Description
Maritozzi are traditional Italian cream buns featuring a soft, slightly sweet yeast dough filled with freshly whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar. These delightful pastries are perfect for a special dessert or an indulgent breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Filling
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Add the foamy yeast mixture, softened butter, and the egg to the dry ingredients.
- Knead Dough: Mix all the ingredients until a soft dough forms, then knead it by hand or with a stand mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and set it in a warm place to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Buns: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth oval and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover again and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: While the buns are undergoing their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Cool: Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to avoid sogginess when filled.
- Whip Cream: In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy filling.
- Fill Buns: Carefully slice each cooled bun down the center, not slicing all the way through, to create a pocket. Generously fill each bun with the whipped cream.
- Serve: Dust the filled buns with additional powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful and delicious finish.
Notes
- For an extra touch of flavor and moisture, brush the buns with simple syrup immediately after baking.
- These cream-filled buns are best enjoyed the same day to maintain the freshness and texture of the whipped cream filling.
- You can substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus aroma.
- Ensure the heavy cream is very cold before whipping to achieve stiff peaks more easily.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
