Description
Maritozzi are small, lightly sweetened brioche-like buns filled with whipped cream. Traditionally served in Roman bakeries, they’re an iconic (and delicious!) Italian breakfast- and dessert treat.
Ingredients
Units
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup sugar (67 g)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- ⅔ cup warm milk (160 ml)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened (75 g)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml)
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar (21 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). Stir in the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and orange zest. Knead for 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer until smooth.
3. First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled.
4. Shape the Buns
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place on a lined baking sheet.
5. Second Rise
- Cover the buns with a towel and let rise for another 45 minutes until puffed.
6. Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Prepare the Filling
- Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to soft peaks.
8. Assemble
- Once buns cool, slice each down the middle without cutting all the way through. Fill with whipped cream using a piping bag or spoon.
Notes
Maritozzi are traditionally enjoyed with coffee or cappuccino.
Swap the filling for mascarpone cream for a richer variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baking, Dessert, Dolci
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, Roman
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg