Chocolate Maritozzi are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian maritozzi, a sweet, soft bun typically filled with whipped cream. This version features rich, chocolate-infused dough and a decadent cocoa whipped cream filling. The perfect combination of sweetness and chocolate, these buns are light, fluffy, and a true showstopper, making them ideal for dessert or a special snack. Simple to make yet indulgent, these chocolate maritozzi will impress anyone who tastes them!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 250 g all-purpose flour (2 cups + 2 tbsp)

• 240 g bread flour (2 cups)

• 2½ tsp instant yeast

• 75 g granulated sugar (generous ⅓ cup)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

• 240 g whole or 2% milk (1 cup, warm ~95°F)

• ¼ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)

• 28 g Dutch process cocoa powder (¼ cup)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg

• 1 tbsp whole or 2% milk

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)

• ⅔ cup powdered sugar (sifted)

• 4 tbsp cocoa powder (sifted)

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder. Add the eggs, warm milk, and vanilla extract. Mix with a dough hook until the dough comes together. Add oil and continue mixing until smooth and elastic.

2. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, flatten slightly, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let the dough rise for 30 minutes to 1 hour until puffed.

4. Bake: Brush the dough with egg wash and bake for 16 minutes, or until golden and hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool the buns on a wire rack.

5. Prepare the Whipped Cream: While the buns are cooling, whisk the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until medium-stiff peaks form. Chill the whipped cream.

6. Fill the Buns: Once the buns are cool, slice each one halfway through, leaving the base intact. Pipe the whipped cream into the buns. Smooth the top with a spatula and dust with powdered sugar.

Nutrients

Per Serving (Approximate):

• Calories: 259 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Protein: 14g

• Fat: 20g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

  • Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 164mg

• Sodium: 225mg

• Potassium: 274mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Vitamin A: 238 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 43mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Evolution of Maritozzi

Traditionally, maritozzi are simple sweet buns made with milk, eggs, and sugar, often served with a generous filling of whipped cream. Over time, maritozzi have evolved to incorporate various fillings and toppings, from the classic cream filling to variations with chocolate, custard, or fruit. The chocolate version of the maritozzi takes this tradition and introduces a new layer of complexity with the inclusion of cocoa powder in the dough and the whipped cream, offering a perfect harmony of flavors.

In the past, maritozzi were typically served as a breakfast pastry or as a sweet afternoon snack alongside coffee. Today, they are enjoyed around the world in various forms, with the chocolate version gaining popularity for its rich flavor and indulgent qualities. This modern twist on the traditional maritozzi combines the best of both worlds: a light, fluffy dough infused with chocolate and a smooth, creamy filling that provides a satisfying contrast to the texture of the bun.

The Chocolate-Infused Dough: Rich and Flavorful

The base of the Chocolate Maritozzi is its chocolate-infused dough, which is soft, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of rich. By incorporating cocoa powder into the dough, the chocolate flavor seeps into every bite, making the bun a decadent treat even before the whipped cream filling is added. The use of bread flour, alongside all-purpose flour, gives the dough its slightly chewy texture, making it resilient yet soft enough to pull apart easily when eating.

This chocolate dough is the perfect canvas for the whipped cream filling. It is neither overly sweet nor overly dense, allowing the flavors to shine without becoming too heavy. The addition of vanilla extract and eggs in the dough further enriches the flavor, providing a deeper, more rounded taste profile. The dough rises beautifully, creating fluffy, airy buns that are light and melt-in-your-mouth when eaten.

The Whipped Cream Filling: A Decadent Touch

The true magic of any maritozzi lies in its filling, and for the Chocolate Maritozzi, this is no exception. The whipped cream filling is made rich and indulgent with the addition of cocoa powder, which gives the cream a deep chocolate flavor that complements the chocolatey dough perfectly. The whipped cream is light and airy, providing a creamy contrast to the slightly firm, chocolate dough.

What makes the filling even more special is its perfect balance of sweetness. The powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cream without overpowering the chocolate flavor, while the pinch of salt helps balance the richness of the cream and cocoa. As you bite into the bun, the creamy, velvety filling contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy dough, creating a harmonious texture that is both satisfying and indulgent.

A Delightful Baking Experience

Baking the Chocolate Maritozzi is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with the intoxicating aroma of fresh-baked bread and chocolate. The dough is easy to work with and rises quickly, transforming into soft, pillowy buns that are a joy to bake. The process of filling the buns with whipped cream and dusting them with powdered sugar adds a final touch of elegance, turning a simple baked good into something truly special.

These buns are not just about flavor; they’re about the experience of making and enjoying them. The sight of the dough rising and the scent of freshly baked chocolate filling the air brings a sense of warmth and comfort. When the buns are filled with the creamy whipped chocolate filling and dusted with powdered sugar, they are ready to be served as a showstopper dessert or an unforgettable snack.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Chocolate Maritozzi are versatile and can be served on various occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a tea party, or simply treating yourself and your loved ones to something special, these chocolate-filled buns are sure to make an impression. Their light and fluffy texture make them suitable for both casual and formal occasions, while the rich chocolate flavor adds an element of indulgence.

These buns can be served as a delightful dessert at the end of a meal, or they can be enjoyed as a decadent snack with coffee or tea. The combination of the soft, chocolate-infused dough and the smooth, whipped cream filling makes them perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without feeling overly heavy. They are also ideal for brunches, where they can be paired with fresh fruit, coffee, or tea for a truly indulgent experience.

The Versatility of Chocolate Maritozzi

While the classic chocolate version is irresistible, Chocolate Maritozzi can easily be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. For those who prefer a different type of chocolate, you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate in the dough or the whipped cream. You can also add flavorings such as cinnamon, orange zest, or vanilla to the cream filling to create unique variations.

Additionally, for those who prefer a more traditional filling, you can opt for a simple whipped cream filling without cocoa powder. The chocolate dough will still provide the signature rich flavor, while the classic whipped cream will offer a lighter, more neutral taste. This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe to your personal preferences, ensuring that you can create a version of Chocolate Maritozzi that suits your tastes perfectly.

A Treat for All Ages

Chocolate Maritozzi are not just for adults with a penchant for decadent desserts; they are a treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Children will love the combination of chocolate and cream, while adults can appreciate the balance of flavors and textures that make these buns so indulgent. The soft, pillowy texture of the buns makes them easy for young ones to enjoy, while the rich chocolate and cream filling will satisfy the sweetest of cravings.

These buns are also a great way to introduce children to baking, as they are easy to prepare and don’t require complicated techniques. The process of assembling the buns—spreading the filling and dusting with powdered sugar—can be a fun family activity, and the results are sure to be enjoyed by everyone.

The Nutritional Profile of Chocolate Maritozzi

While Chocolate Maritozzi are certainly an indulgent treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits. The dough, made with bread flour, eggs, and milk, provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates, which are essential for energy. The addition of cocoa powder in the dough and filling also offers antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health. However, due to the rich filling and sweet toppings, these buns are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

For those looking to make the recipe slightly lighter, substitutions can be made, such as using a lower-fat whipped cream or reducing the amount of sugar in the filling. However, part of the allure of Chocolate Maritozzi lies in their indulgence, so it’s important to savor them as a special treat.

Conclusion: A Decadent and Indulgent Dessert

In conclusion, Chocolate Maritozzi are a decadent twist on the traditional Italian maritozzi, offering a rich, chocolate-infused dough and a smooth, whipped cocoa filling that is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or special treat for a gathering, these buns are guaranteed to impress with their perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and rich chocolate flavor. Simple to make yet indulgent, Chocolate Maritozzi bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. Their versatility, lightness, and irresistible flavor make them a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet, indulgent experience with a twist on the classic Italian pastry.