Decadent Chocolate Maritozzi Recipe
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.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 12 buns 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake the Buns: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- 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.
- 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