Italian Chocolate Bomboloni (Chocolate-Filled Donuts Just Like Nonna Made!)

A Sweet Bite of Italian Heaven

Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy, Bomboloni al Cioccolato are Italy’s answer to the perfect indulgence.

These golden, sugar-coated doughnuts are light, airy, and filled with rich chocolate cream, making them a favorite treat for all ages.

Whether enjoyed warm with a morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up, these delicious doughnuts bring the warmth of Nonna’s kitchen straight to your home.

DOWNLOAD PDF OF CHOCOLATE BOMBOLONI RECIPE HERE:

ChocolateBomboloni

Why Nonna Loves This Recipe ❤️

• Soft and Airy Dough – Light as a cloud, with the perfect bite.

• Irresistible Chocolate Filling – Rich, velvety, and perfectly balanced.

• Made with Simple Ingredients – Just pantry staples and love.

• Perfect for Any Occasion – A breakfast treat, a dessert, or just because!

• Cooking Time & Servings

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

  • Resting/Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

  • Frying Time: about 5 minutes per batch

  • Total Time: about 2 hours

  • Servings: 15–16 bomboloni

• Ingredients 

  • For the Dough

    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 200g)

    • 1 ½ cups 00 flour (about 200g)

    • 2 Tbsp sugar (about 25g)

    • 3 Tbsp butter, melted (about 40g)

    • ¾ cup milk, lukewarm (about 200ml)

    • 1 large egg

    • Zest of 1 orange

    • ½ tsp salt (about 2g)

    • 12g fresh brewer’s yeast

    • Vegetable oil, for frying

    • Granulated sugar, for coating (as needed)

  • For the Chocolate Cream Filling

    • 4 egg yolks

    • ¾ cup milk (about 200ml)

    • 3 Tbsp heavy cream (about 50ml)

    • ⅓ cup sugar (about 50g)

    • 1 Tbsp cocoa powder (about 10g)

    • 1 Tbsp cornstarch (about 10g)

    • 1 oz dark chocolate, chopped (about 35g)

    • 1 small knob of butter

• Method

  • Step 1: Make the Dough

    • Add both flours and the fresh yeast to a mixing bowl (or stand mixer bowl) and mix briefly.

    • Pour in the lukewarm milk gradually, then add the egg, sugar, melted butter, orange zest, and salt.

    • Knead until soft and smooth, about 10 minutes (it should be supple and slightly tacky, not sticky).

    • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

  • Step 2: Shape + Second Rise

    • Gently roll the dough to about ½ inch thick (about 1.5 cm).

    • Cut rounds with a 2-inch (5 cm) cutter.

    • Place on a lightly floured tray, cover loosely, and let rise again for about 1 hour.

  • Step 3: Fry the Bomboloni

    • Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 340°F (170°C).

    • Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady.

    • Cook until golden, flipping gently, about 2–3 minutes per side.

    • Drain on paper towels.

    • While still warm, roll in granulated sugar and let cool completely before filling.

  • Step 4: Make the Chocolate Cream

    • In a saucepan, warm the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and half the sugar until steaming/simmering.

    • In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, cornstarch, and the remaining sugar until smooth.

    • Slowly whisk the hot milk mixture into the yolk mixture (a little at a time) to temper.

    • Pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.

    • Remove from heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate and butter until fully smooth.

    • Let cool, then transfer to a piping bag.

  • Step 5: Fill

    • Use a small knife or skewer to make a hole in the side of each bombolone.

    • Pipe in the chocolate cream until the bomboloni feel nicely full.

    • Serve fresh (best the same day).

Nutritional Information (Per Bombolone)

Tips & Tricks for the Best Bomboloni

✔ Use Manitoba Flour – This high-protein flour gives the dough its light, airy texture.
✔ Don’t Overheat the Oil – 170°C (340°F) is ideal; too hot and the inside won’t cook properly.
✔ Resting is Key – Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures perfect fluffiness.
✔ Fill When Cooled – Warm doughnuts absorb moisture and may become soggy.
✔ Alternative Fillings – Try vanilla custard, Nutella, or pistachio cream!

BOMBOLONI AL CIOCCOLATO

Soft, fluffy, and bursting with rich chocolate cream, these Bomboloni al Cioccolato are a true Italian delight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 15 Bomboloni

Notes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 ½ cups (200g) all purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (200g) 00 flour
• 2 tbsp (25g) sugar
• 3 tbsp (40g) butter, melted
• ¾ cup (200ml) milk, lukewarm
• 1 egg
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ tsp (2g) salt
• 12g fresh brewer’s yeast
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Chocolate Cream Filling:

• 4 egg yolks
• ¾ cup (200ml) milk
• 3 tbsp (50ml) heavy cream
• ⅓ cup (50g) sugar
• 1 tbsp (10g) cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp (10g) cornstarch
• 1 oz (35g) dark chocolate, chopped
• A small knob of butter

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Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1️⃣ In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine both flours and yeast.
2️⃣ Gradually add lukewarm milk, then egg, sugar, melted butter, and salt.
3️⃣ Knead until you have a soft, smooth dough (about 10 minutes).
4️⃣ Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size (~1 hour).

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Step 2: Shape & Second Rise

5️⃣ Roll out the dough gently to about 1.5 cm thickness.
6️⃣ Use a 5 cm round cutter to cut small disks.
7️⃣ Place them on a floured tray and let rise for another hour.

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Step 3: Fry the Bomboloni

8️⃣ Heat vegetable oil to 170°C (340°F) in a deep pan.
9️⃣ Fry in batches, flipping gently until golden brown (~2-3 minutes per side).
🔟 Drain on paper towels and coat with granulated sugar. Let cool.

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Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Cream

1️⃣1️⃣ Heat milk, cream, cocoa, and half the sugar until simmering.
1️⃣2️⃣ In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, cornstarch, and remaining sugar.
1️⃣3️⃣ Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly.
1️⃣4️⃣ Return to heat and cook until thickened.
1️⃣5️⃣ Remove from heat, stir in dark chocolate and butter until smooth.
1️⃣6️⃣ Let cool, then transfer to a piping bag.

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Step 5: Fill the Bomboloni

1️⃣7️⃣ Using a small knife or skewer, poke a hole in each doughnut.
1️⃣8️⃣ Pipe in chocolate cream until filled.
1️⃣9️⃣ Serve fresh and enjoy!

Keyword bomboloni al cioccolato,

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