Loukoumades

20 mins Prep Time

10 mins Cook Time

Written By

Samantha Medeiros

Loukoumades are traditional Greek donuts that are light, crispy and golden brown, doused in cinnamon-infused honey, and topped with toasted nuts or sesame seeds. These deliciously airy donuts are quick to come together and are often offered on-the-house at the end of your meal. In Greece, they're considered to be the oldest documented dessert and are recorded to have been served to the winners of the ancient Olympic Games as "honey tokens."

Ingredients

Loukoumades

1 cup (240 grams) water, lukewarm
1 cup (240 grams) milk, lukewarm
1 tablespoon (15 grams) instant active dry yeast
2 tablespoons (10 grams) white sugar
3 cups (415 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt
1/2 cup honey
1 piece cinnamon stick
2/3 tablespoons white sesame seeds, toasted
Neutral oil, for frying

Directions

Loukoumades

7 Steps

Step 1

For the dough, combine the water, milk, white sugar and instant active dry yeast in a bowl, and allow the yeast to dissolve. Add in the all-purpose flour and a sprinkle of kosher salt and roughly mix the sticky dough using a spatula until smooth.
Step 2

Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 to 40 minutes in a warm place.
Step 3

Preheat a large heavy-bottomed pot filled 1/3 of the way full with a neutral oil to 350°F.
Step 4

Prepare to fry your dough with your preferred method; either pinch the dough (with wet hands), scoop it with an oiled ice cream scoop, or pipe it in the hot oil and trim it with scissors. Fry on all sides until golden brown.
Step 5

Briefly drain the golden brown dough onto paper towel to remove any excess oil, then plate into your desired dish.
Step 6

In a small pot, steep the honey with the cinnamon stick until you begin to see bubbles. Remove from heat and pour cinnamon honey over warm donuts, then generously finish with toasted white sesame seeds.
Step 7

Enjoy while still warm!