Loukoumades

Instructions

• Sprinkle yeast over 1 cup warm water in a small bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
• Mix together warm milk, sugar, and salt in a large bowl until sugar and salt are dissolved. Pour in yeast mixture and stir to combine.
• Beat in flour, eggs, and butter until mixture forms a smooth, soft dough. Cover the bowl and let rise at room temperature until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes. Stir dough well, cover, and let rise again for 30 more minutes.
• Meanwhile, mix together honey and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn off the heat and allow honey syrup to cool.
• Heat 2 inches oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place a large serving or soup spoon in a glass of water near dough. Scoop up about 2 tablespoons 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 dough balls into hot oil in batches, wetting the spoon each time you make a dough ball. Fry in hot oil until golden brown on the bottom, then roll them over to cook the other side, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Gently set loukoumades aside to drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Place loukoumades on a baking sheet. Drizzle with honey syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve warm.