Italian Chocolate-Filled Doughnuts Recipe: Bomboloni al Cioccolato

Sweet cravings

By Anna Prezio

@thatladyanna

February 24, 2026

By Anna Prezio

Ingredients

2

cups flour
12

oz water
1/2

oz oil
1

tbsp active dry yeast
1

cup sugar (for coating)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

TOTAL TIME

2 hours

20 servings

This one came to life in the middle of a casual kitchen chat with mama—talking about desserts, memories, and those sweet cravings that sneak up on you. She pauses, smiles, and goes, “I have an idea.” And I already know it’s going to be good.
She said, “Trust me,” and before I knew it, dough was rising and the kitchen smelled like comfort. Sugar-dusted doughnuts, still warm, then filled with chocolate because mama believes every dessert should have a little surprise inside—just like her. And honestly? I wish you could reach through the screen and try one. I know they look incredible, but they tasted even better

This is what I love most. recipes born from conversation, creativity, and that endless love mama pours into everything she makes. Simple ingredients, big heart, and a whole lot of joy shared between us.
If you loved these doughnuts, try the slow-braised elegance of Greek Lamb Fricassee, brighten up your plate with Grilled Zucchini with Hazelnut Salsa Verde and Labneh, or learn how to shop and eat like a local with Groceries Like a Mediterranean.

A smiling older woman with short white hair stands in a kitchen behind a counter with bowls of flour, sugar, water, chocolate spread, and a piping bag. She wears glasses, an apron, and a T-shirt. Kitchen appliances are visible in the background.

Various baking ingredients are arranged on a wooden counter, including flour, sugar, chocolate spread, water in a glass measuring cup, a piping bag with a tip, and a “GRATSI” sign in a modern kitchen.

STEP 1: Mix and Rise the Dough

Combine flour, salt, water, oil, and yeast in a stand mixer. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rise for about 2 hours, or until tripled in size.

A close-up view of risen, bubbly bread dough in a large orange bowl, showing a stretchy, airy texture. In the background, additional bowls and a box are partially visible.

Three orange bowls on a kitchen counter: one with bubbly rising bread dough, one with chocolate spread, and one with white flour. A refrigerator and a sign that reads GRATSI are in the background.

STEP 2: Fry the Doughnuts

Heat oil to 325°F (165°C). Lightly oil your fingers, portion 1–2 tablespoons of dough, and carefully drop into the hot oil. Fry, turning occasionally, until evenly golden—about 2 minutes per side.

Round dough balls frying in hot oil in a pan on a stovetop, with a mixing bowl and a yellow lemon-themed container in the background on a kitchen counter.

A wooden bowl filled with golden, round fried dough balls sits on a kitchen counter near a small dish of chocolate spread. In the background, a white GRATS! box is visible next to various kitchen items and appliances.

STEP 3: Coat, Fill, and Serve

Remove and immediately toss in sugar to coat. Fill a piping bag with chocolate-hazelnut spread. Insert the tip into each doughnut and pipe until filled. Serve warm and enjoy.