Fluffy Italian Maritozzi Buns with Whipped Ricotta

Name: Fluffy Italian Maritozzi Buns with Whipped Ricotta
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: All-purpose flour; Granulated sugar; Salt; Active dry yeast; Warm milk; Unsalted butter, melted; Egg; Orange zest; Egg, beaten; Milk; Ricotta cheese; Powdered sugar; Vanilla extract; Powdered sugar; Orange zest

A Classic Italian Sweet Treat

Indulge in these soft, pillowy Italian buns filled with lightly sweetened whipped ricotta. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack.

3 h
8
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Buns

All-purpose flour

3 1/4 cups

Granulated sugar

1/3 cup

Salt

1/4 teaspoon

Active dry yeast

2 teaspoons

Warm milk

3/4 cup

Unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup

Egg

1 large, room temperature

Orange zest

1 tablespoon

For the Egg Wash

Egg, beaten

Milk

1 tablespoon

For the Whipped Ricotta Filling

Ricotta cheese

1 1/2 cups

Powdered sugar

1/4 cup

Vanilla extract

1 teaspoon

For Garnishing

Powdered sugar

for dusting

Orange zest

for sprinkling

Preparation

Marinating the Buns

Activate Yeast

In a bowl, mix yeast with warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Ensure the milk is not too hot; it should be warm to activate yeast, not kill it.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.

Knead the Dough

Add melted butter, egg, orange zest, and yeast mixture. Knead into a dough.

Preparing the Filling

Blend Filling

Blend ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixer until smooth.

Chill the mixing bowl and whisk for best results when whipping ricotta.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Flavor Rest

Let flavors meld for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking Process

Proofing the Dough

Let the dough rest in a greased bowl, covered, for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Shaping the Dough

Divide dough into 8 pieces, roll into balls, and place on a baking sheet.

Baking the Buns

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush buns with egg wash and bake for 15-18 minutes.

Plating & Serving