Fluffy Bombolini Donuts (Italian-Style) 🍩✨
Light as air, golden-fried, and dusted with sugar—these Italian bombolini are the ultimate indulgence. Fill them with jam, custard, or Nutella for a bite of heaven!
Ingredients
Dough
- 2¼ tsp (7g) instant yeast (or 1 packet)
- ½ cup (120ml) lukewarm milk (~110°F / 43°C)
- 3 tbsp (40g) granulated sugar (divided)
- 2½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour (+ extra for dusting)
- 2 tbsp (15g) potato starch (optional, but adds tenderness)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 egg yolks (room temperature)
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
For Frying & Finishing
- Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
- Powdered sugar (or granulated sugar for coating)
- Fillings: Strawberry jam, pastry cream, Nutella, or lemon curd (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, mix lukewarm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 5–10 mins until frothy.
2. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, remaining sugar, potato starch, and salt.
- Add yeast mixture and egg yolks, mixing until combined.
- Add softened butter and knead for 10 mins by hand (or 6 mins in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. (Dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky—add 1 tbsp flour if needed.)
3. First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
4. Shape & Second Rise
- Punch down dough, roll out to ½-inch (1.2cm) thickness, and cut into 2.5-inch (6cm) rounds.
- Place on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and let rise for 30 mins until puffy.
5. Fry to Perfection
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot.
- Fry donuts in batches for 1–2 mins per side until golden. (Don’t overcrowd!)
- Drain on paper towels, then roll in sugar while warm.
6. Fill (Optional)
- Use a piping bag to inject jam, custard, or Nutella into the center.
Chef’s Tips for Success
🔥 Oil Temp Matters: Use a thermometer! Too cold = greasy; too hot = burnt outside, raw inside.
🍯 Flavor Boosters: Add vanilla extract or citrus zest to the dough.
🌡 Proofing Hack: Place dough in a turned-off oven with a bowl of hot water to speed up rising.
🔄 No Potato Starch? Substitute cornstarch or omit it (texture will be slightly less tender).
Troubleshooting
❌ Dense Donuts? Over-kneading or under-proofing. Let the dough rise fully!
❌ Too Greasy? Oil wasn’t hot enough, or donuts were overcrowded in the pot.
❌ Yeast Didn’t Bubble? Milk was too hot/cold, or yeast was expired.
Serving Ideas
☕ Breakfast: Serve with espresso for an Italian café vibe.
🎉 Party Hit: Set up a DIY filling station with jams and chocolate spreads.
🍓 Fancy Twist: Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of melted chocolate.
“Bombolini are little clouds of joy—crispy outside, pillowy inside, and best shared with someone you love.”
Ready to fry up happiness? Tag your creations with #BomboliniMagic! 🎉