Quick & Fluffy Maritozzo Italian Rolls Filled with Vanilla Cream Recipe

Sweet maritozzo rolls represent a delightful Roman pastry tradition that captures the heart of Italian breakfast culture.

These soft, pillowy bread delicacies emerge from centuries of culinary craftsmanship with remarkable simplicity and charm.

Bakers carefully reimagine basic ingredients into cloud-like creations that melt effortlessly on your palate.

Creamy vanilla-infused filling nestles between tender, slightly sweet bread halves, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.

Rich with cultural significance, these rolls connect generations through their comforting and nostalgic essence.

Subtle hints of sweetness dance across your taste buds, reimagineing an ordinary morning into a memorable culinary experience.

Each bite promises an authentic journey through Roman pastry artistry.

What’s Special About Maritozzo – Italian Rolls Filled with Vanilla Cream

• Create Creamy Comfort: Indulge in the luxurious vanilla cream nestled inside soft, pillowy rolls that deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every delightful bite.
• Master Simple Italian Baking: Enjoy an approachable recipe that transforms basic ingredients into elegant pastries, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to explore authentic Italian sweet treats.
• Versatile Sweet Sensation: Maritozzo shines as a decadent breakfast companion, afternoon coffee break treat, or elegant dessert that impresses guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Sensory Baking Joy: Experience the therapeutic process of kneading tender dough, watching it rise, and transforming simple ingredients into golden, syrup-glazed rolls filled with luscious cream that awakens all your senses.

Ingredients Needed to Make Maritozzo at Home

• Flour: Soft wheat flour creates the base for light and airy rolls.
• Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and develop texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and softness to the bread texture.
• Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness and helps yeast activation.
• Milk: Contributes to tender crumb and soft dough consistency.
• Eggs: Enhances dough structure and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces delicate aromatic flavor.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall bread flavor.

• Water: Base for simple syrup to moisten rolls.
• Egg (for brushing): Creates golden, shiny exterior when baked.

• Whipping Cream: Creates smooth, light vanilla cream base.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes cream filling.
• Vanilla Pudding Powder: Helps thicken and stabilize cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Intensifies cream's aromatic flavor.

Baking and Filling Instructions for Maritozzo

Step 1: Prepare the Magical Dough

• Flour
• Yeast
• Butter
• Sugar
• Milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Knead the mixture on low speed for 12-15 minutes until the dough becomes silky and stretchy.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise and Transform

Shape the dough into a soft ball and place it in a cozy bowl. Cover with a soft towel and let it rest for 1-2 hours until it puffs up dramatically.

Step 3: Shape the Delightful Rolls

Gently transfer the risen dough to a clean surface. Divide it into two sections, roll each into a thick log, and slice each log into 6 adorable pieces.

Step 4: Create Perfect Dough Balls

Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes until they look plump and puffy.

Step 5: Craft the Sweet Syrup

In a small pan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil for 1-2 minutes, creating a light, sweet syrup. Let it cool to room temperature.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Warm the oven to 170°C (340°F). Brush the rolls with beaten egg and bake for 12-16 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden color.

Step 7: Drench in Sweet Syrup

While the rolls are piping hot, generously brush them with the cooled syrup. Allow them to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up Heavenly Vanilla Cream

• Cold whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla pudding powder
• Vanilla extract

Whip on high speed until the cream becomes thick and luxurious.

Step 9: Create the Final Masterpiece

Once the rolls are cool, carefully slice a deep pocket in the center of each roll.

Pipe the luscious vanilla cream into each roll, filling them generously.

Dust the filled rolls with a snowfall of powdered sugar.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Present these delectable Italian treats immediately and watch faces light up with pure joy!

Tips for Soft Rolls and Creamy Filling

• Knead with Patience: Take time while kneading the dough, ensuring a smooth and elastic texture that develops strong gluten structure for soft rolls.
• Temperature is Key: Use lukewarm milk and room-temperature eggs to help yeast activate properly and promote even rising of the dough.
• Proof Perfectly: Allow sufficient rising time in a warm, draft-free area to help dough develop rich flavor and soft texture.
• Cream Consistency Matters: Chill the whipping cream and equipment beforehand to achieve a stable, fluffy vanilla cream that holds its shape.
• Gentle Filling Technique: Use a piping bag with a wide tip and carefully fill rolls without tearing the delicate dough, creating a clean and professional finish.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Maritozzo

• Refrigerate: Store filled maritozzo in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep cream-filled rolls in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Prevent Sogginess: Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the rolls crisp.
• Gentle Reheating: Warm rolls briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore softness and revive cream's texture.

