Here’s a delicious recipe for Italian Chocolate-Filled Doughnuts—also known as Bomboloni al Cioccolato. These pillowy, deep-fried doughnuts are filled with rich chocolate cream and dusted in sugar. They’re a beloved treat in Italy, often enjoyed for breakfast or dessert.
🇮🇹 Italian Chocolate-Filled Doughnuts (Bomboloni al Cioccolato)
🍽️ Makes: 12 doughnuts
⏰ Prep Time: 25 minutes
⏱️ Rising Time: 1.5–2 hours
🔥 Fry Time: 2–3 minutes per doughnut
🧄 Ingredients
For the Dough:
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2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
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3 tbsp sugar
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2½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 eggs, room temp
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3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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Neutral oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or sunflower)
For the Filling:
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1 cup pastry cream (see below) or Nutella
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4 oz dark chocolate, melted and stirred into the pastry cream
For Finishing:
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Granulated sugar, for rolling
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
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In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in warm milk. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
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Add eggs, vanilla, and the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
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Knead in softened butter gradually until dough is soft, smooth, and slightly tacky.
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Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.
2. Shape & Proof:
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Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Roll to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
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Cut out circles using a 3-inch (7–8 cm) cutter.
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Place on parchment-lined trays. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
3. Fry the Doughnuts:
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Heat oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry doughnuts 2–3 at a time, about 1 minute per side, until golden.
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Drain on paper towels, then roll in granulated sugar while warm.
4. Fill with Chocolate Cream:
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Fit a piping bag with a round tip and fill with chocolate pastry cream or Nutella.
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Poke a small hole in the side of each doughnut and pipe in filling until you feel resistance.
🍫 Quick Chocolate Pastry Cream (Optional)
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1 cup milk
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2 tbsp sugar
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2 egg yolks
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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2 oz dark chocolate, chopped
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Pinch of salt
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1/2 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
Whisk yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Heat milk until warm, then whisk into yolks. Return to heat and cook, whisking, until thick. Stir in chocolate, vanilla, and salt. Chill completely before using.
✅ Tips & Variations
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Use Nutella for a shortcut filling.
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Swap chocolate for vanilla or lemon pastry cream for variation.
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For baking: Use the same dough, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes, then fill and sugar while warm.