Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 25 g fresh yeast or 1 packet instant dried yeast
- 4 oz (1 stick) sweet butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Filling (Custard Crema Pasticcera):
- 2 cups milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Create a well in the center. Pour the warmed milk into the well and sprinkle the crumbled fresh yeast (or dried yeast) over the milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the softened butter and beaten eggs to the bowl. Knead the dough on low speed (or by hand) until fully combined and smooth, about 8 minutes.
- First Rise: Form the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bomboloni: Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a 2¼-inch cookie or biscuit cutter to cut out rounds. Place rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover lightly with a cloth. Let rest for 10 minutes (or 5 minutes if the kitchen is warm).
- Fry the Bomboloni: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-low heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry bomboloni in small batches (5-6 at a time) until golden brown on both sides, flipping carefully with a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels and cool slightly.
- Fill the Bomboloni: Use a small paring knife to cut a slit in the center or side of each bombolone to create a filling pocket. Fill a piping bag or small Ziploc bag with custard and pipe about a teaspoon of cream into each pastry.
- Finish and Serve: Dust the filled bomboloni generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Makes approximately 30 Bomboloni.
- You can prepare the custard cream ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
- Make sure oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to ensure even frying without burning.
- For a different filling, try jam, chocolate, or pastry cream variations.
- Consume shortly after frying for optimal softness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
