Gulab Jamun is one of the most beloved traditional Indian sweets. Known for its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, aromatic syrup, it is a popular dessert at weddings, festivals, and special occasions. If you’ve always wanted to try making this delightful treat at home, follow this simple recipe to prepare perfect Gulab Jamun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup milk powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup milk (add more if needed)
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- Ghee or oil for frying
- For the sugar syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A few saffron strands (optional)
- 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)

Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In a pan, combine sugar and water. Heat it on medium flame until the sugar dissolves completely. Add cardamom powder and saffron (if using) for a rich aroma and flavor. Let the syrup simmer for 5-7 minutes. Once it reaches a one-thread consistency, turn off the heat and add rose water for an extra touch of fragrance. Set aside.
2. Make the Gulab Jamun Dough: In a mixing bowl, add milk powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cardamom powder. Mix them well. Add the ghee and gradually pour in the milk, kneading the mixture to form a smooth dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this could lead to tough Gulab Jamuns. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, add a few more drops of milk.
3. Shape the Gulab Jamuns: Divide the dough into small portions and gently roll them into smooth, round balls. Make sure there are no cracks on the surface, as cracks may cause them to break while frying. If needed, grease your hands with a little ghee to shape the dough.
4. Fry the Gulab Jamuns: Heat ghee or oil in a deep frying pan on low to medium heat. Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should rise slowly to the surface. Once the oil is at the right temperature, gently drop the prepared balls into the hot oil. Fry the Gulab Jamuns, stirring them gently to ensure they cook evenly. They should turn golden brown, which may take 8-10 minutes. Be patient and keep the flame low to avoid burning them.

5. Soak in Sugar Syrup: Once the Gulab Jamuns are fried, immediately transfer them to the warm sugar syrup. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, allowing them to absorb the syrup and become soft.
6. Serve: After the Gulab Jamuns have soaked, they are ready to serve! Garnish with a few crushed pistachios or almonds for an extra touch. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a delightful dessert.
Making Gulab Jamun at home is simpler than it seems, and the result is worth the effort. The soft, syrup-soaked balls paired with the rich flavors of cardamom and rose water create a heavenly dessert. Enjoy your homemade Gulab Jamun with friends and family, and savor the sweetness of this iconic treat!
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