Oh my goodness, let me tell you about bomboloni! These delightful Italian donuts are like little pillows of joy, filled with cream or jam, and they’re simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made them; the kitchen was filled with the warm, sweet aroma of frying dough, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. They’re not just a treat; they hold a special place in Italian culture, often enjoyed during celebrations or as a sweet snack. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked on their fluffy texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best bomboloni! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Oil for frying (enough to fill your pan about 2-3 inches deep)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Your choice of filling (think cream, jam, or anything else that makes your heart sing!)
Make sure your butter is melted and your milk is warm but not too hot—trust me, it makes all the difference in the dough rising beautifully!
How to Prepare bomboloni italian donuts
Now, let’s dive into making these heavenly bomboloni! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise the results will be absolutely worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious batch ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly—this means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
- Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture. Add the eggs and melted butter, then mix everything together until you get a smooth dough.
- Once combined, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes. The dough should become soft and elastic—just a little workout for your arms!
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Then, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Using a round cutter (or a glass), cut out circles from the dough. Place them on a floured baking sheet, cover them with the towel, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. You’ll want it to reach around 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying. A little test: drop in a small piece of dough; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, you’re ready!
- Carefully fry the donuts in batches, turning them occasionally, until they’re golden brown on all sides—about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Once fried, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool for a moment before filling them with your choice of delicious cream or jam!
- Finally, dust those beauties with powdered sugar, and they’re ready to be devoured. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re super quick to prepare—perfect for a spontaneous treat or when you have guests over!
- Easy to customize with your favorite fillings, whether it’s sweet cream, fruity jam, or even chocolate!
- Each bite is a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist!
- They bring a taste of Italy right to your kitchen, making every occasion feel special.
- Great for sharing (or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!).
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack—any time is bomboloni time!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my best tips to ensure your bomboloni turn out absolutely perfect:
- Dough Texture: When kneading the dough, it should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it—this can make your donuts tough!
- Frying Safety: Always keep a close eye on the oil temperature! If it’s too hot, your bomboloni will burn on the outside and be raw on the inside. Use a candy thermometer if you have one, or test with a small piece of dough as mentioned earlier.
- Batch Frying: Fry your donuts in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures they cook evenly!
- Filling Variations: Get creative with your fillings! I love using pastry cream or Nutella, but you can also try fruit preserves, whipped cream, or even savory fillings for a fun twist!
- Cooling Time: Let the bomboloni cool slightly before filling them. If they’re too hot, the filling might melt away, and we want that luscious filling to stay put!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious bomboloni! Happy frying!
Variations
One of the best things about bomboloni is how versatile they are! You can switch things up and create your own signature donuts with different fillings, flavors, and toppings. Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Chocolate Lovers: Fill your bomboloni with rich chocolate ganache or a creamy chocolate custard for an indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth!
- Fruity Delight: Use your favorite fruit preserves or fresh fruit compote as a filling. Think strawberry, raspberry, or even lemon curd for a zesty kick!
- Custard Cream: Whip up a batch of vanilla custard for a classic filling that adds a creamy, dreamy texture to your donuts. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Spiced Dough: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet fillings.
- Whipped Cream Surprise: After frying, fill your bomboloni with freshly whipped cream and top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or crushed nuts for added texture!
- Savory Twist: For something different, try savory fillings like ricotta mixed with herbs or a light pesto. These make for an intriguing appetizer or snack!
- Toppings Galore: Don’t forget about toppings! Drizzle your bomboloni with melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or even a light glaze. You can also roll them in cinnamon sugar for a tasty twist!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas, and let your imagination run wild. Each variation brings a whole new experience to your bomboloni adventure! Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made these delicious bomboloni, you’ll want to make sure they stay as fresh and tasty as possible! Here’s how to store any leftovers (if there are any!) and how to reheat them so they taste just as good as when they were first made.
To store your bomboloni, let them cool completely at room temperature. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container. If you’ve filled them with cream or jam, it’s best to keep them in the fridge to maintain their freshness, especially if you’re using dairy-based fillings. They’ll stay good for about 2-3 days.
If you need to reheat your bomboloni, I recommend using an oven or an air fryer for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the donuts on a baking sheet, and heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps to restore their delightful softness without making them greasy. If you’re using an air fryer, just pop them in for about 3-5 minutes at the same temperature.
And if you’re feeling a little indulgent, dust them with a bit more powdered sugar after reheating for that fresh-from-the-fryer look! Trust me, you’ll be tempted to make more just to enjoy that wonderful taste again!
Nutritional Information Section
As with any delicious treat, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information for these delightful bomboloni:
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
Please keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and the size of your bomboloni. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t forget, it’s all about balance!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of fillings?
Absolutely! While traditional bomboloni are often filled with cream or jam, feel free to get creative! You can use chocolate ganache, custard, fruit preserves, or even savory options like ricotta with herbs. The possibilities are endless, and each filling brings a unique twist to your donuts!
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
This is a great question! You want the oil to be around 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying. A simple test is to drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, you’re good to go! If it browns too quickly, the oil is too hot, so adjust the heat as needed.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to save time, prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the donuts. Instead of frying them right away, you can cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let them come to room temperature and rise again before frying!
What should I do if my bomboloni are too dense?
If your bomboloni turn out dense, it might be due to over-kneading the dough or not letting it rise long enough. Make sure to knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic, and give it plenty of time to rise in a warm spot. Patience is key for that fluffy texture!
Can I freeze bomboloni?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled after frying. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for that fresh taste!

Bomboloni Italian Donuts: 10 Irresistible Sweet Delights
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 donuts 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious Italian donuts filled with cream or jam.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Filling of your choice (cream, jam)
Anweisungen
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk and add to the flour mixture.
- Add eggs and melted butter, mix until smooth.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
- Let it rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
- Let the circles rise for another 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep pan.
- Fry the donuts until golden brown.
- Fill with your choice of filling and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying.
- Experiment with different fillings.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Kochen Zeit: 15 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Frying
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 donut
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 8g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 40mg
Keywords: bomboloni, italian donuts, dessert, fried dough