Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Filling:
- 2 cups (500ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tbsp (24g) cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Frying and Coating:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Granulated sugar for coating
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Cream Filling:
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to steam (do not boil).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until it thickens.
- Transfer the cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (press it directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool completely.
3. Shape the Bomboloni:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick.
- Use a round cutter (about 3 inches or 8 cm) to cut out circles.
- Place the circles on a floured baking sheet, cover, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
4. Fry the Bomboloni:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the dough circles in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and roll them in granulated sugar while still warm.
5. Fill the Bomboloni:
- Spoon the cooled cream filling into a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip.
- Insert the tip into the side of each bombolone and squeeze to fill with cream.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your bomboloni fresh and warm! These treats are best eaten the same day.
Buon appetito! 🍩