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Bombolini (Italian Donuts) Recipe

Bombolini (Italian Donuts) Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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