Loukoumades (Honey Donuts) from Greece and Cyprus

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Loukoumades are a delightful dessert from Cyprus and Greece. They are fried donuts coated in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and walnuts.

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Loukoumades (otherwise spelled “Lukumades”) are a greek version of donuts typically served in Cyprus and Greece. They are fried dough balls that are crunchy on the outside but light and airy on the inside… they are basically the most delicious treat you’ll ever find!

Loukoumades are typically served warm, with many donuts piled on one plate and doused with honey, cinnamon, and sometimes walnuts.

They are sticky and messy and perfect for filling your belly with a delectable treat fit for the gods…. Or the Olympians!

Try eating your Greek loukoumades after a delicious meal of Moussaka, Spinach Pie, or even a Gyro. You can also put them on a dessert platter with this Homemade Pistachio Baklava for a delicious treat!

Recipe Origins

Loukoumades are a popular treat in many countries, including Cyprus, Greece, Persia, and Egypt.

The first known record of Loukoumades, or Lukumades, is from ancient Greece. The fried donut balls coated in honey were served to the Olympic victors as early as 776 BC as a prize for their success.

Since then the donuts have spread across countries, also becoming a favorite in Cyrus. Try them at home! I’m almost certain they’ll become a staple in your home as well.

Why Make this Recipe

Taste the World: If you want a good taste of Greek or Cypriot Food this is a great dessert to try! Close your eyes and be transported to the Mediterranean.
Sweet and Crunchy: The sweetness on the inside plus the crunch on the outside of these honey donuts will leave you speechless!

What Do I Need to Make this Recipe?

Ingredients

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.

Milk: Whole Milk or 2% will work best. I have not tested this recipe with almond milk for a dairy-free option, but you should be able to substitute it with no issues.
Dry Active Yeast: This is different from Instant Yeast.
Water: Room temperature
Oil for Frying: I prefer vegetable oil, but either vegetable oil or sunflower oil works

Tools

Bowls: Small bowl for rising the yeast, large mixing bowl for making and rising the dough
Skillet: For frying. I used a cast iron.
Ice Cream Scoop: Optional but helpful.
Nonstick Spray: To spray the ice cream scoop or your hands when scooping the donuts.
Thermometer: Best for testing the temperature of the milk and the oil.

How to Make this Recipe

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Step 1: Rise the Yeast

Two photos showing how to create the beginning of the loukoumades dough with yeast, milk and sugar.

Place your milk in a microwave safe container, and microwave until the temperature of the milk reaches 105 – 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add 1 tsp of sugar to the milk, then add the packet of yeast. Allow the yeast to sit for about 10 minutes in a dark, warm place until it rises and the top becomes puffy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Two photos showing how to combine the ingredients to make a dough and then the dough sitting in an oiled mixing bowl beginning to proof.

In a separate, large bowl, mix the flour, 2 tbsp sugar, olive oil, lukewarm water, and the risen milk/yeast mixture together. Whisk it for a few minutes until a smooth batter is formed.

Grease a glass bowl with nonstick spray and put the dough in the bowl. Cover the bowl with a dish towel, and put in a dark, warm environment for about an hour, or until the dough rises and doubles in size.

Step 3: Fry the Dough

After an hour, fill a skillet with about an inch of oil. Turn the heat to medium and heat until the oil reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use an ice cream scoop to form ball-shaped scoops of dough. Dip your scoop in water or spray with nonstick spray between each dough ball so that the dough doesn’t stick to the utensil.

Fry the batter in the oil, a few donuts at the time. When one side turns golden brown, flip them over so that they are evenly browned on each side.

Step 4: Add Toppings

As the donuts are done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will remove any excess oil.

Once the loukoumades are done draining, move them to a large platter.

Warm the honey in the microwave for about 30 seconds (or you can warm it in a small saucepan) until it is easily pourable. Pour the desired amount over the donuts. Sprinkle the donuts with chopped walnuts and cinnamon. Enjoy!

Alternate Topping Ideas

If you don’t want to top your loukoumades with honey, there are other options as well! Good choices are:

Sesame Seeds
Chocolate Sauce
A simple syrup made of honey mixed with sugar
Orange Blossom Water
Or anything else you think may be delicious

Can You Reheat Loukoumades?

While I think that Loukoumades are definitely best when served fresh, you can still reheat them. Reheating a fried treat is difficult but it can be done.

My best advice would be to heat your oven to 450 degrees. Place your loukoumades on an aluminum foil-lined cookie sheet, and place them in the oven.

Let them sit in the oven for a few minutes, just until they’re heated up. Don’t leave them for too long, or they’ll burn!

You can also reheat them in an air fryer to easily crisp them up again.

Expert Tips

Follow the instructions on the back of your Yeast Package. My yeast called for the milk to be warmed to 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit, but if your package says differently, follow that.
The most important thing is to not heat your milk up too much over the called-for temperature or you will kill the yeast.
Make sure the balls of dough are about as large as a golf ball.
Make sure the oil is deep enough to cover at least half of your fried donuts.
If the outside of your donut is brown and crispy but the inside is still raw, your oil is too hot. Remove the hot oil from the heat and allow it to cool to the right temperature (300 degrees). Then, try again.
Only put honey on the donuts that you plan to eat. They are much harder to reheat if they have honey on them.
I am using a skillet to cook these Greek Doughnuts, but you can also use a deep fryer if you have one.

Recipe FAQs

How to Make Loukoumades Crispy?

Your loukoumades should crisp up themselves if the oil is hot enough. Make sure the oil reaches 300 degrees.

Storing Instructions

If you are storing leftover loukoumades, make sure to allow them to cool all the way before putting plastic wrap on them. Do not add honey to the donuts that you want to save them for another day.

Wrap the dry, cooled loukoumades in plastic wrap and keep them on the counter until you are ready to reheat them. I would only store leftovers for about a day.

Loukoumades would be a great dessert to compliment homemade gyros. You can also check out this list of what to serve with gyros. I have 31 delicious recipe ideas.

Did you enjoy this recipe for Loukoumades? If so, make sure to check out these other recipes I picked out just for you: