Gulab Jamun Recipe | How to Make Perfect Gulab Jamun Traditional Indian Dessert
Learn how to make soft, juicy, and perfectly golden-brown Gulab Jamun from scratch! Soaked in a fragrant rose water syrup, this traditional Indian dessert is perfect for festivals and family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Soaking Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine Indian, South Asian
Servings 20 Gulab Jamun balls (approximately)
Calories 144 kcal
Large mixing bowl
Pan for syrup
Frying pan or deep fryer
Slotted spoon
Serving dish
- 1 cup dry milk powder
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted ghee clarified butter
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup warm milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped almonds optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped pistachio nuts optional
- 1 tablespoon golden raisins optional
- 1 pinch ground cardamom
- 1 quart vegetable oil for deep frying
- 1 ¼ cups white sugar
- 7 fluid ounces water
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 1 pinch ground cardamom
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine dry milk powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cardamom. Add optional chopped almonds, pistachios, and golden raisins.
Gradually add melted ghee and warm milk to form a soft, smooth dough. Let rest for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Syrup:
In a pan, combine sugar, water, rose water, and cardamom.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.
Fry the Gulab Jamun:
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Shape the dough into small, smooth balls.
Fry the balls, stirring occasionally, until they become golden-brown and float to the surface. Ensure even frying by adjusting the heat.
Soak in Syrup:
After frying, remove the Gulab Jamun from the oil using a slotted spoon.
Place the fried Gulab Jamun balls directly into the warm syrup. Let soak for 5–10 minutes.
- The dough should be soft and not sticky. If too dry, add more warm milk; if too sticky, add a little flour.
- Fry Gulab Jamun balls at a low temperature to prevent over-browning or burning. Fry in batches to maintain consistent oil temperature.
- For extra flavor, add chopped almonds, pistachios, or golden raisins to the dough.
Keyword Diwali Dessert, Festive Dessert, Gulab Jamun, Homemade Gulab Jamun, Indian Dessert, Rose Water Syrup, Sweet Treat, Traditional Dessert