What Goes Well with Maritozzo Rolls

• Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: The rich vanilla cream of maritozzo perfectly complements the smooth, velvety texture of a classic Italian cappuccino. The espresso's slight bitterness balances the sweet pastry, creating a harmonious morning treat.
• Match with Chilled Moscato: This light, sweet Italian white wine enhances the delicate vanilla flavors of the maritozzo. Its subtle effervescence and fruity notes provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.
• Serve with Fresh Berry Compote: A tangy mixed berry sauce offers a bright, acidic counterpoint to the sweet, rich pastry. The berries' natural tartness cuts through the cream's richness, creating a balanced and exciting flavor experience.
• Enjoy with Cold Almond Milk: A cool glass of unsweetened almond milk provides a nutty, smooth backdrop that doesn't overwhelm the maritozzo's delicate vanilla profile. Its light texture makes for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack pairing.

Variations of Maritozzo You Can Try

• Chocolate Dream: Replace vanilla cream with rich chocolate ganache, using dark chocolate melted with heavy cream for a decadent filling that adds intense cocoa flavor and luxurious texture.
• Fruity Fusion: Swap vanilla cream for fresh berries mixed with mascarpone cheese, creating a vibrant and tangy filling that brings summer brightness to the traditional Italian pastry.
• Nutty Sensation: Incorporate almond or pistachio paste into the cream filling, blending ground nuts with whipped cream to introduce a nutty depth and sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Citrus Burst: Mix lemon or orange zest into the cream filling, adding bright citrus notes that cut through the sweetness and provide a refreshing alternative to the classic vanilla version.

Maritozzo Italian Rolls Filled with Vanilla Cream Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 16 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Roman maritozzo pastries bring pillowy rich cream nestled inside delicate bread rolls. Silky vanilla filling and honey-glazed exterior invite you to savor classic Italian pastry perfection in one delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Dough):

• 500 grams (3 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 100 grams soft butter (cubed)
• 160 milliliters (⅔ cup) lukewarm milk
• 11 grams (2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 70 grams (⅓ cup) sugar

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

Finishing and Cream Ingredients:

• 500 milliliters (2 cups) very cold whipping cream
• 40 grams (⅓ cup) powdered sugar
• 30 grams (3 tablespoons) vanilla instant pudding powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Syrup:

• 80 milliliters (⅓ cup) water
• 70 grams (⅓ cup) sugar

Brushing and Decoration:

• 1 beaten egg
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Create a soft, elastic dough by combining flour, yeast, butter, sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in a stand mixer. Knead thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and cohesive.
2. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl until it doubles in volume, approximately 1-2 hours in a warm environment.
3. Divide the risen dough into two equal logs, then slice each log into six uniform pieces to create twelve potential rolls.
4. Gently shape each dough piece into a round ball, positioning them carefully on a parchment-lined baking tray with sufficient spacing.
5. Permit the shaped rolls to undergo a second proofing, expanding in size for roughly 30 minutes.
6. Prepare a light sugar syrup by dissolving sugar in water, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil and reducing slightly.
7. Cool the syrup to room temperature, ensuring it remains liquid and easy to brush.
8. Preheat the oven to 170°C, creating an ideal baking environment for the delicate rolls.
9. Coat the risen rolls with beaten egg, providing a golden sheen during baking.
10. Bake the rolls until they transform into a rich, golden color, approximately 12-16 minutes.
11. While still warm, generously brush the freshly baked rolls with the prepared sugar syrup.
12. Whip cold cream with powdered sugar, vanilla pudding powder, and vanilla extract until achieving a thick, stable consistency.
13. Once completely cooled, carefully slice each roll down the center, maintaining an intact base.
14. Fill the rolls with the prepared vanilla cream, using a piping bag for precision and aesthetic appeal.
15. Dust the filled maritozzo with a generous layer of powdered sugar, creating an elegant finishing touch.
16. Serve immediately to enjoy the rolls at their peak freshness and flavor.

Notes

• These delightful Italian sweet rolls require patience during the rising process, which develops rich, soft texture and enhances flavor complexity.
• Precise temperature control is crucial when making the dough and baking, ensuring golden-brown exterior and tender interior without drying out.
• Brushing rolls with sugar syrup while hot creates a glossy, sweet finish that keeps the pastry moist and adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Whipping cream to the right consistency is key – too soft and it will leak, too stiff and it loses its creamy smoothness when filling the rolls.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like real vanilla extract and full-fat cream to elevate the authentic taste and texture of traditional Maritozzo.
• Allow rolls to cool completely before filling to prevent cream from melting and ensure a clean, professional presentation when serving.

• Prep Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg