Maritozzi are delightful Italian cream buns hailing from Rome. These soft, fluffy, brioche-style buns are enriched with honey and a hint of orange zest, then generously filled with sweet vanilla whipped cream. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat alongside coffee, maritozzi offer a taste of Italian indulgence that’s both rich and light.

Full Recipe:​

Ingredients​

For the Starter (Tangzhong):

• ½ cup water​

• ⅓ cup bread flour (43g)

For the Dough:

• ⅔ cup lukewarm whole milk (160ml)

• ¼ cup white granulated sugar (50g)​

• 2 ½ teaspoons instant yeast or active dry yeast​

• 3 ¾ cups bread flour (490g)​

• ¼ cup milk powder (25g)​

• ¼ cup vegetable oil (60ml)​

• ¼ cup honey (60ml)​

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract​

• 1 teaspoon orange zest​

• 2 large eggs​

• ½ teaspoon salt​

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 teaspoon of milk​

For the Vanilla Whipped Cream:

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (375ml)​

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste​

• 2 tablespoons caster sugar​

For Topping:

• Icing sugar for dusting​

Directions​

1. Prepare the Starter (Tangzhong):

   • In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together ½ cup water and ⅓ cup bread flour until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.​

2. Make the Dough:

   • In a bowl, combine lukewarm milk and sugar, then sprinkle yeast over the top. Let sit until frothy.​

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, milk powder, and salt. Add the cooled tangzhong, yeast mixture, oil, honey, vanilla extract, orange zest, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.​

   • Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.​

3. Shape the Buns:

   • Divide the risen dough into equal portions and shape into balls. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover, and let rise until puffy.​

4. Bake:

   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the buns with the egg wash.​

   • Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.​

5. Prepare the Vanilla Whipped Cream:

   • Whip the heavy cream with vanilla bean paste and caster sugar until stiff peaks form.​

6. Assemble the Maritozzi:

   • Slice each bun almost all the way through, leaving one side attached. Fill generously with the whipped cream.​

   • Dust the tops with icing sugar before serving.​

Nutrients​

Per serving (1 bun):

• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal​

• Carbohydrates: 45g​

• Protein: 7g​

• Fat: 12g​

• Saturated Fat: 6g​

• Cholesterol: 70mg​

• Sodium: 150mg​

• Sugar: 15g

A Taste of Roman Tradition

The charm of maritozzi lies in their balance—neither overly sweet nor overly rich, they strike just the right note between indulgence and delicacy. Their popularity dates back to the Middle Ages, when they were commonly made during Lent with dried fruits and sweetened with honey instead of sugar. Over time, the recipe evolved into the more luxurious cream-filled version we know today.

The modern maritozzo is all about the contrast between textures: a glossy golden-brown exterior, a soft and fluffy interior, and a luscious whipped cream filling. Orange zest and honey add subtle aromatic notes that make each bite a multi-sensory experience. Though they look indulgent, maritozzi are surprisingly light—making them a perfect treat for any time of day.

The Art of Making Maritozzi Dough

At the heart of every good maritozzo is the dough, which resembles a soft brioche. What sets this particular dough apart is the use of the tangzhong method—a Japanese technique that involves cooking a portion of the flour and liquid into a paste before mixing it into the dough. This extra step improves the bread’s texture by locking in moisture, resulting in buns that stay soft and tender for days.

The dough is enriched with whole milk, honey, orange zest, eggs, and vanilla, lending it a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor profile. Milk powder enhances the softness, while a bit of oil helps create a tender crumb. Once kneaded and proofed, the dough is divided and shaped into smooth, uniform balls that are baked to golden perfection.

The egg wash gives the buns their characteristic shiny, golden top, adding visual appeal and a slight crispness to the outer layer. Even without the filling, these buns are delicious in their own right—but it’s the whipped cream that elevates them to iconic status.

The Cream That Makes All the Difference

Maritozzi wouldn’t be complete without their most iconic feature: the cream filling. Lightly sweetened whipped cream, infused with the rich aroma of vanilla bean paste, is beaten until it holds stiff peaks. This gives it enough structure to hold its shape when piped into the buns, yet still melt-in-the-mouth soft when eaten.

Once the buns have completely cooled, they’re carefully sliced open—not all the way through, just enough to create a pocket. This is where the whipped cream is generously piped in, spilling slightly over the edges to create the signature look of maritozzi. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a final elegant touch and a little extra sweetness.

The cream is the star of the show, providing a cool, airy contrast to the warm, slightly citrus-scented bread. The combination is both comforting and luxurious, the kind of treat that feels special but never over-the-top.

When to Serve Maritozzi

While maritozzi are commonly enjoyed for breakfast in Rome, they’re incredibly versatile and can be served in various settings. For brunch spreads, they offer a unique alternative to traditional pastries like croissants or muffins. At afternoon tea, they hold their own alongside cakes and cookies. And of course, they make a delightful dessert, particularly when you want something that looks impressive but doesn’t require plating or utensils.

They’re also an excellent option for special occasions. The story behind their romantic origins makes them especially suitable for events like anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or bridal showers. Their elegant appearance, soft texture, and irresistible flavor give them universal appeal, even for those who haven’t tried them before.

Maritozzi Variations and Modern Twists

While the classic maritozzo is filled with vanilla whipped cream, modern bakers and pastry chefs have experimented with a wide array of fillings and flavors. Some versions include sweet mascarpone cream, ricotta with honey, or even chocolate hazelnut spreads for a richer twist. In Sicily, a similar concept is used for brioche buns filled with gelato—a delicious summertime adaptation.

You can also find savory takes on maritozzi, where the dough is made without sugar and filled with ingredients like soft cheeses, cured meats, or vegetables. While this strays from the traditional concept, it showcases how versatile and beloved the bun itself has become.

There’s even room for creativity in how you shape and decorate the buns. Some bakers prefer a domed shape, while others opt for a longer, oblong roll. Some dust the tops with cocoa powder, others with citrus zest or crushed pistachios for added flair.

Tips for Perfect Maritozzi

If you’re preparing maritozzi at home, a few tips will ensure the best results. First, allow plenty of time for rising. The enriched dough takes longer to proof than leaner bread doughs, so patience is key. Second, don’t rush the cooling process before adding the cream—any residual heat can cause the whipped cream to melt.

Using high-quality ingredients, particularly for the cream and flavorings, makes a noticeable difference. Opt for heavy whipping cream with high fat content for a smoother texture, and use real vanilla bean paste or extract rather than artificial flavoring.

For a professional finish, pipe the cream using a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. This gives the buns their signature bakery look and ensures a generous, even distribution of cream. Lastly, be sure to dust with powdered sugar just before serving to preserve its crisp, fresh appearance.

Conclusion

Maritozzi are more than just cream buns—they’re a delicious blend of history, culture, and craftsmanship. With their soft, fluffy dough, subtle citrus notes, and rich whipped cream filling, they represent the very best of Italian pastry tradition. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, maritozzi offer a delightful experience that feels both nostalgic and luxurious.

Their romantic roots, versatile nature, and visual appeal make them a favorite among home bakers and professional pastry chefs alike. While they may take a bit of time and care to prepare, the reward is well worth the effort—a beautifully soft bun filled with cloud-like cream that melts in your mouth with every bite.

If you’re looking to explore traditional Italian baking or impress your guests with something unique and irresistible, maritozzi are a must-try. With one bite, you’ll understand why these sweet buns have remained a Roman classic for centuries.