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Decadent Chocolate Maritozzi Recipe

4.6 from 109 reviews

Decadent Chocolate Maritozzi are soft Italian sweet buns enriched with cocoa powder and filled with luscious chocolate whipped cream. These fluffy, slightly sweet rolls have a tender crumb and are perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering a delightful combination of rich chocolate flavor and creamy indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with bread flour for a chewier bite.)
  • 1 cup Bread Flour (No direct substitution recommended for desired texture.)
  • 2 teaspoons Instant Yeast (Active dry yeast can be used if proofed first.)
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (Can substitute with coconut or brown sugar for different flavors.)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential and should not be skipped.)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Use pure vanilla extract for best results.)
  • 2 large Eggs (Can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.)
  • 1 cup Milk (Whole or 2%) (Any non-dairy milk can work as a substitute.)
  • 1/4 cup Neutral Oil (Vegetable or Canola) (Any neutral oil can be used.)
  • 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process) (Regular cocoa powder can be used but will alter the taste slightly.)

Egg Wash

  • 1 large Egg (for Wash) (Can omit for a matte appearance.)

Chocolate Whipped Cream Filling

  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (Coconut cream can be substituted for a dairy-free option.)
  • 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar (Can use less for a lower-sugar option.)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt (for Whipped Cream) (Essential for flavor depth.)
  • 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder (for Whipped Cream) (Dutch Process recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine all the dough ingredients including the flours, instant yeast, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, eggs, milk, neutral oil, and cocoa powder. Knead on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
  2. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until it has doubled in size.
  3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  4. Shape the Buns and Second Rise: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release excess air. Divide the dough into 8 to 12 equal pieces, depending on preferred size. Shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, cover loosely, and let them rise again for 30 to 60 minutes until puffy.
  5. Apply Egg Wash: Lightly beat the remaining egg and brush it over the tops of each bun to give them a beautiful glossy finish after baking. This step can be skipped if a matte finish is preferred.
  6. Bake the Buns: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Prepare Chocolate Whipped Cream: While the buns bake and cool, whip the heavy cream with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt until stiff peaks form, making a rich chocolate whipped cream filling.
  8. Assemble the Maritozzi: After the buns have cooled, carefully slice each one partially open, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Fill generously with the chocolate whipped cream. Optionally, dust the filled buns with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • For a chewier texture, substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour.
  • If using active dry yeast, proof it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before adding to the dough.
  • Egg wash is optional but recommended for a glossy crust.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut cream for the whipped cream filling.
  • Store leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.

Keywords: Chocolate Maritozzi, Italian Sweet Buns, Chocolate Whipped Cream, Dessert Buns, Cocoa Powder Buns