Maritozzo – Italian Rolls Filled with Vanilla Cream

Oh my goodness, where do I even start with this one? If you’ve never heard of Maritozzo, get ready for a sweet, fluffy, and utterly irresistible treat that’s about to become your new obsession. These delicate Italian rolls, filled with vanilla cream, are soft and pillowy with just the right balance of sweetness. They’re the perfect breakfast indulgence, afternoon snack, or a sweet finish to any meal. Imagine a soft, lightly sweet roll that’s filled to the brim with a rich, velvety vanilla cream that melts in your mouth… seriously, this one’s a game-changer. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love Maritozzo

This recipe isn’t just about creating something delicious; it’s about bringing a little bit of Italy into your kitchen and creating some magic with just a few ingredients. Here’s why this Maritozzo recipe is going to steal your heart:

• Delicate and Fluffy: The rolls themselves are super soft, with just the right amount of sweetness. They melt in your mouth, and when combined with that creamy vanilla filling, it’s like a hug in pastry form.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making these for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat after dinner, Maritozzo is a versatile favorite. It’s perfect for gatherings, but also just as nice for a cozy moment alone with your favorite hot drink.
• Easy Yet Impressive: Despite looking and tasting like something you’d find at a fancy bakery, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make. The dough is simple, and the vanilla cream filling comes together in a snap.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment by adding a little extra zest, or perhaps even a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate on top. The filling can also be made with a variety of flavors—think coffee, citrus, or hazelnut—if you’re feeling creative!
• Perfect for Sharing (or Not!): These are the perfect snack to share with friends or family, but I won’t judge if you keep them all to yourself—sometimes, you just need to indulge!

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the ingredients for these pillowy rolls and the creamy vanilla filling:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and softness to the rolls. It’s what helps create that light, airy texture.
• Sugar: A little sweetness in the dough, giving the rolls just enough flavor to complement the rich vanilla cream.
• Active Dry Yeast: This is what makes the dough rise and get that wonderful lightness. You’ll be amazed at how fluffy these rolls turn out!
• Milk: Helps bring everything together in the dough and gives it a soft, tender crumb. It also adds a little richness to the rolls.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough, making it soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Eggs: These provide structure and moisture to the dough, ensuring your rolls are perfectly soft and slightly golden on the outside.
• Vanilla Extract: The key flavor in the cream filling, giving it that sweet, fragrant note that pairs perfectly with the light dough.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the filling luscious and creamy, giving it the perfect texture to pipe into the rolls.
• Powdered Sugar: Used to sweeten the cream filling and ensure it’s nice and smooth.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and bring out the flavors in the dough and filling.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make your very own Maritozzo? Let’s dive in:

• Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your rolls cook evenly and don’t stick.
• Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it’s bubbly. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, butter, and eggs, and mix until the dough begins to come together. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is when the magic happens!
• Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions (about 8-10 rolls). Shape each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each roll so they can rise properly.
• Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a cloth again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They should puff up nicely.
• Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Let them cool on a wire rack.
• Make the Vanilla Cream Filling: While the rolls are cooling, make the filling. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will create that rich, creamy filling.
• Fill the Rolls: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, cut a slit along the top of each one. Using a piping bag or spoon, generously fill each roll with the vanilla cream.
• Serve and Enjoy: Serve these sweet, creamy delights as an afternoon treat with coffee, or enjoy them as a special breakfast. You can even dust them with a little powdered sugar for that bakery-style finish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 310

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

How to Serve Maritozzo

These soft, pillowy rolls filled with vanilla cream are fantastic on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

• Pair with Coffee or Espresso: There’s nothing like enjoying one of these treats with a strong cup of coffee or espresso. It’s the perfect match to start your day or to enjoy in the afternoon.
• Serve with Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries or a citrus salad is a lovely way to cut through the sweetness and add some freshness to the dish.
• Make It a Dessert: Serve Maritozzo with a drizzle of melted chocolate, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even some extra whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
• Top with Nuts: Add some chopped pistachios or hazelnuts on top for an extra crunch. This adds texture and a wonderful nutty flavor that pairs so well with the sweet vanilla cream.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Give the dough enough time to rise so that it becomes light and fluffy. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a warm oven to speed things up.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, then shape the rolls and bake them in the morning. Fresh, warm rolls with vanilla cream—what could be better?
• Storage Tips: Keep leftover Maritozzo in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the unfilled rolls for up to 3 months.
• Customize the Cream: Feel free to experiment with other flavors in the cream filling, like coffee, lemon zest, or even a splash of liqueur for an adult twist.
• Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to stuff these rolls with a ton of cream, but a generous spoonful will do! Too much filling can make it harder to close the rolls properly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the dough the night before?
A1: Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just punch it down, shape the rolls, and let them rise before baking.

Q2: Can I use a different filling for the Maritozzo?
A2: Absolutely! You can fill them with chocolate cream, mascarpone, or even lemon curd if you want to switch things up.

Q3: Can I make Maritozzo without eggs?
A3: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or another egg replacement for a vegan version. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Q4: How do I store leftover Maritozzo?
A4: Store leftover filled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, freeze the unfilled rolls and fill them when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: Can I make the vanilla cream ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can whip the cream and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a quick stir before filling the rolls.

Q6: Can I use whipped cream from a can?
A6: While whipped cream from a can will work in a pinch, I recommend homemade whipped cream for the best texture and flavor.

Q7: Can I freeze Maritozzo rolls?
A7: You can freeze the unfilled rolls! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and fill with cream.

Q8: Can I make a smaller batch?
A8: Of course! Just divide the dough into smaller portions to make fewer rolls. The baking time might be slightly less, so keep an eye on them.

Q9: Can I add chocolate chips to the cream filling?
A9: Yes, adding chocolate chips to the filling will create a delightful chocolate-vanilla combo. It’s a delicious twist on the classic.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients, and you’ll have a larger batch of Maritozzo to share (or enjoy all by yourself!).

Conclusion

There you have it—delicious, pillowy Maritozzo filled with rich vanilla cream that’s sure to wow your taste buds. These sweet Italian rolls are perfect for any occasion and will quickly become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious. Enjoy every soft, creamy bite, and don’t forget to savor the moment!

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