Honey-Yogurt Loukoumades with Cinnamon Syrup
Light fried dough balls soaked in a warm honey and cinnamon syrup, served with creamy Greek yogurt for dipping. This greek-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, about 110°F warm water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup, about 110°F warm water
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup, for serving Greek yogurt
- optional, for dusting powdered sugar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (about 110°F), 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1/2 tsp salt. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and stir until smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Step 3: While dough rises, prepare the cinnamon syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup honey, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until syrup is warm and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Using two spoons, scoop small tablespoon-sized portions of dough and drop carefully into the hot oil.
- Step 5: Fry dough balls in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and puffed. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Step 6: While still warm, dip the loukoumades into the warm honey-cinnamon syrup, coating thoroughly.
- Step 7: Serve immediately with 1 cup Greek yogurt on the side for dipping and an optional dusting of powdered sugar.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Yogurt Loukoumades with Cinnamon Syrup take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Honey-Yogurt Loukoumades with Cinnamon Syrup?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Yogurt Loukoumades with Cinnamon Syrup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Honey-Yogurt Loukoumades with Cinnamon Syrup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Honey-Yogurt Loukoumades with Cinnamon Syrup?
Greek desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
