Description

Bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen with these heavenly Bombolini—golden fried donuts filled with pastry cream, jam, or Nutella. These pillowy delights are perfect for weekend brunches, festive desserts, or a sweet afternoon treat. With a rich, eggy dough that fries to perfection and a sugar-dusted finish, this easy recipe makes authentic Bombolini accessible at home. Whether you’re hunting for quick breakfast options, fun food ideas, or dessert recipes that impress, Bombolini fit the bill with their texture, flavor, and crowd-pleasing charm.

Ingredients

Scale

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Vegetable oil, for frying

Granulated sugar, for dusting

Pastry cream, jam, or Nutella for filling (optional)

Instructions

In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it foam for 5-10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, butter, vanilla, lemon zest, and yeast mixture.
Mix until dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thick and cut into circles. Let rise again for 30-45 minutes.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts until golden, 2 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels, then roll in sugar. Pipe in filling if using.
Serve warm or at room temperature.