Italian Bomboloni

Italian Bomboloni are delectable doughnut-like treats that are a beloved staple in Italy’s culinary culture. These delightful morsels are soft, pillowy, and oozing with your choice of sweet filling. Whether you prefer classic flavors like vanilla or more adventurous ones like Nutella, these Bomboloni are sure to transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy.

Ingredients:

For the Bomboloni Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk, warm
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil

For Filling (Choose One or Mix Them):

1. Classic Vanilla Pastry Cream:
   • 1 cup whole milk
   • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
   • 2 large egg yolks
   • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
   • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2. Nutella:
   • Nutella or your favorite hazelnut spread
3. Fruit Preserves:
   • Your choice of fruit preserves (e.g., raspberry, strawberry)
4. Powdered Sugar:
   • Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, flour, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the yeast mixture and the egg yolk mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape and Rise

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Use a round cutter to cut out doughnut rounds. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Frying the Bomboloni

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Gently drop the Bomboloni into the hot oil and fry them until they’re golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Filling the Bomboloni

1. Once the Bomboloni have cooled slightly, fill them with your choice of filling using a piping bag or simply by making a small hole in the side and injecting the filling.

Step 6: Coating and Serving

1. If you’re not using a filling, you can roll the Bomboloni in powdered sugar before serving.
2. Serve the Bomboloni warm and enjoy!

Notes:

• You can get creative with your fillings. Lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or pastry cream with fruit are all delicious options.
• Be careful while frying and handling hot oil.
• The Bomboloni are best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them for a short time in the oven.

Italian Bomboloni are a delightful treat that can transport your taste buds to the streets of Italy. These soft, pillowy morsels with their sweet fillings or powdered sugar coating are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack any time of day. Enjoy the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen with these delicious Bomboloni.