Maritozzi: A Soft and Sweet Italian Treat
Maritozzi are traditional Italian sweet buns, known for their soft texture and delightful filling of whipped cream. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these buns are infused with citrusy notes and enriched with raisins, pine nuts, and candied orange peel. Follow this detailed recipe to bring the authentic taste of Italian Maritozzi to your table.
Ingredients
Below is a table of ingredients categorized by their use in the recipe:
| Dough Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Manitoba flour | 500g |
| Water | 250ml |
| Eggs (yolks) | 2 |
| Dry yeast | 4g |
| Corn oil | 85g |
| Salt | 6g |
| Sugar | 95g |
| Malt | 1 tsp |
| Raisins | 30g |
| Pine nuts | 30g |
| Candied orange peel | 30g |
| Lemon zest | 1 zest |
| Syrup Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 150g |
| Water | 100ml |
| Filling Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh whipping cream | 500ml |
| Powdered sugar | 40g |
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional value per serving (1 bun):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in a little warm water and mix in the malt. Let it sit for a few minutes until frothy.
- In the remaining warm water, dissolve the salt and add the corn oil. Mix well.
- In a large mixing bowl, pour the liquid mixture over the Manitoba flour gradually. Begin kneading the dough by hand or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites, keeping the whites aside for later use. Add the yolks to the dough and knead for 6–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Add the Mix-ins
- Soak the raisins in cold water for about 10 minutes. Drain and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel.
- Gently fold the raisins, pine nuts, candied orange peel, and lemon zest into the dough. Ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shaping the Buns
- Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal portions, each weighing approximately 85–90g.
- Shape each portion into a smooth round ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them.
- Cover the shaped dough with plastic wrap and let them rise for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Final Proofing and Baking
- After the initial rise, reshape each dough ball into a slightly elongated form. Brush the surface of each bun with the reserved egg whites.
- Cover again with plastic wrap and let them rise for another hour.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 5: Prepare the Syrup
- While the buns are baking, prepare the sugar syrup by heating sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes clear. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Assemble the Maritozzi
- Once the buns are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with the sugar syrup while still warm. Allow them to cool completely.
- Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise cut along the top of each bun, without slicing all the way through.
Step 7: Whip the Cream
- In a mixing bowl, whip the fresh cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Use a piping bag fitted with a large nozzle to fill each bun generously with whipped cream.
Tips for Success
- Flour Choice: Manitoba flour is ideal for its high gluten content, but you can substitute it with bread flour if needed.
- Rise Time: Ensure your dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is cold, turn on the oven light and let the dough rise inside the oven.
- Storage: Maritozzi are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Maritozzi with a cup of hot coffee or tea for an authentic Italian breakfast experience. Their pillowy softness and creamy filling make them an irresistible treat any time of day!
