Fluffy Maritozzo Italian Rolls: Sweet Vanilla Cream Recipe

Soft and pillowy maritozzo capture the essence of Roman street bakery magic.

Pastry chefs in italy have perfected these delicate sweet rolls for generations.

Clouds of whipped cream nestled inside tender enriched dough create pure indulgence.

Sweet breakfast treats rarely feel this luxurious and authentic.

Generations of italian bakers have cherished this classic morning delight.

Delicate pastry skills shine through each carefully crafted bite.

You will absolutely fall in love with these creamy, dreamy rolls that transport you directly to rome’s charming bakeries.

Maritozzo Rolls Filled With Vanilla Cream

• Quick Kitchen Project: Craft Delightful Italian Rolls
• Create Culinary Magic in Your Kitchen: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into elegant Italian pastries with minimal effort.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking Adventure: Perfect for novice bakers wanting to explore traditional Italian desserts without complex techniques.
• Sweet Weekend Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with homemade rolls that look professionally made yet taste wonderfully personal and fresh.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Suitable for breakfast, afternoon tea, or special gatherings, these cream-filled rolls adapt to any occasion with delicious charm.

Maritozzo Italian Rolls Ingredient Set

• Flour: Essential base for soft and tender rolls.
• Yeast: Helps dough rise and creates light texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and softness to the bread.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with yeast activation.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps develop soft texture.
• Eggs: Contributes to structure and richness.
• Vanilla: Adds subtle flavor to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast.

• Water: Creates the basic syrup.
• Sugar: Sweetens and gives glossy finish to rolls.

• Heavy Cream: Creates light and fluffy cream base.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize cream.
• Vanilla Pudding Powder: Thickens and stabilizes cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances cream's flavor.

• Egg: Used for egg wash to create golden exterior.
• Vanilla Cream: Signature filling for maritozzo rolls.

How to Bake Classic Maritozzo Cream Rolls

Step 1: Create Soft Dough

Grab your mixer and combine all dough ingredients.

Knead the mixture on low speed for 12-15 minutes until you achieve a smooth, elastic texture.

Shape the dough into a beautiful ball and let it rest in a cozy bowl.

Cover and allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, which takes about 1-2 hours.

Step 2: Shape Delightful Rolls

Move the dough to your work surface and divide it into two portions.

Roll each portion into a thick strip.

Slice each strip into 6 pieces, creating 12 adorable rolls.

Gently roll each piece into a soft ball.

Place these rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 3: Let Rolls Proof

Cover the rolls and let them rise for approximately 30 minutes.

Watch them nearly double in size, becoming puffy and irresistible.

Step 4: Prepare Sweet Syrup

In a saucepan, mix water and sugar.

Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Allow the syrup to cool down to room temperature.

Step 5: Bake Golden Rolls

Heat your oven to 170°C (340°F).

Gently brush the rolls with beaten egg.

Bake for 12-16 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and feel firm when touched.

Once out of the oven, brush the hot rolls with the cooled syrup and let them cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Luxurious Cream

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

Whip on high speed until the mixture becomes thick and stable.

Step 7: Fill and Finish Maritozzo

Carefully slice each roll down the center, keeping the bottom intact.

Use a pastry tool to fill the center with the luscious vanilla cream.

Smooth the cream for a clean, professional look.

Wipe any cream that might have escaped with slightly damp fingers.

Tips for Italian Rolls Filled with Dreamy Vanilla Cream

• Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by proofing it in warm milk before mixing to guarantee perfect rise and soft texture.
• Stop kneading when the dough becomes smooth and elastic, avoiding overworking which can make rolls tough and dense.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free area covered with a damp cloth to maintain optimal moisture for perfect expansion.
• Chill cream and utensils before whipping to achieve a stable, fluffy vanilla cream that holds its shape beautifully.
• Use a gentle touch when slicing and filling rolls to maintain their delicate structure and prevent tearing or deflating.

Save Maritozzo Rolls with Vanilla Cream

• Store maritozzo rolls in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Keep the cream-filled rolls separate from plain rolls to maintain texture.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze cream-filled maritozzo for up to 1 month, ensuring minimal air exposure.
• Remove frozen rolls from the freezer and let them defrost naturally at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Gently warm rolls in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and revive the cream's texture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the delicate pastry.

Drinks for Maritozzo with Vanilla Cream

• Sip Sweet Espresso Pairing: Strong Italian espresso cuts through the rich vanilla cream, balancing the sweetness with a robust coffee flavor that perfectly complements the soft, delicate maritozzo rolls.
• Sprinkle Cinnamon Dust: Lightly dust cinnamon over the vanilla cream for an aromatic twist that enhances the dessert's warmth and adds a subtle, spicy undertone to the creamy filling.
• Serve with Limoncello: Pair the maritozzo with chilled limoncello, a classic Italian lemon liqueur that provides a bright, citrusy contrast to the sweet, creamy pastry and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Match with Moscato Wine: Choose a light, sweet Moscato d'Asti wine that complements the dessert's delicate sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the entire maritozzo experience.

Maritozzo Rolls with Filling Variations

• Gluten-Free Edition: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice flour and almond flour, ensuring the same soft texture while making the rolls safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cream Alternative: Swap dairy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based milk in the dough. Add aquafaba as an egg replacement to maintain the rolls' rich consistency.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia in both dough and syrup. Use sugar-free vanilla pudding powder to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the classic flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Create the rolls using coconut flour and almond flour, replacing sugar with erythritol. Use a mascarpone-based cream filling instead of traditional vanilla cream to maintain a low-carb approach.

FAQs

• What is a Maritozzo?

A maritozzo is a traditional sweet roll from Rome, Italy, typically filled with whipped cream and often served as a breakfast pastry or dessert.

• Are Maritozzo difficult to make at home?

While they require some patience and technique, home bakers with basic skills can successfully make maritozzo by following a detailed recipe and taking time with each step.

• What is the origin of Maritozzo?

Maritozzo originated in Rome, with historical roots dating back to medieval times when they were traditionally prepared for special occasions and romantic celebrations.

• Can I make Maritozzo ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and cream in advance. The rolls can be made a day before and filled just before serving to maintain their fresh, soft texture.

Maritozzo Italian Rolls Filled With Vanilla Cream Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Italian tradition meets creamy indulgence in maritozzo, Roman pastry delights that blend pillowy brioche with luscious vanilla-kissed cream. Pastry lovers will savor this classic Roman breakfast treat that whispers comfort and delectable charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 500 grams (3 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 100 grams soft butter
• 160 ml (2/3 cup) lukewarm milk
• 11 grams (2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 70 grams (1/3 cup) sugar

Sugar and Liquid Syrup Ingredients:

• 70 grams (1/3 cup) sugar
• 80 ml (1/3 cup) water
• 1 beaten egg

Cream Filling Ingredients:

• 500 ml (2 cups) very cold whipping cream
• 40 grams (1/3 cup) powdered sugar
• 30 grams (3 tablespoons) vanilla instant pudding powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Craft the enriched dough by combining flour, yeast, butter, sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl. Utilize a kneading attachment to process the ingredients until a silky, elastic texture emerges. Create a compact spherical shape and permit the dough to rest in a covered container, allowing it to expand and develop for 1-2 hours.
2. Relocate the matured dough onto a clean workspace. Segment the mass into two substantial strips, then subdivide each strip into six identical portions, generating twelve uniform rolls. Gently transform each segment into a rounded configuration and arrange them methodically on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Drape a lightweight fabric over the prepared rolls, enabling them to undergo a secondary fermentation process for approximately 30 minutes. The rolls should visibly increase in volume, indicating readiness for thermal transformation.
4. Construct a light sugar syrup by heating water and sugar in a compact saucepan. Allow the liquid to reach a vigorous boil, reducing slightly for enhanced concentration. Set aside and cool to ambient temperature.
5. Activate the oven to 170°C. Delicately coat the rolls with a whisked egg, creating a lustrous exterior. Position the tray in the heated environment and bake for 12-16 minutes until a golden-brown complexion develops and the texture feels firm.
6. Immediately after removing from the oven, generously apply the prepared sugar syrup, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Allow the rolls to cool completely at room temperature.
7. Prepare a luxurious vanilla cream by integrating cold cream, powdered sugar, vanilla pudding powder, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture at high velocity until achieving a stable, voluminous consistency.
8. Execute the final assembly by carefully creating a central crevice in each roll, maintaining connection at the base. Skillfully pipe the prepared vanilla cream into the opening, sculpting a pristine presentation. Delicately remove any excess cream from the roll’s exterior using moistened fingertips.

Notes

• Choose high-protein flour for a chewier, more authentic texture that enhances the traditional Italian bread quality.
• Control yeast rising temperature carefully to prevent over-proofing, which can make rolls dense and tough instead of light and fluffy.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth dough integration and consistent fermentation during the kneading process.
• Brush rolls gently with egg wash using a soft pastry brush to achieve a beautiful golden-brown shine without deflating the delicate risen dough.
• When filling cream, use a piping bag with a wide tip for precise, clean cream distribution inside the rolls.
• Cool rolls completely before cream filling to prevent cream from melting and losing its structured shape.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular flour with a blend of rice and almond flour, adding xanthan gum for better binding.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg