Greek Honey Donuts Recipe That Tastes Like Home

Hi, I’m Lena Marlowe, and if you’ve ever stepped into a kitchen just to feel better, then you’re in the right place.

Greek honey donuts—crispy, golden, sweet bites of joy—are more than a recipe to me. They’re a love letter to comfort food. I grew up in Savannah, Georgia, in a house that always smelled like something baking. My grandmother believed in stirring with soul, and my mama swore a warm plate could mend a bad day. I never trained at Le Cordon Bleu. I trained in real kitchens—burning things, fixing them, and learning how to taste with my heart.

Back in 2020, I started sharing recipes from my little Southern kitchen. People connected not just to the food, but to the feeling behind it. That’s what Easy Palates is about. It’s for busy moms juggling life, for beginners bravely whisking their first batter, and for anyone who knows food is a kind of magic.

Greek honey donuts, or loukoumades as they’re traditionally called, are one of those magical things. I tried my first batch during a quiet winter evening, chasing warmth and sweetness in one bite. And once that honey syrup hit the crispy dough? I was hooked.

Don’t miss our Greek Honey Donuts recipe that inspired this whole post.

Let’s get cooking.

The Soul of Greek Honey Donuts

What Are Greek Honey Donuts?

Greek honey donuts, or loukoumades, are small deep-fried dough balls, soaked in honey syrup and topped with cinnamon or nuts. Their crispy exterior and airy inside set them apart from typical donuts. These timeless treats have been a staple of Greek celebrations for thousands of years.

History and Origins of Loukoumades

Loukoumades date back to ancient Greece. Known as “honey tokens,” they were served to Olympic champions as symbols of victory. Their legacy has since expanded across the Mediterranean, becoming an icon of Greek cuisine and community gatherings.

Greek Honey Donuts (Loukoumades)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

These Greek Honey Donuts—also known as loukoumades—are crispy, golden dough puffs soaked in a spiced honey syrup. A traditional Greek dessert made from simple pantry ingredients, they’re light, airy, and bursting with flavor. Whether served at a festive gathering or as a sweet weekend treat, this recipe brings Mediterranean warmth right into your kitchen. Top with cinnamon, crushed nuts, or enjoy them plain—either way, they’re irresistible.

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for lightness)

• 1 cup warm water (or milk)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon sugar

• Oil for frying (sunflower or canola recommended)

For the Honey Syrup:

• ½ cup Greek honey

• ⅓ cup sugar

• ½ cup water

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 strips of lemon peel

• Optional: ½ tsp orange blossom water or rose water

Optional Toppings:

• Ground cinnamon

• Crushed walnuts or pistachios

• Powdered sugar

• Fresh mint (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Dough:
  In a large bowl, mix yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until bubbly. Add flour, cornstarch, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours.

• Make the Syrup:
  While the dough rises, combine sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and lemon peel in a small saucepan. Simmer for 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in honey and orange blossom water (if using). Set aside to warm.

• Fry the Donuts:
  Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a small oiled spoon or scoop to drop dough into hot oil. Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown. Flip as needed. Drain on paper towels.

• Coat in Syrup:
  While still warm, toss the donuts in honey syrup using a slotted spoon or drizzle the syrup generously over them.

• Serve and Top:
  Sprinkle with cinnamon, nuts, powdered sugar, or garnish with mint. Serve immediately.

Notes

 

• You can substitute Greek honey with raw local honey or maple syrup for a twist.

• For a vegan version, use plant milk and agave syrup.

• Air-fry instead of deep-fry for a lighter option.

• Author: Lena Marlowe
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Snack, Sweet Treats
• Method: Deep Frying
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients That Make Them Special

Traditional Ingredients in Greek Honey Donuts

Check out Greek Donuts With Honey for variations.

Why Greek Honey is the Secret Star

Greek honey, derived from wild thyme and mountain blossoms, delivers a complex flavor that supermarket honeys can’t match. Its rich taste elevates Greek honey donuts from sweet to unforgettable. Plus, it’s raw, unfiltered, and packed with antioxidants—hence its higher price.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Greek Honey Donuts

Preparing the Dough: Texture, Tips, and Timing

1. Activate yeast: Mix 2¼ tsp yeast with warm water and sugar. Let foam.
2. Mix in flour, salt, cornstarch: Create a smooth batter.
3. Let it rise: Cover and rest for 1–1.5 hours in a warm spot.

