In Photos: How To Make Maritozzi
Step 1: Make The Dough
To start the dough, put the bread flour in a large bowl and make a well in the center. Add the milk and honey, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it dissolve for about 5 minutes.
Stir the dough together on medium-low speed, then mix in the olive oil and heavy cream until incorporated.
Stir in the eggs one at a time, letting each fully incorporate before adding the next.
Add the orange zest, salt, vanilla, and raisins or pine nuts, if using.
Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes to build gluten and make it elastic.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or put it in the fridge overnight.
Step 2: Shape The Dough
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a tight ball and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Lightly spray a sheet of plastic wrap with nonstick spray and place it loosely over the dough balls. Let the buns rise in a warm place for another hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the buns with egg wash.
Bake them until they are puffed and golden, about 16 to 24 minutes.
Step 3: Make The Filling
Put the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Beat them together on medium speed until smooth.
With the mixer on medium-low, slowly pour the heavy cream down the side of the bowl. Pause now and then to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl.
After all the cream is added, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and whip until the filling forms stiff peaks.
Step 4: Fill The Maritozzi Buns
Let the buns cool completely. Then, split them horizontally.
Fill with mascarpone cream. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar.