These sweet and crunchy bites are a staple in Middle Eastern desserts – crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, soaked in cold syrup for that perfect sweetness!
✅ Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 1/3 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp instant yeast (leveled)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp powdered milk
For the syrup:
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups sugar
- A squeeze of lemon juice
👉 Boil for 7 minutes on low heat and let it cool completely.
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Prepare the syrup first:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Let it boil gently for 7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely (it should be cold when pouring over hot loukoumades).
- Prepare the dough:
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and 1/3 cup water.
- Gradually add the flour while mixing.
- Add the remaining water as needed to get a dough that’s between cake batter and bread dough in consistency – smooth and slightly sticky.
- Cover and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Frying:
- After rising, deflate the dough gently.
- Spoon some dough into a piping or freezer bag, cut the tip off to pipe small balls.
- Drop the dough balls into hot, deep oil (must be very hot).
- Reduce heat to low and fry until golden brown, turning constantly for even color.
- Soaking in syrup:
- Immediately after frying, dip the hot loukoumades into the cold syrup for 5 seconds only.
- Remove and place on a plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.
🌟 Tips:
- You can sprinkle with cinnamon, powdered sugar, or crushed pistachios for extra flavor.
- Best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch!
Enjoy and sahtein! 🌹
