Oh, let me tell you about bomboloni, the delightful Italian donuts that will make your heart sing! These little puffs of happiness are soft, fluffy, and oh-so-perfect for filling with creamy custard or sweet jam. Imagine biting into a warm bombolone, the sugar dusting your fingers as you taste that melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Best of all, you can whip them up right in your own kitchen! It’s a fun and rewarding experience that fills your home with the most irresistible aroma. Trust me, once you try making these sweet treats, you’ll never want to stop!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create these heavenly bomboloni. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making them light, fluffy, and utterly delicious!
- 500g all-purpose flour – This is the base of our donuts, providing that perfect structure.
- 100g sugar – Sweetness is key! This helps balance the flavors and adds a lovely touch.
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast – The magic ingredient that makes your donuts rise and become fluffy!
- 250ml warm milk – Make sure it’s warm, not hot! This helps activate the yeast for that perfect rise.
- 2 large eggs – These add richness and moisture to the dough, making it tender.
- 80g unsalted butter, melted – Butter adds flavor and richness. I love using it melted for easy mixing!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla brings a warm aroma and enhances sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Oil for frying – You’ll need enough to deep fry the donuts to golden perfection.
- Powdered sugar for dusting – This is the finishing touch that makes them look and taste just divine!
- Filling of your choice (custard or jam) – The best part! Choose your favorite flavor to make these donuts truly yours.
How to Prepare Bomboloni Italian Donuts
Making bomboloni is a delightful journey that results in fluffy, delicious donuts! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be amazed at how easily you can create these sweet treats right in your kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
First, let’s wake up that yeast! In a bowl, combine 250ml warm milk with 2 teaspoons active dry yeast. Give it a little stir and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, mix together 500g all-purpose flour, 100g sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Make sure to whisk them thoroughly to ensure the sugar and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is super important because it sets the base for your dough!
Step 3: Combine and Knead the Dough
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, then add 2 large eggs, 80g melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined, then transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You want it to feel soft and a bit tacky, but not sticky!
Step 4: First Rise
Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Now, let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. You’ll know it’s ready when you gently poke it, and the dough springs back!
Step 5: Shape the Donuts
After the first rise, turn your dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles. If you don’t have a cutter, a glass works just as well! Try to make them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the cut-out circles on a floured baking sheet, cover them with the kitchen towel again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for achieving that airy, pillowy texture we all love in bomboloni!
Step 7: Fry the Donuts
Heat up enough oil for deep frying in a large, deep pan. You want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in a few donuts at a time, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Keep a close eye; you don’t want them to burn!
Step 8: Fill and Serve
Once your donuts are perfectly golden, remove them from the oil and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Now comes the fun part—using a piping bag, fill each bombolone with your choice of custard or jam. Finally, dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy that first bite; you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You’ll be amazed at how fast you can whip these up, making them perfect for spontaneous cravings!
- Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel like a pro.
- Delicious flavors: The combination of soft, fluffy dough and your choice of custard or jam creates a heavenly bite every time.
- Customizable fillings: Get creative! You can use anything from chocolate to fruit preserves, making each batch uniquely yours.
- Perfect for sharing: These donuts are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Fun to make: There’s something so rewarding about watching the dough rise and transforming it into delightful treats!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make your bomboloni, here are some practical tips to ensure your donuts turn out perfectly every time!
- Check Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If it feels too wet, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much or your donuts will be dense!
- Warm Environment for Rising: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is chilly, try turning on the oven for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). If it’s too cool, your bomboloni will soak up oil and be greasy; too hot, and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the donuts in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, and we want those beautiful golden-brown donuts!
- Cool Slightly Before Filling: Let your bomboloni cool for a few minutes after frying to prevent the filling from melting or oozing out. It’s a tough wait, but it’s worth it!
- Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to try different fillings! Whether it’s a rich chocolate ganache or a tart fruit preserve, mixing it up keeps things exciting. Just ensure your filling is at room temperature for the best results.
Variations
One of the best things about bomboloni is how versatile they are! You can easily switch up the fillings and flavors to keep things fresh and exciting. Here are some delightful variations you might want to try:
- Chocolate Hazelnut: Fill your bomboloni with creamy chocolate hazelnut spread for a rich, indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover!
- Fruit Preserves: Use your favorite fruit preserves, like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry, for a burst of fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft dough.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Mix softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract for a tangy, sweet filling that’s a delightful twist!
- Cinnamon Sugar: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to your powdered sugar for a warm, spiced flavor that takes these donuts to the next level.
- Lemon Curd: Brighten up your bomboloni with zesty lemon curd for a refreshing and tangy surprise in every bite!
- Maple Cream: A maple-flavored cream filling will add a wonderful sweetness, perfect for those chilly mornings or brunch gatherings.
Feel free to get creative and mix your own combinations! The joy of bomboloni is that they’re not just a treat—they’re a canvas for your culinary imagination!
Nutritional Information
As with any homemade treat, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide precise numbers, here’s a general idea of what you can expect for a single bombolone:
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these numbers are just averages and can change based on how you decide to fill your bomboloni or any variations you choose to make. Enjoy these delightful treats in moderation, and savor every sweet bite!
What to Do Next
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making bomboloni, I’d love to hear all about your baking adventures! Did you try a unique filling or stick to the classic custard? Please share your experiences in the comments below—I’m always excited to see what you create!
If you have any questions or run into any hiccups while making these delightful donuts, don’t hesitate to ask! I’m here to help you make your bomboloni dreams come true. And hey, if you loved this recipe, why not share it on social media? Tag me or use #MyBomboloni so we can connect over our love for these Italian treats. Happy frying!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Creamy Chicken Pasta!
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Bomboloni Italian Donuts: 7 Steps to Sweet Perfection
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bomboloni are Italian donuts filled with custard or jam, soft and fluffy.
Ingredients
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 100g sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 250ml milk, warm
- 2 large eggs
- 80g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Filling of your choice (custard or jam)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Knead until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough to 1-inch thickness. Cut into circles.
- Let the circles rise for another 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the donuts until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and fill with custard or jam.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is right for frying.
- Experiment with different fillings.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: bomboloni, italian donuts, dessert, sweet treat
