Introduction:
Maritozzi with raisins are soft, leavened pastries from the Italian tradition, perfect for breakfast or a delicious snack. With their slightly sweet dough and raisin-filled filling, they’re a classic of Roman pastry. Served with powdered sugar or filled with whipped cream, they’re sure to win you over at first bite. Discover how to make them at home with this simple and authentic recipe!
Ingredients
🔸 For the dough:
500 g of Manitoba flour
100 g of sugar
200 ml of warm milk
50 g of soft butter
1 whole egg + 1 yolk
12 g of fresh brewer’s yeast (or 4 g of dry yeast)
100 g of raisins
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1 pinch of salt
🔸 For brushing:
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons of milk
🔸 To decorate:
Powdered sugar to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the dough:
In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and let it rest for 10 minutes.
2️⃣ Knead:
In a large bowl (or in a stand mixer), combine the flour and sugar. Add the milk, yeast, eggs, and lemon zest and begin kneading. Gradually incorporate the softened butter and finally the salt. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
3️⃣ Let it rise:
Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise for about 2 hours or until doubled in volume.
4️⃣ Add the raisins:
Soak the raisins in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Gently fold them into the batter.
5️⃣ Form the maritozzi:
Divide the dough into 8-10 portions and shape them into slightly elongated balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart. Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.
6️⃣ Brush and bake:
Mix the egg yolk with the milk and brush the surface of the maritozzi. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
7️⃣ Decorate:
Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or cut them in half and fill them with whipped cream for an even more delicious version!
Serving and Storage Tips
🍽 Serving: Raisin maritozzi are perfect with a cappuccino or hot tea. For an irresistible treat, top them with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.
❄️ Storage: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days. To soften them, warm them gently in the oven for a few minutes. You can also freeze them and thaw them at room temperature.
Variations
✨ With custard: For an even more delicious version, fill them with custard instead of cream.
🍊 Citrus scent: Add grated orange zest for a touch of freshness.
🍫 With Chocolate Chips: Replace the raisins with chocolate chips for an irresistible variation.
🥜 Lactose-free: Use plant-based milk and lactose-free butter for a lactose-free version.
FAQ
❓ Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can replace 12g of fresh yeast with 4g of dry yeast. Always dissolve it in milk before using.
❓ Why didn’t my maritozzi come out fluffy?
It could be due to the rising process. Make sure you follow the recommended times and use room temperature ingredients.
❓ Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! You can freeze the baked maritozzi or let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight and bake them the next morning.
❓ Can I make these without raisins?
Absolutely! You can omit them or replace them with other ingredients, like candied fruit or chopped nuts.
✨ Now all you have to do is try this recipe and enjoy your soft and delicious maritozzi! 🍞💛