Fluffy Homemade Bombolini (Italian Donuts) Recipe for Beginners

Crispy, golden bombolini dance with delightful promise on Italian bakery shelves, beckoning sweet-toothed adventurers.

Soft clouds of fried dough whisper decadent secrets from Naples to Milan.

Pillowy rounds burst with creamy fillings that make taste buds sing.

Delicate sugar coatings shimmer like morning frost on these irresistible treats.

Each bite transports you to sunlit piazzas where generations have perfected this classic dessert.

Compact yet indulgent, these donuts represent pure culinary joy.

Grab a coffee, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create magic in your kitchen.

Why Bombolini Should Be on Your List

• Quick to Master: Perfect for beginner bakers with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, making these Italian donuts accessible to anyone wanting to try something deliciously new.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Versatile treats that work brilliantly for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon snacks, guaranteed to impress family and friends with their golden-brown exterior and creamy filling.
• Customizable Creativity: Experiment with various fillings like rich chocolate, sweet jam, or silky custard, allowing personal touch and exciting flavor combinations that keep everyone coming back for more.
• Social Sharing Experience: Interactive recipe that becomes a fun cooking project, perfect for gatherings where everyone can participate in filling and decorating these delectable Italian donuts.

Everything Needed for Classic Bombolini Donuts

• Flour: The primary structure and body of the Bomboloni dough.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with yeast activation.
• Eggs: Contribute to the rich texture and binding of the dough.
• Butter: Adds richness and soft texture to the donuts.

• Milk: Activates the yeast and creates a tender dough.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the donuts.

• Powdered Sugar, Chocolate, Nutella, Jam: Delightful options for coating and filling the Bomboloni.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the sweetness of the donuts.
• Vegetable Oil: Necessary for deep-frying the Bomboloni to golden perfection.

How to Fry Authentic Italian Bombolini

Step 1: Kickstart Yeast Activation

Mix warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let the mixture sit and bubble up for 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy and alive.

Step 2: Create Magical Dough

• Flour
• Sugar

• Yeast mixture
• Eggs
• Softened butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Mix until a sticky dough emerges. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and knead for 8-10 minutes.

Add flour sparingly to create a smooth, elastic texture. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a cozy spot for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Donuts

Gently deflate the risen dough and place on a floured surface.

Divide into 12-15 equal portions, rolling each into a perfect round ball. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Cover and let them puff up for 30-45 minutes.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.

Carefully lower the dough balls into the hot oil, working in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Fill and Finish with Flair

Once slightly cooled, create a small opening in each Bomboloni.

• Custard
• Nutella
• Jam
• Cream

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. Serve immediately and watch faces light up with joy!

Donut-Making Tips for Perfect Bombolini

• Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to develop gluten easily and create a smooth, stretchy texture without overworking your hands.
• Place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot like inside an unheated oven with the light on to ensure consistent and optimal rising conditions.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F using a candy thermometer to prevent soggy or burnt bomboloni and achieve golden-brown perfection.
• Use a long piping tip or a sharp knife to create a small hole, then insert the filling from the side for even distribution and a clean appearance.
• Let the donuts cool slightly before filling to prevent burning your hands and to help the filling set properly inside the soft, airy dough.

Bombolini With Your Favorite Fillings Inside

• Chocolate Lava Bombolini: Inject rich, molten dark chocolate ganache inside these classic Italian donuts for an indulgent, gooey center that oozes with every bite.
• Lavender Honey Bombolini: Infuse the dough with delicate lavender essence and fill with smooth, local honey for a floral and sweet Mediterranean-inspired treat.
• Pistachio Cream Bombolini: Create a luxurious nutty variation by mixing crushed pistachios into the dough and filling with creamy pistachio pastry cream.
• Salted Caramel Apple Bombolini: Combine diced fresh apples in the dough and fill with rich salted caramel sauce for a sophisticated autumn-inspired version.

What Goes Well With Bombolini for Dessert

• Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: Rich, velvety cappuccino complements the sweet, fluffy texture of Bomboloni, creating a classic Italian breakfast or dessert experience.
• Enhance with Amaretto Liqueur: A small glass of smooth amaretto adds a delightful almond-flavored kick that beautifully balances the donuts' sweetness and lightness.
• Match with Fresh Berry Compote: Tangy mixed berry sauce provides a bright, fruity contrast to the rich, fried Bomboloni, cutting through the sweetness and adding vibrant flavor.
• Serve with Muscato Wine: Delicate, sweet Muscato wine offers a gentle, effervescent pairing that highlights the donuts' delicate texture and rich filling.

Best Way to Store Leftover Bombolini

Store filled Bomboloni in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.

Wrap unfilled, cooled Bomboloni individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature for best results.

Warm refrigerated Bomboloni at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This restores their slightly crispy exterior and soft interior without drying them out.

Gently reheat for 10-15 seconds. Watch carefully to prevent toughening. Best used when you want a quick warm treat and don’t mind a slightly softer texture.

FAQs

• What is the key to getting soft and fluffy Bomboloni?

The secret is using warm milk to activate the yeast properly and kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free area to develop its light texture.

• How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the oil reaches exactly 350F (175C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – it should sizzle and turn golden brown within 30 seconds.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Just remove it 30 minutes before shaping and frying to bring it to room temperature.

Bombolini (Italian Donuts) Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Italian bombolini donuts dance with pillowy perfection, promising pure indulgence from Naples. Delicate pastries welcome you into a world of creamy, sugary bliss with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Leavening and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Frying and Coating Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil or shortening, for deep frying
• 1 cup pastry cream, custard, Nutella, or jam
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Optional: Melted chocolate or glaze for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by mixing warm milk and yeast in a small bowl, allowing the mixture to become frothy and bubbly for about 5-10 minutes.
2. Combine flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl, creating a smooth base for the dough.
3. Incorporate the activated yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt, blending until a cohesive, sticky dough develops.
4. Knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes, gradually adding small amounts of flour to achieve a smooth, elastic consistency.
5. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm environment for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in volume.
6. Gently deflate the risen dough and place it on a floured surface, dividing it into 12-15 equally sized portions.
7. Shape each portion into smooth, round balls, arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with adequate spacing.
8. Allow the dough balls to proof for an additional 30-45 minutes, becoming puffy and light.
9. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet, preparing for frying.
10. Carefully fry the dough balls in batches, rotating occasionally to ensure even golden-brown coloration, about 2-3 minutes per side.
11. Remove fried bomboloni using a slotted spoon, draining excess oil on paper towels.
12. Once slightly cooled, create a small opening in each bomboloni using a knife or piping tip.
13. Fill the pastries generously with chosen filling like custard, Nutella, or jam using a piping bag.
14. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with melted chocolate for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Ensure yeast activation by using lukewarm milk, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast and affecting dough rise.
• Control dough consistency by adding flour gradually, preventing dry or overly sticky texture during kneading.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F while frying to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking.
• Experiment with diverse fillings like pastry cream, fruit compotes, or chocolate ganache to customize flavor profiles and surprise taste buds.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg