Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling Recipe

These Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling Recipe are a delightful treat that everyone will love! Soft, fluffy Bombolini filled with creamy pastry cream or your favorite jam make for a perfect dessert or special breakfast. Their indulgent sweetness and light texture make them suitable for any occasion, be it a family gathering or a cozy brunch at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious donuts in no time.
• Versatile Fillings: Choose from creamy pastry cream, chocolate, raspberry, or custard jam to customize your treat.
• Perfectly Fluffy: The dough rises beautifully, resulting in light and airy donuts that melt in your mouth.
• Fun to Make: Involve the whole family in the process of making these delightful treats for added enjoyment.
• Impressive Presentation: Dusting them with powdered sugar makes for an eye-catching dessert that impresses guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this sweet adventure, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Rolling pin
• Round cutter
• Slotted spoon
• Piping bag (or small spoon)
• Large pot (for frying)
• Kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading easier and quicker if you prefer not to do it by hand.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness for the dough, ensuring uniform cooking.
• Piping bag: Allows for easy filling of the donuts without making a mess.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling Recipe, you’ll need:

For the Dough

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup whole milk, lukewarm
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

For Frying and Filling

• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 cup pastry cream or jam (chocolate, raspberry, or custard)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

How to Make Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, lemon zest, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll out to ½-inch thickness. Using a round cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough.

Step 6: Heat Oil for Frying

Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large pot. Fry the donuts in batches; do not overcrowd them. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed up.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 8: Fill the Bombolini

Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag or small spoon to fill them with your choice of pastry cream or jam.

Step 9: Dust with Sugar

Generously dust the filled Bombolini with powdered sugar before serving for that perfect sweet touch!

How to Serve Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling Recipe

Serving Easy Italian Brioche Donuts, also known as Bombolini, is a delightful experience. These fluffy donuts can be enjoyed in various ways to suit any occasion or personal preference.

With Coffee

• Pair these delicious donuts with a hot cup of coffee for a classic breakfast or snack. The rich flavors of the coffee complement the sweetness of the donuts perfectly.

As Dessert

• Serve Bombolini as a special dessert at gatherings. They can be plated elegantly, perhaps with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or fresh berries for added flair.

At Breakfast Brunch

• Include these donuts in your brunch spread alongside fresh fruits and pastries. Their light texture makes them an ideal addition to any morning feast.

With Fresh Fruit

• Accompany the donuts with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling and sugary coating.

Dusted with Different Sugars

• Experiment with different toppings like cinnamon sugar or flavored powdered sugar. This twist can enhance the flavor profile and create a fun variation.

How to Perfect Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling Recipe

To achieve the best results when making your Easy Italian Brioche Donuts, consider these helpful tips that ensure perfect texture and flavor.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your active dry yeast is fresh for optimal rise. Old yeast may lead to dense donuts that don’t puff up properly.
• Proper Temperature: Keep your milk lukewarm when activating the yeast. Too hot will kill the yeast, while too cold will prevent it from activating effectively.
• Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This step develops gluten, which contributes to the fluffiness of your donuts.
• Don’t Skip Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise adequately in a warm place. This process is crucial for achieving airy and light Bombolini.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer when frying to maintain a consistent oil temperature. Frying at 350°F ensures even cooking and prevents greasy donuts.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling Recipe

These delightful donuts can be paired with various side dishes that complement their sweetness and richness perfectly.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the donuts.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries offers a creamy, crunchy contrast to the soft donuts.
3. Savory Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta along with nuts for an interesting savory-sweet combination.
4. Chocolate Sauce: A small bowl of melted chocolate allows for dipping, enhancing every bite’s indulgence.
5. Nutella Dip: Serve Nutella on the side for those who love chocolate-hazelnut flavors paired with their sweet treats.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates a delightful dessert experience, especially when drizzled with caramel sauce.
7. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can serve as an excellent topping or dip option for added creaminess.
8. Spiced Chai Latte: For beverages, consider serving spiced chai lattes; their warm spices pair beautifully with sweet Bombolini.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling, avoiding common pitfalls can help ensure your donuts are perfect every time.

• Not letting the dough rise properly: Skipping the rising time leads to dense donuts. Always allow the dough to double in size for light and fluffy results.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold milk or eggs can shock the yeast. Always use lukewarm ingredients to activate the yeast effectively.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many donuts at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy donuts. Fry in small batches for even cooking.
• Skipping the filling step: Forgetting to fill your donuts can lead to a bland experience. Make sure to fill them right after frying while they are still warm for the best results.
• Not dusting with powdered sugar: A lack of sugar dusting makes for a less indulgent treat. Generously dust your filled donuts for that classic sweet finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the filled donuts in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling Recipe

• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place donuts on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over low heat and warm each donut for about 30 seconds on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about our Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling Recipe.

Can I use different fillings for Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling?

Yes! You can choose from pastry cream, chocolate, custard, or fruit jams based on your preference.

How do I know when my donuts are done frying?

Donuts should be golden brown and puffed up. A good indicator is when they float and have achieved a nice color.

Can I make Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge overnight before frying.

What is the best way to serve these donuts?

These donuts are best served fresh, warm, and generously dusted with powdered sugar. Pair them with coffee or tea!

Final Thoughts

Easy Italian Brioche Donuts with Creamy Filling are a delightful treat that anyone can enjoy. Their soft texture and creamy centers make them perfect for dessert or breakfast. Feel free to customize your fillings and toppings to match your taste preferences!