Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns) are the kind of treat that will make you abandon restraint and embrace every creamy, pillowy bite. Imagine golden, softly sweet buns—lightly scented with orange and vanilla—nestled together, then split open and lavishly filled with billows of lightly sweetened whipped cream. This classic Roman pastry is both a showstopper and a comfort, perfect with coffee or as a celebratory dessert. If you’ve never made homemade sweet buns before, this recipe is here to make you a fan for life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns) lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out the best flavor and texture. You probably have most of these in your pantry already, but the magic is in how they come together to yield something truly special.
- All-purpose flour: This is the sturdy backbone of the buns, ensuring a tender yet substantial crumb.
- Sugar: Adds just the right kiss of sweetness to the dough without overpowering the fillings.
- Active dry yeast: The key to lift and softness—fresh yeast magic you can see in every rise!
- Salt: Just a touch, but it’s crucial for rounding out flavor and keeping the sweetness in check.
- Warm milk: Makes the dough soft and moist, helping the yeast work its airy wonders.
- Honey: A little floral depth that works so beautifully with the orange and cream.
- Large egg: Adds richness and structure, helping bind everything together for a golden crumb.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Lends a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness to every bite.
- Orange zest: Infuses a gentle citrus aroma that’s signature to classic Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns).
- Vanilla extract: Layers in aromatic sweetness and rounds out the bun’s flavor profile.
- Heavy whipping cream: For the unforgettable cloud of filling—whip till it’s fluffy and irresistible!
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream and adds a beautiful snowy finish when dusted on top.
- Optional: Extra powdered sugar for dusting: Makes your buns look bakery-perfect and adds an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns)
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
Begin your Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns) adventure by combining the warm milk, yeast, and honey in your favorite mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture looks foamy and smells deliciously yeasty—this step wakes up the yeast and sets up your dough for the best possible rise.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once your yeast is lively, add the flour, sugar, salt, egg, softened butter, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it starts to come together, then knead with love for 8 to 10 minutes. The dough should feel smooth, a little tacky, and wonderfully elastic—this kneading creates that signature soft, airy texture you’ll love in every bun.
Step 3: First Rise
Pop your dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, cozy spot for about 1½ hours (or until doubled in size). Watching that transformation never gets old—it’s kitchen science at its best!
Step 4: Shape the Buns
Gently punch down the dough to release air. Then divide it into 8 equal portions and roll each piece into an oval (it’s the classic shape of Maritozzi). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little breathing room between each, then cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. These little buns will get puffy and ready for the oven!
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the risen buns for 18 to 20 minutes, until they’re gorgeously golden on top and springy to the touch. Try not to steal a warm one right away (though I won’t judge!)—let them cool completely so the cream filling doesn’t melt.
Step 6: Whip the Cream
While the buns cool, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until fluffy peaks hold their shape. For an extra hint of decadence, you can infuse the cream with a splash of amaretto or a touch of vanilla bean paste.
Step 7: Fill and Finish
Once the Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns) are completely cool, carefully slice each one lengthwise (not all the way through—you want a hinge), then fill generously with whipped cream. A dusting of powdered sugar is the grand final flourish. Serve, and soak in the swoons from everyone lucky enough to get a bite.
How to Serve Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns)
Garnishes
A snowy shower of powdered sugar is the classic garnish for Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns), but you can also add a twist—think curls of orange zest, a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, or even a few candied violets for a romantic touch.
Side Dishes
Keep things light and Italian by serving with a hot cappuccino, velvety espresso, or a glass of chilled milk. If you want something more, a bowl of fresh strawberries or citrus salad on the side makes a refreshing and beautiful pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns) are showstoppers on their own, but for extra flair, arrange them in a circle on a platter for a centerpiece effect, or package individual buns in parchment wrappers tied with twine for charming gifts. Sticking a tiny edible flower into the cream also adds a magical café-style touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is a big “if!”), store the unfilled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Once filled with cream, the buns are best kept in the fridge and enjoyed within one day for peak softness and freshness.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the unfilled buns: simply wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and fill with fresh whipped cream just before serving—this is great for prepping Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns) ahead for special occasions.
Reheating
To bring that bakery-fresh taste back, warm the unfilled buns in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. Let them cool before adding the cream, as filling warm buns risks a meltdown!
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast works seamlessly in this recipe—just skip the blooming step and add it directly to the flour, but keep the milk warm to help it along. The rise times should be roughly the same.
Is it possible to make these dairy free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives, and use coconut cream (chilled and whipped) for the filling. The buns will be deliciously different but still true to the Maritozzi spirit.
Can I knead the dough in a stand mixer?
Go for it! A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading a breeze—just keep an eye on the dough’s texture and stop once it’s soft, elastic, and slightly tacky, which usually takes 7 to 8 minutes on medium speed.
What’s the best way to keep the cream from deflating?
Use very cold cream, whip it until just stiff (but not grainy), and fill the buns right before serving. If you add a tablespoon of mascarpone or stabilize with a little gelatin, the filling will keep its volume for hours.
Are Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns) traditionally eaten for breakfast or dessert?
In Rome, Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns) are a classic breakfast treat, often enjoyed with coffee in the morning. But honestly, there are no rules—they’re equally perfect as an afternoon indulgence or a dreamy dessert!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that feels both luxurious and comforting, Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns) are your answer. With every tender bun and cloud of cream, this recipe brings a taste of Italy straight to your table—so go on, treat yourself and share the love!
Print
Maritozzi (Italian Cream Buns) Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising)
- Yield: 8 cream buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Maritozzi, traditional Italian cream buns that are a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and fluffy. These buns are a delightful treat for any occasion, whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a special dessert.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling and Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, sugar, salt, egg, butter, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1½ hours or until doubled.
- Bun Formation: Punch down the dough and divide into 8 portions. Shape into oval buns and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Cream Filling: Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Slice the buns lengthwise, fill with whipped cream, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For added richness, brush the buns with a simple syrup while warm.
- You can infuse the cream with a touch of liqueur like amaretto or vanilla bean paste for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
