How to Make Bombolini (Italian Donuts) at Home

Bombolini (Italian Donuts) are a delightful Italian treat that promises fluffy, tender dough fried to golden perfection and filled or dusted with sweetness. If you’ve ever dreamed of making authentic, warm, melt-in-your-mouth Bombolini (Italian Donuts) at home, this step-by-step recipe will guide you through every detail. Whether you want a classic powdered sugar finish or a luscious cream-filled surprise, these Italian donuts offer a fun and delicious way to bring a bit of Italy right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The dough uses yeast and a bit of butter, creating incredibly light and airy donuts that feel like little clouds in your mouth.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples, making the recipe accessible and wallet-friendly for any home cook.
• Customizable Flavors: Easy to fill or coat with a variety of toppings, so you can tailor the taste to your liking every time.
• Fun to Make: The hands-on process is perfect for baking with family or friends, turning dessert prep into a joyful occasion.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether a comforting breakfast or a festive treat, Bombolini fit perfectly into all your special moments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Bombolini (Italian Donuts) requires a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each plays a role in creating that perfect balance between flavor, richness, and the tender crumb these donuts are known for.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the dough, ensuring fluffiness and chewiness.
• Active Dry Yeast: The magical leavening agent that makes the donuts rise and become airy.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping achieve a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings buttery richness and softens the dough’s texture beautifully.
• Eggs: Add moisture, enrichment, and a tender bite to the donuts.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil (for frying): Neutral oil that fries the Bombolini to a perfect golden color without overpowering flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting the warm donuts or sweetening fillings.
• Optional Fillings: Vanilla custard, jam, Nutella, or lemon curd to stuff your Bombolini for extra indulgence.

Variations for Bombolini (Italian Donuts)

One of the best things about Bombolini (Italian Donuts) is how adaptable they are. Whether you want to switch up the fillings or tweak the dough, this recipe welcomes all kinds of creative twists.

• Filled with Cream or Jam: Pipe in traditional pastry cream, chocolate ganache, or your favorite fruit jams after frying for a luscious surprise.
• Glazed Bombolini: Dip the warm donuts into a citrus or vanilla glaze instead of powdered sugar for a shiny, sticky finish.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs for flaxseed or aquafaba and use plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free version.
• Whole Wheat Twist: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and denser texture.
• Citrus Zest Dough: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, aromatic flavor boost.

How to Make Bombolini (Italian Donuts)

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk until just lukewarm (about 100°F or 38°C) and mix in the sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy—this means the yeast is working and ready to make your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Bombolini

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to about ½ inch thick on a floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or glass (about 2-3 inches diameter) to cut out circles. Place the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for 30 minutes to puff up slightly.

Step 5: Fry the Donuts

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough circles in batches, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

While still warm, dust the Bombolini with powdered sugar or fill them with your favorite cream or jam by using a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle.

Pro Tips for Making Bombolini (Italian Donuts)

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active and not expired to guarantee a good rise and fluffy texture.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain a steady frying temperature around 350°F for even cooking and to avoid greasy donuts.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays consistent and Bombolini cook perfectly.
• Knead Well: Proper kneading develops gluten, making the dough elastic and light after frying.
• Rest Dough Before Frying: Allow the shaped dough to relax and puff up slightly, which helps achieve a better rise during frying.

How to Serve Bombolini (Italian Donuts)

Garnishes

Classic powdered sugar is always a winner, adding a light sweetness that complements the fluffy texture. You can also sprinkle granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon for an aromatic twist, or lightly drizzle chocolate and caramel sauces for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Serve Bombolini alongside a rich cup of espresso or a creamy cappuccino for an authentic Italian café experience. Fresh fruit like berries or a fruit compote adds vibrant color and a refreshing contrast to the warm, fried dough.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Bombolini in a pyramid on a decorative platter and dust generously with sugar for parties or brunches. You can also create a dessert board pairing different filled Bombolini varieties with small bowls of dipping sauces such as Nutella, lemon curd, or whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled Bombolini in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain softness, avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the donuts.

Freezing

Freeze unfrosted Bombolini by wrapping each donut tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to a month frozen. Thaw at room temperature before reheating or filling.

Reheating

Warm Bombolini in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until heated through to revive their fresh-from-the-fryer texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or tough.

FAQs

Can I make Bombolini without yeast?

Traditional Bombolini rely on yeast for their signature light and fluffy texture, so omitting yeast is not recommended. However, some quick bread recipes exist but will result in a denser donut.

What’s the best oil for frying Bombolini?

Neutral oils with high smoke points, like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil, work best to fry Bombolini evenly without overpowering the flavor or burning quickly.

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

Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F, or test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—it should bubble and rise steadily without browning too fast.

Can I fill Bombolini after frying?

Yes! Use a small piping tip to inject custard, jam, or chocolate into the warm donuts for a delicious surprise filling.

Are Bombolini similar to other donuts?

While similar to classic donuts, Bombolini are typically smaller, Italian-style with a lighter, fluffier yeast dough and are often dusted with powdered sugar rather than glazed.

Final Thoughts

Making Bombolini (Italian Donuts) at home brings a little taste of Italy straight to your kitchen with every fluffy, golden bite. This recipe is approachable enough for bakers of all levels and offers endless opportunities to customize and enjoy. So grab your mixing bowl, warm up the oil, and dive into the joyful process of crafting your very own homemade Bombolini—you won’t regret it!

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