Loukoumades: Greek Honey Doughnut Bites (No-Fuss & Irresistible!)

Loukoumades are traditional Greek doughnut bites—crispy on the outside, pillowy soft inside, and drenched in warm honey syrup. Also known as "honey tokens," these little fried treasures date back to Ancient Greece and were even awarded to Olympic winners as a sweet reward Athens.

With minimal ingredients and simple steps, they make a show-stopping dessert for family gatherings or special celebrations.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: flour, yeast, water, and honey
• Quick to prepare—dough rises in ~1–2 hours, fry for 15 mins
• Irresistible texture: crispy exterior, soft and airy center
• Versatile toppings: honey syrup, cinnamon, walnuts, or sesame
• Ideal for parties, brunches, or festive occasions

What Are Loukoumades?

Loukoumades are small, deep-fried dough balls made from a leavened batter. Traditionally, they’re soaked in honey syrup, then sprinkled with cinnamon and crushed nuts or sesame seeds. Think Greek mini-doughnuts infused with syrupy sweetness and ancient heritage.

Pro Tips for Success

• Activate yeast in lukewarm water (~40 °C/104 °F) for a light batter Cookist+12Lazy Cat Kitchen+12Cultured Table+12My Greek Dish
• Let dough rise for at least 60 minutes in a warm spot (oven at 50 °C works well)
• Fry in small batches so oil temperature stays consistent
• Use a teaspoon dipped in oil to shape even dough balls olivemagazine.com+4Lazy Cat Kitchen+4My Greek Kitchen+4
• Serve hot—they’re at their best when fresh, drizzled with warm honey

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes—some modern recipes use a doughnut pan for baking, but frying gives the authentic crunch and texture

Are they dairy-free?

Yes, a classic loukoumades recipe contains no milk or butter—just flour, water, yeast, sugar, and oil.

What toppings work best?

Drizzled honey, cinnamon, crushed walnuts, sesame seeds, or even chocolate—get creative!

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes—prepare it the night before, then let it rise and fry the next day for fresh doughnuts.

How long do leftovers last?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat briefly to restore crispness; best eaten within 1 day.

How to Store

Loukoumades are best eaten fresh. If needed, store cooled doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours, and reheat briefly in a low oven.

How to Freeze

You can freeze fried and cooled loukoumades in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 180 °C oven for 5–7 minutes before syruping.

How to Make Greek Loukoumades

Step 1

Step 1

Mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir in lukewarm water (and milk, if used) until you have a loose, pancake-like batter. Cover and let it rise for about 60–90 minutes in a warm spot, until doubled and bubbly

Mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir in lukewarm water (and milk, if used) until you have a loose, pancake-like batter. Cover and let it rise for about 60–90 minutes in a warm spot, until doubled and bubbly

Step 2

Step 2

While the dough rises, prepare the honey syrup by heating honey, water, and lemon juice until combined. Let it cool slightly.

While the dough rises, prepare the honey syrup by heating honey, water, and lemon juice until combined. Let it cool slightly.

Heat oil in a deep pot to 180 °C. Dip a teaspoon in oil, scoop some batter, and gently drop it into the hot oil. Fry in small batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes per batch) .

Step 3

Step 3

Heat oil in a deep pot to 180 °C. Dip a teaspoon in oil, scoop some batter, and gently drop it into the hot oil. Fry in small batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes per batch) .

Drain the loukoumades on paper towels briefly, then immediately dip into the warm honey syrup until well coated. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with ground cinnamon and chopped walnuts or sesame seeds.

Step 4

Step 4

Drain the loukoumades on paper towels briefly, then immediately dip into the warm honey syrup until well coated. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with ground cinnamon and chopped walnuts or sesame seeds.

Serve piping hot—you’ll love their crisp exterior and sweet, syrup-soaked interior.