loukoumades

Ingredients

• Servings: 25
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 3 eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 cups vegetable oil, or as needed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Ready Time: 1 hr 30 mins


• sprinkle the yeast over the warm water in a small bowl. the water should be no more than 100 degrees f (40 degrees c). let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam. in a large bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and salt, and mix to dissolve. pour the yeast mixture into the milk mixture, and stir to combine.
• beat in the butter, eggs, and flour until the mixture forms a smooth, soft dough. cover the bowl, and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 30 minutes. stir the dough well, cover, and let rise 30 more minutes.
• mix honey and 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. turn off the heat and let the honey syrup cool.
• heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). oil should be about 2 inches deep.
• place a large table or soup spoon in a glass of water near the batter. scoop up about 2 tablespoons of dough per puff with the wet spoon, drop it into the wet palm of your hand, and roll it back into the spoon to create a round shape. do not overhandle the puffy, soft dough. drop the dough balls into the hot oil in batches, wetting the spoon each time you make a dough ball. fry in the hot oil until golden brown on the bottom, and roll them over to cook the other side, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. gently set the loukoumades aside to drain on paper towels.
• place the loukoumades on a baking sheet, drizzle them with honey syrup, and sprinkle with cinnamon. serve warm.