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
Scale
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.
