If you’re craving a dessert that’s utterly irresistible and feels like a warm hug from an Italian bakery, this Italian Vanilla Cream Filled Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls baked to golden perfection, each generously filled with a luscious, velvety vanilla cream that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect blend of light sweetness and creamy indulgence that transforms any ordinary moment into a special occasion. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro looking for a crowd-pleaser, these rolls will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect texture and flavor starts with simple, quality ingredients. Each one here plays a key role in making these rolls fluffy, tender, and decadently creamy.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, pillowy rolls that hold their shape well.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to balance the dough.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast: Gives the dough its beautiful rise and airy texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C): Activates the yeast and contributes to the softness of the rolls.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture, helping the rolls stay fluffy.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a delicate vanilla aroma that pairs beautifully with the filling.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The base for the rich and creamy filling.
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese if unavailable): Contributes a smooth texture and slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without any graininess.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Adds a pretty finishing touch and extra sweetness.
How to Make Italian Vanilla Cream Filled Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Proof the Yeast and Prepare the Dough
Start by warming your milk to just the right temperature—you want it cozy enough to wake up the yeast but never hot enough to kill it. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and wait until it turns frothy, a sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. This step is the secret behind those wonderfully soft and airy rolls. Then, mix together your flour, sugar, and salt, creating a little well in the center where your wet ingredients will come together into a fragrant dough.
Step 2: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Once your dough starts to form, get ready to put a little elbow grease into the kneading. Whether by hand or with a stand mixer, knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s irresistibly smooth and elastic—this is what gives the rolls their perfect bounce and helps them rise beautifully. Don’t rush this step; it’s where the magic really happens in the dough’s texture development.
Step 3: First Rise
After kneading, place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in a warm spot. This first rise, about an hour or until doubled in size, allows the gluten to relax and the yeast to create those wonderful air pockets that make the rolls so tender.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has puffed up nicely, gently punch it down and roll it out into a half-inch thick rectangle. Cut it into 12 equal pieces, then roll each piece into tight spirals. These swirls not only look pretty but also create layers of soft bread that beautifully cradle the vanilla cream.
Step 5: Second Rise and Baking
Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment and cover them again, letting them puff up for another 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise is crucial for that final lightness. Then, bake at 350°F (175°C) until the tops achieve a perfect golden color, about 15 to 18 minutes. Let them cool completely before filling to prevent melting your delicious cream.
Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Cream Filling
While the rolls cool, whisk together heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you get stiff peaks of silky perfection. This luscious filling is the heart of this recipe—rich, sweet, and bursting with vanilla flavor to complement the soft rolls perfectly.
Step 7: Fill the Rolls and Finish
Carefully slice each roll in half without cutting all the way through, creating a little pocket or hinge for your vanilla cream. Spoon or pipe the filling generously inside, then dust the tops with powdered sugar for that classic bakery look. Trust me, at this point, your kitchen will smell like heaven.
How to Serve Italian Vanilla Cream Filled Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is often all you need, but if you want to jazz things up, try sprinkling a few toasted almond slivers or fresh berries on top. A touch of edible flowers can also add a charming, elegant twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with a light, refreshing side like a mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette if you’re serving them as part of brunch. For a cozy coffee break, a cup of rich espresso or creamy cappuccino enhances the vanilla in the rolls wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider placing the filled rolls in a decorative basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin. Alternatively, serve them alongside small bowls of fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on the side to let everyone add a little extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover filled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the rich cream filling, they stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted or unfilled rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then fill with the vanilla cream fresh before serving to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
To enjoy these rolls warm, reheat them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving once filled, as it can cause the cream to separate or become too runny.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone for the filling?
Absolutely! Cream cheese is a perfectly good substitute and will give you a slightly tangier flavor. Just make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing.
How do I make sure the rolls come out soft and fluffy?
Proper kneading and allowing the dough to rise twice are key. Also, using warm milk to activate the yeast helps achieve that soft but airy crumb.
Can I prepare the rolls the day before serving?
You can bake the rolls ahead of time and keep them unfilled in an airtight container overnight. Fill them with the vanilla cream just before serving for the freshest taste.
Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?
While this recipe relies on all-purpose flour for structure, you could experiment with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but expect some differences in texture. Additional binding agents might be necessary.
Any tips for making the vanilla cream filling extra light?
Whipping the cream to stiff peaks gently and folding the mascarpone in carefully helps keep the filling airy. Chilling the mixture before filling also improves its stability.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Vanilla Cream Filled Rolls Recipe is a delightful treat that brings the taste of a classic Italian bakery right into your home kitchen. The combination of tender rolls with a heavenly vanilla cream filling is simply unbeatable. I highly encourage you to try it for your next special occasion or cozy weekend—each bite is sure to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy sighs. Happy baking!
Print
Italian Vanilla Cream Filled Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 48 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delight in these soft and fluffy Italian Rolls filled with a luscious homemade vanilla cream. Lightly sweetened dough is baked to golden perfection and paired with a rich mascarpone-infused vanilla cream filling, making these rolls an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese if unavailable)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it become frothy for about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring until dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough, roll it into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Cut into 12 equal pieces, roll each into tight spirals, and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 15-18 minutes until golden brown on top. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Vanilla Cream Filling: Whisk heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form using a mixer or by hand.
- Fill the Rolls: Slice cooled rolls in half leaving a hinge or cut a pocket on top. Fill generously with vanilla cream using a spoon or piping bag.
- Serve: Dust filled rolls with powdered sugar and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute cream cheese for mascarpone if unavailable.
- For a cleaner filling presentation, use a piping bag.
- Rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently before serving if stored chilled.
