Maritozzi Italian Cream Buns: A Sweet Taste of Italy

If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into a soft, sweet bun filled with velvety cream, look no further than Maritozzi Italian Cream Buns. Originating from the Lazio region of Italy, these delicate buns are a delightful treat that pairs fluffy, yeast-leavened dough with a rich, mascarpone-based filling. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast pastry or afternoon snack, Maritozzi is a favorite in Roman bakeries and is slowly gaining popularity worldwide.

This article will guide you through the process of making Maritozzi from scratch, with an easy-to-follow recipe, expert tips, and ideas for customizing your buns. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress.

For more Italian pastry inspiration, you can explore these articles: How to Make Traditional Italian Pastries and Mastering the Art of Italian Bread.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Maritozzi Italian Cream Buns Recipe: A Delightful Sweet Treat

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 servings (8 buns) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Maritozzi are deliciously soft and fluffy Italian cream buns, traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet treat. Filled with a rich mascarpone cream, these buns are aromatic with hints of orange zest and honey, making them a perfect indulgence. The dough is lightly sweetened, enriched with olive oil, and topped with an optional mix of toasted pistachios, chocolate curls, and candied citrus for a touch of elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Scald:

• 2 1/2 ounces glutinous rice flour (70g; 6 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon) – see notes
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk (200ml; 209g)
• 1 1/2 ounces honey (45g; 2 tablespoons)

For the Dough:

• 1 1/2 ounces cold whole milk (45g; 3 tablespoons)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 large egg yolk
• 10 ounces bread flour or high-protein flour (283g; 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
• 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (for table salt, use half as much by volume)
• 3/4 teaspoon yeast

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

For the Filling:

• 4 ounces mascarpone (113g; 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (14g) confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch kosher salt

Toppings (Optional):

• 2 ounces unsalted pistachios (60g; 1/2 cup), lightly toasted and coarsely chopped
• Chocolate curls
• Candied citrus

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Scald:

   • In a small saucepan, combine the glutinous rice flour, whole milk, and honey. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. Make the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold whole milk, olive oil, egg yolk, and cooled scald mixture. Whisk together until smooth.
   • Gradually add the bread flour, orange zest, kosher salt, and yeast to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough starts to form.
   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.

3. Let the Dough Rise:

   • Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Buns:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
   • Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each. Cover with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffed.

5. Prepare the Egg Wash:

   • While the buns are rising, beat the egg for the egg wash. Once the buns have risen, gently brush them with the egg wash.

6. Bake the Buns:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
   • Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

7. Make the Cream Filling:

   • While the buns are cooling, prepare the filling by whipping together the mascarpone, heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form.

8. Assemble the Maritozzi:

   • Once the buns have cooled, slice them in half horizontally, but not all the way through, leaving a “hinge.”
   • Spoon or pipe a generous amount of mascarpone cream into each bun.

9. Optional Toppings:

   • For added flavor and texture, top with toasted pistachios, chocolate curls, or candied citrus as desired. Dust with additional confectioners’ sugar.

10. Serve:

• Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

Notes

Glutinous rice flour is used in the scald to create a smooth and slightly chewy texture in the dough. It’s a common ingredient in some traditional Italian pastry recipes. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a small amount of cornstarch, but the texture may be slightly different.

The buns are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently in the oven if desired.

Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or orange zest to suit your flavor preferences.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes dough rise time)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Baking, Whipping
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bun
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Maritozzi Italian Cream Buns

Instructions

1. Prepare the Scald: In a small saucepan, combine the glutinous rice flour, whole milk, and honey. Whisk over medium heat until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold milk, olive oil, egg yolk, bread flour, orange zest, salt, and yeast. Add the cooled scald mixture and mix everything together until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a greased baking sheet, ensuring there’s some space between each bun.
6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they puff up.
7. Egg Wash: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the buns with the lightly beaten egg to give them a golden finish once baked.
8. Bake: Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Allow them to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the mascarpone, heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and whipped to stiff peaks.
10. Assemble the Maritozzi: Once the buns have cooled, slice them open like a sandwich, but don’t cut all the way through. Pipe or spoon the mascarpone filling inside the buns.
11. Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle the buns with toasted pistachios, chocolate curls, or candied citrus for extra texture and flavor.
12. Serve and Enjoy.

Advanced Techniques

While making Maritozzi is relatively simple, there are some advanced techniques that can take your buns to the next level.

1. Experiment with Flavors in the Dough

While traditional Maritozzi features orange zest, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit zest. Alternatively, adding a splash of almond extract or a hint of cinnamon can give your buns a unique twist.

2. Perfecting the Scald

The scald is a crucial step in creating the soft texture of the dough. Make sure you whisk the scald mixture continuously as it heats to prevent any lumps from forming. A smooth scald will give your dough the ideal consistency.

3. Creating the Ideal Whipped Cream

For an ultra-light, airy filling, make sure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping it. Whisking in the mascarpone helps stabilize the cream, preventing it from deflating once piped into the buns. Don’t overwhip, as it can turn grainy.

4. Make Ahead

You can prepare the dough a day in advance by letting it rise in the fridge overnight. Simply punch it down and shape the buns the next morning. This method adds a depth of flavor to the dough, as the yeast has more time to develop.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Maritozzi Italian Cream Buns are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored and maintained with proper care.

1. Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place the cooled buns in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the filling separate from the buns to prevent them from becoming soggy. Refill the buns with cream just before serving.

2. Freezing the Buns

You can freeze the baked and cooled buns for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature and fill with fresh mascarpone cream before serving.

3. Preventing Sogginess

To maintain the soft texture of the buns, avoid filling them too far in advance. Wait until just before serving to fill them with the mascarpone mixture to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Maritozzi can be adapted to meet various dietary needs, so feel free to make substitutions as necessary.

1. Vegan Version

To make Maritozzi vegan, substitute the egg yolk with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flax meal mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons water). Use plant-based milk and olive oil in place of dairy. For the filling, swap mascarpone for a vegan cream cheese and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.

2. Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular bread flour. Make sure the flour blend you use contains xanthan gum to help with texture and structure.

3. Dairy-Free

To make the filling dairy-free, simply substitute mascarpone with a dairy-free cream cheese or whipped coconut cream. Ensure the milk in the dough is also dairy-free, like almond or oat milk.

4. Lower Sugar

For a lower-sugar option, reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar in the filling and use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol.

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Yes! You can make the dough by hand, though it may take a little longer to knead. A stand mixer just helps speed up the process.

2. What is the best way to serve Maritozzi?

Maritozzi are best served fresh, as they are a wonderful breakfast or afternoon snack. Pair them with a strong espresso or cappuccino for an authentic Italian experience.

3. Can I use something other than mascarpone in the filling?

While mascarpone gives the filling its signature richness, you can substitute it with cream cheese or ricotta if you prefer a slightly tangier flavor.

4. How do I store the leftover filling?

The leftover mascarpone cream filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It can be used in other desserts or as a topping for fruit.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Maritozzi Italian Cream Buns are an indulgent and authentic Italian treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The soft, airy buns paired with the creamy, rich filling make for a delightful pastry that’s perfect for special occasions or a treat any time of day. With the right techniques, these buns can be recreated in your own kitchen, allowing you to experience the flavors of Italy no matter where you are.

Try this recipe today, and enjoy the delicious taste of Italy in the comfort of your home!