Ingredients you will need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 egg yolks
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Your choice of sweet filling (e.g., Nutella, jam, pastry cream)
Step 1: Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm milk. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Step 2: Prepare the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg yolks. Mix well until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Knead the dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball.
Step 4: Let the dough rise
Place the dough ball in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape the bomboloni
Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle of about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a circular cookie cutter or a glass, cut out rounds of dough. Place a teaspoon of your desired sweet filling in the center of each round and fold the dough over, sealing the edges.
Step 6: Fry the bomboloni
In a deep pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the bomboloni into the hot oil and fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess oil.
Step 7: Dust with powdered sugar
Once the bomboloni have cooled slightly, dust them generously with powdered sugar. This adds an irresistible touch of sweetness to the final product.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Your homemade bomboloni are now ready to be devoured! Serve them warm and enjoy the explosion of flavors with each bite. These delightful treats are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Preparing delicious bomboloni may take some time and effort, but the end result is worth every minute. Experiment with different fillings and enjoy the process of creating these delightful Italian pastries in the comfort of your own kitchen!