The History of Italian Bomboloni Donuts

Discover the Italian pastry that’s giving donuts a run for their money. Soft, pillowy, and filled with pastry cream, jam, or chocolate, bomboloni are Italy’s beloved filled donuts. The name bombolone comes from the Italian word bomba, meaning “bomb,” a reference to their round shape and explosion of flavor in every bite.

Originating in Tuscany, these treats are different from American donuts: they’re fried without a hole and filled after cooking. This keeps the outside crisp and golden while the inside stays airy and tender. Rolled in sugar and often eaten warm, bomboloni are an all-day indulgence with roots in Italian tradition.

Shop Handcrafted Pastry Cream-Filled Bomboloni
Try Our Mini Chocolate Hazelnut Bomboloni

A Classic Italian Breakfast Pairing

In Italy, bomboloni are a traditional breakfast pastry, often enjoyed alongside a cappuccino or café latte. The warm, creamy filling paired with the bitter richness of espresso or the frothiness of milk coffee creates a perfect morning balance. It’s a quick yet elegant way to start your day with a touch of indulgence.

Pair with: Cappuccino, café latte, macchiato, espresso doppio

A Perfect Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

Need something to get you through the afternoon slump? Bomboloni are the ultimate midday snack. Their sweetness satisfies cravings without being too heavy, and their soft texture feels comforting any time of day. Warm one in the oven and enjoy it with a cold brew, iced Americano, or even a bold black tea.

Pair with: Iced espresso, cold brew, Earl Grey tea

Our Mini Chocolate Hazelnut Bomboloni are especially suited for snacking—pop one (or two) with your afternoon coffee and you're instantly transported to an Italian café.

An Elegant and Easy Dessert

As a dessert, bomboloni bring just the right level of decadence to the table. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in, these pastries shine when warmed and served with elegant simplicity.

• Drizzle with chocolate or berry compote
• Plate with a scoop of vanilla gelato or mascarpone cream
• Dust with powdered sugar and orange zest for an elevated touch

Pair with: Espresso, dessert wine, sweet liqueur like amaretto or limoncello

Bring Home Authentic Italian Bomboloni

At Nicola’s Marketplace, our bomboloni are handcrafted using traditional methods, then flash-frozen to lock in freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply warm them up for a bakery-quality experience in your own kitchen.

Choose from our classic pastry cream-filled bomboloni or the crowd-pleasing mini chocolate hazelnut version—perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring solo.

Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or anything in between, bomboloni are a sweet reminder of the joy of simple, quality ingredients made with love.