Description
Maritozzi are soft, slightly sweet Italian cream buns, traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert. These light, fluffy brioche-style buns are subtly flavored with orange zest and vanilla, then filled with pillowy whipped cream. A true Roman delicacy, they’re perfect with coffee or espresso for an indulgent treat!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 355g strong white bread flour
- 10g fresh yeast (or 5g active dry yeast)
- 115g caster sugar
- 7g fine salt
- 90g eggs, beaten (just under 2 eggs)
- 125g whole milk, warm
- 1 tsp runny honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped
- Finely grated zest of 1 orange
- 55g olive oil
For the Filling & Finishing:
- 780g double cream, whipped
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with honey. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest.
- Add the vanilla extract, vanilla seeds, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add olive oil, kneading until you get a smooth, elastic dough (about 10 minutes).
- Cover and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2️⃣ Shape & Bake the Buns
- Divide the dough into 8–10 equal pieces and shape into smooth balls.
- Place them on a lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let them rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the buns cool completely before filling.
3️⃣ Make the Whipped Cream
- In a bowl, whip the double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
4️⃣ Fill the Maritozzi
- Slice each bun almost in half (leaving one side attached).
- Pipe or spoon the whipped cream generously inside.
- Dust with icing sugar and serve!
Notes
- For extra authentic flavor, brush the warm buns with a simple syrup made of sugar and water.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for a day and filled just before serving.
- Add a hint of liqueur (like rum) to the whipped cream for a boozy twist!
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pastry, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian