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Maritozzi are an iconic sweet treat from Rome that showcase the elegance and indulgence of Italian pastry-making. These soft, golden buns are made from slightly sweet brioche dough, enriched with eggs, butter, and a subtle hint of orange zest. Once baked, they’re split open and generously filled with airy whipped cream, creating a dessert—or breakfast—that looks as divine as it tastes. Often associated with Roman cafes and nostalgic childhood memories, Maritozzi are a delightful mix of old-world charm and comforting simplicity. Whether you’re serving them to impress guests or enjoying them with your morning espresso, these cream buns bring a touch of la dolce vita to your table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup warm milk
2 large eggs, room temperature
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Zest of 1 orange
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

For the egg wash:

1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon milk

For the filling:

1 ¼ cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar.
Add warm milk, eggs, butter, orange zest, vanilla, and salt. Mix to form a soft dough.
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 ½ to 2 hours until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
Shape each piece into an oval roll and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Cover loosely and allow to rise for another 30–40 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush each bun with the egg wash.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
In a chilled bowl, whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Slice each cooled bun down the center, without cutting all the way through.
Pipe or spoon whipped cream into the center of each bun.
Optional: dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrients

Calories: ~290 kcal per bun
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Protein: ~5g
Fat: ~17g
Saturated Fat: ~10g
Sugar: ~9g
Fiber: ~1g
Cholesterol: ~80mg
Sodium: ~130mg

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Maritozzi aren’t your typical cream buns—they represent an authentic slice of Italian culinary heritage. What sets this recipe apart is its deep cultural roots and the way it captures the artistry of Italian baking with simple, wholesome ingredients. These buns are made from a rich, tender dough that carries a faint citrus note from the orange zest, giving each bite a uniquely bright and aromatic flavor. Once baked, the pillowy buns are cooled and carefully filled with freshly whipped cream, transforming a basic brioche roll into a cloud-like indulgence.

Visually, Maritozzi are stunning. Their golden exterior, dusted with powdered sugar and split down the middle with a thick ribbon of cream, is instantly eye-catching. This recipe brings bakery-quality results right to your home kitchen with straightforward steps and familiar pantry ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, the process is approachable, and the results are showstopping.

What also makes this recipe special is its versatility. While it’s rooted in Roman tradition, you can easily adapt the flavor profile with creative twists—adding chocolate chips, mixing citrus zests, or flavoring the whipped cream with subtle extracts or liqueurs. The buns can be served as breakfast, brunch, or dessert, making them a wonderful all-day treat.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

Each component of this recipe serves a distinct purpose that contributes to the buns’ signature texture and taste. The all-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, offering structure while keeping the crumb light and tender. Instant yeast speeds up the fermentation process and ensures the dough rises efficiently without sacrificing flavor. Granulated sugar sweetens the dough subtly, complementing the cream filling rather than overpowering it.

Butter and eggs enrich the dough, giving it a smooth, elastic feel and a buttery softness. The orange zest adds a burst of freshness and a gentle fragrance that elevates the overall taste profile. Milk helps bring moisture and softness to the final product, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.

The whipped cream filling, made from heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, brings richness and airiness to the finished buns. It contrasts perfectly with the lightly sweetened dough, delivering a balance of creamy and fluffy textures. Each ingredient works harmoniously to create a dessert that feels luxurious without being complicated or overly sweet.

Cooking Tips

To ensure your Maritozzi come out as soft and dreamy as possible, begin with high-quality ingredients, especially the cream and flour. It’s important that all ingredients—especially butter and eggs—are brought to room temperature before mixing to help them incorporate evenly into the dough.

Use milk that is warm to the touch, not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast and prevent your dough from rising properly. Kneading is essential to develop the gluten that gives the buns their soft, chewy texture. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 8 minutes; if kneading by hand, aim for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or a proofing drawer is perfect for this step. Once the buns are shaped, give them adequate time to rise again—this second rise ensures that they bake evenly and retain their soft texture.

Chill your bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. This helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape better when piped into the buns. If you’re using a piping bag, use a wide tip or simply snip the end of a plastic bag to create a neat, generous swirl of cream.

Dust the finished buns with powdered sugar right before serving to keep the texture light and fluffy. Maritozzi are best enjoyed fresh, so try to fill them shortly before serving for the best flavor and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Maritozzi make a beautiful addition to breakfast or brunch spreads. Serve them on a decorative platter with fresh berries and a pot of strong Italian coffee or espresso. Their creamy filling and delicate dough make them a luxurious yet approachable offering for weekend guests or celebratory breakfasts.

They also work wonderfully as a dessert, especially after a light meal. For a more decadent take, you could infuse the whipped cream with a splash of coffee liqueur, amaretto, or orange liqueur to echo the zest in the dough. If you’re hosting a gathering or holiday meal, consider serving mini Maritozzi as individual portions—smaller sizes are just as charming and easier for guests to enjoy.

For an elegant twist, pipe the cream into the buns and then garnish with orange zest curls, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. You can even dust the buns with cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar for a more rustic look.

Maritozzi pair beautifully with hot drinks, especially espresso, cappuccino, or a strong black tea. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift—simply wrap them in parchment paper and tie them with twine for a rustic, bakery-style presentation.

Conclusion

In every sense, Maritozzi are the epitome of traditional comfort with a touch of sophistication. Their golden exterior and creamy center embody the heart of Roman baking—simple ingredients elevated by technique and tradition. Whether you’re making them for the first time or revisiting a beloved recipe, the process is as enjoyable as the result. These buns offer more than just taste—they offer a cultural experience, a moment of indulgence, and a sense of home. By making Maritozzi from scratch, you’re not just baking—you’re preserving and celebrating a slice of Italian culinary history. So gather your ingredients, take your time with the dough, and enjoy every step. Once baked and filled, these buns promise to delight with every soft, creamy, flavor-packed bite.

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