Bomboloni Italian Doughnuts

Why You’ll Love Bomboloni

• Fluffy & Light: The dough for bomboloni is soft, pillowy, and incredibly light, making them a joy to bite into. The interior is tender and airy, while the outer layer has a slight crispiness, adding texture.
• Customizable Fillings: One of the best things about bomboloni is the wide variety of fillings you can use. From traditional pastry cream and chocolate to fruit jams or even Nutella, the possibilities are endless.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply want to enjoy a delicious treat with a cup of coffee, bomboloni are versatile enough to suit any occasion.
• Satisfying & Decadent: Bomboloni are indulgent and satisfying, with just the right balance of sweetness, creaminess, and fluffiness. They’re the kind of treat you savor with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Bomboloni

To make homemade bomboloni, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (lukewarm)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)

Filling (choose one or more):

• Pastry cream (crema pasticcera)
• Nutella or chocolate spread
• Fruit jam (apricot, raspberry, or strawberry)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil or sunflower oil (enough to submerge the doughnuts)

For Dusting:

• Granulated sugar (for coating the doughnuts)

How to Make Bomboloni

Making bomboloni from scratch may take some time, but the process is relatively simple, and the end result is absolutely worth it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these heavenly Italian doughnuts:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, warm the milk (it should be lukewarm, not hot) and dissolve the sugar and yeast in it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, salt, and lemon zest (if using). Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Add the butter and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This can take about 5-7 minutes by hand, or you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 4-5 minutes.
4. Once the dough is smooth, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Doughnuts

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Using a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough. Gather the excess dough, re-roll it, and cut out more circles until all the dough is used up.
3. Place the dough circles on a floured tray or parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, until they puff up slightly.

Step 3: Fry the Bomboloni

1. In a deep pot or frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the doughnuts (about 2-3 inches of oil).
2. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
3. Remove the doughnuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 4: Fill the Bomboloni

1. Once the bomboloni are slightly cooled, use a pastry bag or a small spoon to fill them with your desired filling (pastry cream, Nutella, or fruit jam). If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can also use a needle to inject the filling into the center of the doughnut.
2. After filling, roll the bomboloni in granulated sugar to coat them evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your bomboloni warm, and enjoy the delightful contrast between the soft dough, rich filling, and sugary coating. Whether you’re having them with coffee, at a family gathering, or as a special treat, these Italian doughnuts are sure to be a hit.

Tips for Perfect Bomboloni

• Frying temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F) before frying. If the oil is too hot, the bomboloni will brown too quickly on the outside but remain raw inside. If it’s too cold, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Filling options: Get creative with the fillings! Besides traditional pastry cream or Nutella, you can try lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or even mascarpone mixed with fruit.
• Serve immediately: Bomboloni are best served fresh and warm, as they tend to lose their crispness if left for too long.

Final Thoughts

Bomboloni are an indulgent treat that brings a taste of Italy straight to your kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon snack, these Italian doughnuts will surely delight your taste buds. With their light, fluffy texture and sweet fillings, they offer the perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior.

Although they take a little time and patience to make, the end result is worth every effort. Once you’ve had a bite of freshly made bomboloni, you may never want to go back to regular doughnuts again! So, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious Italian doughnuts that are sure to become a favorite in your household.