Looking for inspiration? Try Greek Yogurt Chocolate.

Frying Them Golden: Oil, Heat, and Watchful Eyes

1. Heat oil to 350°F
2. Drop spoonfuls of dough into hot oil
3. Fry for 3–4 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Learn more with Frozen Greek Yogurt Dessert Recipes.

Troubleshooting the Dough (Common Issues + Fixes)

• Yeast not foaming? Water may be too hot or too cold. Aim for 105–110°F.
• Batter too thick? Add a tablespoon or two of warm water.
• Donuts deflating? Overproofed dough. Next time, cut rise time slightly.
• Too oily? Your oil isn’t hot enough. Maintain 350°F.

Drenched in Syrup: The Signature Honey Glaze

Making the Authentic Greek Honey Syrup

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Greek honey
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• Lemon peel
• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions: Simmer sugar, water, peel, and cinnamon for 7 minutes. Stir in honey (off heat).

Dipping Techniques for the Perfect Coating

Discover more flavor with Greek Dessert Recipe.

Modern Variations of Greek Honey Donuts

Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Healthier Twists

• Vegan: Use plant milk and agave/maple syrup.
• Gluten-Free: Swap flour for GF blend + cornstarch.
• Lightened-Up: Air-fry and drizzle lightly.

Explore more in Simple Greek Dessert Recipes.

Stuffed Loukoumades and Flavor Infusions

Try:

• Nutella
• Lemon curd
• Fig jam
• Espresso-honey syrup
• Citrus zest and pistachios

Loukoumades Across Cultures

• Turkey: Lokma, often served in honor of loved ones.
• Egypt: Zalabia—fried dough balls with syrup.
• Italy: Zeppole—filled or sugar-coated.

Different names, same comfort.

Serving, Pairing, and Plating Ideas

Creative Ways to Serve Greek Honey Donuts

Get ideas from Greek Food Recipes Desserts.

Best Drinks and Dips to Pair With

Drink Pairings:

• Greek coffee
• Rosé wine
• Lemon tea

Dips:

• Yogurt + honey
• Chocolate ganache
• Berry compote
• Tahini drizzle

Loukoumades for Brunch Boards

Build a brunch or dessert board with:

• Berries
• Yogurt
• Honeycomb
• Mint
• Loukoumades center stage

Don’t miss Greek Food Recipes Easy Desserts.

The Cultural Significance of Loukoumades

How Loukoumades Feature in Greek Festivities

Loukoumades are served at:

• Saint’s day feasts
• Weddings
• Baptisms
• Street fairs

They symbolize joy, abundance, and tradition—much like my grandma’s biscuits.

Symbolism, Celebration, and Stories

• Honey = purity and prosperity
• Round shapes = unity
• Oil = sacredness

Explore more cultural roots in Greek Dessert.

Common Questions About Greek Honey Donuts

What are loukoumades made of?
Flour, yeast, water, sugar, salt, fried and dipped in honey syrup.

What are Greek honey balls called?
Loukoumades.

What are the famous Greek donuts?
Loukoumades—the OG of Greek sweets.

What are Greek honey puffs made of?
Same dough as loukoumades, fried and soaked in honey.

Why is Greek honey so expensive?
Raw, unfiltered, wild-sourced, and artisanally produced.

What are honey puffs called now?
Still loukoumades, but also known as Greek honey puffs or donuts.

Final Thoughts + Recipe Recap

A Warm Hug from the Mediterranean

Greek honey donuts aren’t just dessert—they’re tradition, love, and joy in each bite. Whether you fry them for a celebration or just because, remember: food is about connection, not perfection.

A Final Note from My Southern Heart

In my kitchen, these donuts remind me that food isn’t about the perfect look—it’s about showing up for yourself or the people you love. So whether yours are lopsided, crispy, chewy, or drenched in syrup, you made them. And that’s what makes them beautiful.

Summary Table: Ingredients + Steps

Don’t miss our Simple Greek Dessert Recipes for more love-filled bites.

For more recipes follow me in page facebook and Pinterest