Greek Loukoumades — Fried Dough Balls with Honey and Cinnamon

Loukoumades are small fried dough balls, the classic Greek dessert served warm, drizzled with honey and dusted with cinnamon. The soft yeasted dough puffs up in hot oil and turns crisp on the outside and soft inside — perfect for breakfast, an afternoon coffee, or as a festive dessert.

Prep time: 20 minutes (+ 1 hour for the dough to rise)
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 (about 20 loukoumades)

INGREDIENTS

• 250 ml lukewarm water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 7 g dry yeast (one packet)
• 300 g flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sunflower oil for frying
• 150 g honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 50 g chopped walnuts (optional)
• A little lemon juice

PREPARATION STEPS

1. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the lukewarm water and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, add the water with the yeast and the olive oil; mix until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough.
3. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled.
4. Heat the oil in a deep pot to 175–180°C. Using two spoons wet with water, form dough balls and drop them into the hot oil.
5. Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning them, until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon onto kitchen paper.
6. Warm the honey slightly with the lemon juice (do not boil), and drizzle over the warm loukoumades.
7. Sprinkle with cinnamon and chopped walnuts and serve immediately, while warm.