Alright my lovelies, time to jump into the pool!
I don’t know if you remember, but in my post entitled “Friday Night Fab” I mentioned these dough balls that I like to eat as a desert when Mr P takes me to Pizza Express. Well… I’ve made them myself, and I’ve got to say, I totally deserve a pat on the back for the way that these came out. I deserve a pat on the back, and maybe some jewelry from Hubbykins, that’s how good these are. Okay, admittedly, making these wasn’t rocket science, but I just feel so pleased when something comes out exactly how I want it to.
Those of you who aren’t familiar with this treat, the dough balls are basically made from pizza dough, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and served with Nutella for dipping. I imagine you could skip most of the time and effort I’ve put in by just buying already made pizza dough (for some reason, you can’t get that here in the UK… or at least I haven’t seen it). The pizza dough recipe came straight from the Pizza Expresses website. I have made just a few teeny alterations to the recipe so that they would be dough balls rather than pizza bases. Do try this one, I promise, you won’t regret it. It is simple, but surprisingly spectacular.
I hope the following recipe gets you in the mood for a little chocolate, because my dear friend Steve from Weird Combinations and I have decided make some chocolate truffles together and we want you to join in the fun (it will be like a chocolate orgy daaaaaahlings… with lots and lots of balls). Ever wanted to make chocolate truffles but never got around to it? Well, here’s your chance to make them with us. It’s going to be delicious fun. Unlike the pasta we made a while ago, this is not a labour intensive ordeal (OMG, my back is aching just thinking about it). We will be working with a basic recipe from the ever fabulous Ina Garten, and we plan to post our creations on the 30th. Join us! It’s going to be like Chockyballopalooza! Email me for more details.
p.s. Not into sweets? Pizza Express also do a savoury version of this with a garlic butter dipping sauce instead of Nutella. They make for a really fun appetizer.
Pizza Express Style Dough Balls with Nutella adapted from here
- 150ml tepid water l 1 teaspoon sugar
- 15g fresh yeast or 2 level teaspoons dried yeast
- 225g plain flour (plus extra for working)
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
- Olive oil
- powdered sugar to decorate
- as much Nutella as you dare (don’t worry, I won’t look)
Measure the water into a bowl. Add the sugar and crumble the fresh yeast into the liquid with your fingers, then swirl the liquid until sugar and yeast are dissolved. If using dried yeast, sprinkle it over the surface of the water and whisk it in with a fork. Allow the mixture to stand for 10-15 minutes in a warm place until froth develops on the surface.
Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour the yeast liquid in. Lightly oil or flour your hands and gradually incorporate the flour and liquid until they bind together.
Sprinkle your work surface generously with flour. Tip the dough on to the surface and scrape out any that is sticking to the bowl. Knead for 5-10 minutes to get a soft and smooth dough ball.
Leave the dough to rise then knead again.
Divide dough into one inch balls (for me, I got 27 out of this batch). Let it rise again for about an hour on a silpat or grease proof paper.
Bake at 230C/ 450F for 10 minutes. Let cool a bit (but should be served warm). Sprinkle with powdered sugar and a small pot of Nutella.
Sweets don’t tempt me that much, so I guess I would prefer the garlic ones!! This said, your dough balls are geometrically perfect!!! Congrats!
I think the lure here for me would be the fact that the dough itself isn’t sweet to begin with. The addition of powdered sugar and all of that nutella would be addicting!
These look incredible. What a combo!
Happy Wednesday!
OMG. I LOOOOOVE doughballs from Pizza Express. I’m like a serial Pizza Express doughball eater, I order it everytime! Always wanted to know how to make it but never have. Thanks for sharing the recipe!! Now I must make it for myself
. Great post! Though I’d probably stick to the garlic butter instead of nutella 
I like how the dough is not too sweet, but dippin into the nutella makes it a perfect treat! my kids would love these!
sweetlife
Wow, love the idea of dipping these balls in Nutella…and I can tell you right now that I will “roll” them and make sure that they are coated with Nutella…hope you are having a wonderful week
I’m a bad girl! I’ve missed out this page. Yes, I remember and this looks like an expensive out do. Bookmarking this. I am 100% confirm this is much cheaper than the one you ate at the restaurant. Mr P should very happy about it but does he need to clean up the mess???? hahaha…
Enjoy your day, dear.
Blessings, Kristy
I have the Nutella…I must go to the store for the rest…because these look amazing!
I have never tried these little balls of wonder, they look so simple, but sooooo heavenly good! Knowing myself I bet I would start with the garlic butter and then the Nutella, with a pizza in between
Can I just fry them? Please? They look good enough to fry, and I have a feeling you’d approve…;)
Your dough balls sound divine! And I can’t wait for the Truffle challenge- great idea!
oh wow! wish i had these babies right now:) they sounds just yummy!. sorry i havent been visiting for awhile. I have been away and so happy to come back to your site. thanks for sharing this and have a great day.
Most bread recipes are made with these ingredients. I make pizza dough all the time but never thought of making it into pizza balls. Great idea.
They actually serve them in store with chocolate now don’t they? I normally stuffed with carbs by the end so wouldn’t be able to face them in the restaurant but as a pit stop in the afternoon I reckon they’d be fabulous!
No deep frying? I am really impressed. The Italian store here sells 4 9 ounce frozen pizza dough balls for the equivalent of 2 pounds. A steal! I must try this!
I no…I will not have time to get in on the chocolate truffle orgy
But looking forward to seeing the goods 
These pizza dough balls do look amazing, I am very impressed my dear…
Have a delicious weekend!
Ok I love pizza express dough balls with a ridiculous amount of garlic butter so this is new to me….but WOW. Ok, I want these too. Chocolate and icing sugar with dough balls??? ALRIGHT! x
Thanks so much for the recipe. My children love the savoury version. Once I perfect the bruschetta we can really start saving money!
yum i LOVE nutella!! im sure ic ould finish all that in one sitting haha
Wow ! It looks very delicious and it makes me hungry! Now I have a new recipe. Hope that I can make it correct and delicious to prepare for my family this coming Christmas! Thank you for posting this and Keep up the good work!
I prefer the garlic to sweets. So, I’m wondering if you could share what “tweaks” you made? I would greatly appreciate it
)