ingredients. Whisk for 2 minutes until smooth and lump-free.
- First Rise: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rest in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil to 160C/320F in a medium-sized pan. Test with a small amount of dough – it should sizzle immediately.
- Shape and Fry: Using an oiled spoon, drop small portions of dough into hot oil. Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally.
- Drain: Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Arrange on a platter, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with cinnamon and walnuts. Serve while warm!
Cooking Techniques
The secret to perfect loukoumades lies in the oil temperature – 160°C/320°F is your sweet spot! If you don’t have a thermometer, try this neat trick: drop a tiny bit of dough into the oil.
When it bubbles gently and rises to the surface, you’re ready to go! Keep the oil at medium heat throughout cooking to maintain that perfect golden-brown color.
For shaping these little Greek treats, here’s a helpful tip: wet hands make sticky dough! Instead, lightly oil your palms before squeezing out each portion.
This makes the whole process much smoother and more enjoyable. Remember to turn the loukoumades frequently while frying – this helps them puff up evenly on all sides.
Variations
While honey is the traditional topping, this recipe comes with a wonderful chocolate alternative! You can also try these tasty twists:
- Dust with powdered sugar instead of honey for a lighter finish
- Add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy touch
- Switch walnuts for pistachios or almonds
- Drizzle with maple syrup for a modern take
Serving Suggestions
Serve your loukoumades right away while they’re still warm! They’re perfect for sharing, so place them on a large platter where everyone can grab them easily. Pair them with:
- Extra honey or chocolate sauce in small dipping bowls
- A hot cup of Greek coffee
- Fresh fruit on the side
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Storage Tips
These Greek donuts taste best fresh from the fryer! If you need to store them:
- Keep at room temperature for up to 24 hours
- Store in an airtight container
- Don’t add honey or toppings until ready to serve
- Warm them up for 10-15 seconds in the microwave before serving
- Skip storing in the fridge as this makes them tough
Loukoumades (Greek Donuts with Honey and Walnuts)
Equipment
- Medium sized frying pan
- Kitchen thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Mixer
Ingredients
For the loukoumades
- 1 cup lukewarm water (240g /8.5 oz.)
- 1 cup lukewarm milk (240g/ 8.5 oz.)
- 15 g active dry yeast (0.5 oz.)
- 3 1/4 cups flour (450g /16 oz.)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt flat
- 4 tbsp olive oil
To garnish
- 3/4 cup honey (350g/ 13 oz.)
- cinnamon powder
- chopped walnuts
For the chocolate sauce
- 200 g dark chocolate chopped (7 ounces)
- 110 ml water (4 fluid ounces)
- 75 g caster sugar (3 ounces)
Instructions
- To prepare this traditional loukoumades recipe, start by making the dough. In a bowl add the water, sugar and yeast. Stir with a whisk until the yeast dissolves completely and wait for 5 minutes. In a mixers bowl add the yeast mixture add the rest of the ingredients for the dough and whisk at high speed (for about 2 minutes) until the mixture becomes a smooth batter. (You could also use a hand whisk. Whisk until the mixture has no lumps).
- Cover the bowl with some plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm place for at least 1 hour to rise.
- Into a medium sized frying pan pour enough vegetable oil to deep fry the loukoumades. Heat the oil on a medium heat until hot. Test if the oil is hot enough by dipping in some of the dough for the loukoumades. If it sizzles the oil is ready. A more accurate way is to use a kitchen thermometer and measure the oil to be at 160C / 320F.
- Dip a tablespoon in some oil, shake it a bit to remove any excess. It is best to dip the spoon in oil and not water. Dip your hand in the dough and using your palm, squeeze out a small portion of dough between your thumb and index finger, like you are making a fist. Using the spoon, grab the dough ball off your hand and let it drop in the hot oil. Repeat this procedure until the surface off the pan is comfortably filled. You should dip the spoon in the oil & shake off every time, so that the batter doesn’t stick on it.
- While the loukoumades are fried, use a slotted spoon to push them into the oil and turn them on all sides, until golden brown. Place the loukoumades on some kitchen paper to drain. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
- When done, place the loukoumades on kitchen paper to remove the excess oil. Then serve on a large platter, drizzle with the honey and sprinkle with cinnamon and chopped walnuts.
- If you are in a mood for some chocolate, replace the honey with chocolate sauce. To prepare the chocolate sauce for the loukoumades, add in a saucepan the sugar and water and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sugar has dissolved. Add the chocolate (chopped) and whisk, until the chocolote has melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the warm chocolate over the loukoumades, sprinkle with some roughly chopped walnuts or almonds and enjoy!