Heavenly Maritozzi Cream Buns Recipe: Sweet Italian Delights

Soft, pillowy clouds of sweet delight emerge from the heart of roman bakeries with these irresistible maritozzi cream buns that promise pure indulgence.

Italian pastry chefs have perfected this delectable treat over generations, crafting tender enriched bread rolls with a delicate touch.

These delightful buns burst with luscious whipped cream, creating a sensory experience that transports you straight to the charming streets of Rome.

Each bite offers a harmonious blend of soft, slightly sweet dough and rich, silky cream filling that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Generations of bakers have carefully preserved this traditional recipe, passing down techniques that ensure every maritozzi is a work of culinary art.

The gentle sweetness and luxurious texture make these cream buns an irresistible companion to your morning espresso or afternoon coffee break.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 145 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Italian Cream Buns

• Flour: High-protein bread flour creates sturdy, soft buns with perfect stretchy texture.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast ensures light, airy rise and classic fluffy consistency.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and provides gentle sweetness for balanced flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and controls yeast fermentation.

• Eggs: Adds luxurious richness, tender crumb, and golden color to buns.
• Butter: Delivers incredible smoothness and deep, comforting flavor.
• Milk: Creates soft dough structure and helps activate yeast smoothly.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Ultra-rich, silky cream filling with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides delicate sweetness and smooth cream texture.
• Amarena Cherries: Tangy, wine-dark cherries offer vibrant burst of fruity contrast.
• Extra Powdered Sugar: Elegant finishing dust for classic Italian bakery presentation.

Tools for Preparing Maritozzi Buns

• Stand mixer: Essential for kneading dough efficiently and consistently.
• Dough hook: Crucial attachment for mixing and developing dough's texture.
• Baking sheet: Needed to hold and bake the maritozzi buns.
• Parchment paper: Prevents buns from sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Perfect for whipping cream to stiff peaks.
• Spatula: Helps level cream filling and create smooth surfaces.
• Pastry brush: Used for applying egg wash to give buns a golden shine.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Bake Italian Cream Buns at Home

• Dough Preparation

Mix dry ingredients in mixer, create a center well, pour warm milk and egg yolk. Knead until liquid blends smoothly into flour mixture.

• Flavor Infusion

Add orange zest, vanilla essence, and honey. Continue kneading until aromatics spread evenly through dough.

• Butter Integration

Gradually incorporate butter and salt. Knead consistently for 8-10 minutes until dough becomes silky and elastic.

• First Rise

Transfer dough to oiled container, ensuring complete coverage. Let rest in warm environment until volume triples, approximately two hours.

• Shaping

Divide dough into 12 equal segments. Gently roll each portion into smooth rounds. Place on lined baking sheet and allow second rise for one hour.

• Baking

Heat oven to 350°F. Brush buns with egg wash and bake until golden, around 20 minutes. Allow complete cooling before filling.

• Cream Filling

Whip cream with powdered sugar until peaks form. Generously stuff buns with cream and sprinkle amarena cherries. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for a Softer Maritozzi Finish

• Elevate your maritozzi with these expert tips and delightful twists!
• Keep these heavenly buns fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate filled cream buns and consume within 24 hours for maximum flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different cream fillings like chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or pistachio cream. Swap amarena cherries with fresh berries or candied fruit for a personalized touch.
• Ensure warm milk is lukewarm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast. Use a kitchen thermometer to check milk temperature between 100-110°F for optimal rising.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture. The recipe works beautifully with alternative flour mixtures.
• Prepare dough the night before, let it rise slowly in the refrigerator, and bake fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat.

Serving Options for Maritozzi Buns

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these heavenly buns with a steaming cappuccino or rich espresso for an authentic Italian morning experience.
• Morning Dessert Twist: Serve as a delightful finale to your weekend brunch, offering guests a taste of traditional Roman pastry elegance.
• Elegant Presentation Style: Arrange maritozzi on a rustic wooden board with scattered fresh cherries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a gorgeous visual display that highlights their delicate texture and charm.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Create a stunning teatime spread by placing these cream-filled buns alongside other small Italian pastries, making them a centerpiece of your afternoon gathering.

Storage Tips for Keeping Buns Fresh

• Fresh Batch Timing: Bake maritozzi the morning of serving for ultimate softness and flavor explosion. These delightful cream buns taste best within 6-8 hours of preparation.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store filled cream buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep cherries and cream separate from buns until just before serving to maintain perfect texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap unfilled baked buns tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature and fill with fresh cream and cherries when ready to enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough the night before, let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This technique enhances flavor complexity and saves morning preparation time. Remove dough 1 hour before shaping to reach room temperature.

Authentic Maritozzi Cream Buns Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Maritozzi, beloved Roman sweet rolls, showcase pillowy enriched dough filled with luscious whipped cream. Pastry chefs craft these delicate Italian treats with passion, inviting you to savor authentic Roman bakery traditions.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml/16 fl oz) heavy whipping cream (35%)
• 4 tablespoons (60 ml/2 fl oz) powdered sugar (icing sugar)
• Amarena cherries (optional, for topping)
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and yeast, creating a central well for wet ingredients.
2. Moisture Integration: Add lukewarm milk and egg yolks, using the dough hook to blend until a cohesive mixture forms, incorporating orange zest, vanilla bean seeds, and honey for aromatic depth.
3. Butter Incorporation: Gradually introduce room-temperature butter and sea salt, kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes silky, smooth, and develops a subtle sheen.
4. First Proofing: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm space until volume triples, approximately 2 hours.
5. Shaping: Gently deflate dough, divide into 12 portions, and roll into smooth, taut balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with ample spacing.
6. Second Proofing: Cover dough balls and allow a second rise for 1 hour, then brush with egg wash.
7. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown, ensuring a hollow sound when tapped.
8. Cooling and Filling: Let buns cool completely on a wire rack, then whip cream with powdered sugar to create a stable, luxurious filling.
9. Final Assembly: Slice buns horizontally, pipe cream generously, nestle amarena cherries within, and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure milk temperature is exactly between 105-110°F for perfect yeast activation.
• Kneading Technique: Develop gluten structure by stretching and folding dough consistently, creating a silky, smooth texture that’s essential for soft buns.
• Rising Environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to help dough rise evenly and rapidly.
• Cream Stability: Whip heavy cream just before filling to maintain peak structure and prevent weeping, ensuring a luxurious and stable cream filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg