Italian Rolls Filled with Vanilla Cream

If you’re craving something sweet and indulgent, these Italian Rolls Filled with Vanilla Cream are about to become your new favorite treat. Picture soft, pillowy rolls with a rich, luscious vanilla cream filling, all topped off with a light dusting of powdered sugar. It’s like a little piece of Italian pastry heaven, and trust me, these will disappear faster than you can say “delizioso!”

These rolls have that perfect balance of lightness and decadence. The dough is buttery and slightly sweet, making the vanilla cream filling taste even richer. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, brunch, or just treating yourself to a special snack, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Get ready for a little slice of Italy in your kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Italian Rolls Filled with Vanilla Cream

Soft and Fluffy:

The dough is incredibly soft and light—almost like a cloud—so when you bite into it, it melts in your mouth. Paired with the smooth vanilla cream, it’s a combination that’s impossible to resist.

Vanilla Cream Perfection:

The homemade vanilla cream is the star of the show. It’s rich and velvety, with just the right amount of sweetness and that classic vanilla flavor. The best part? You can taste the real vanilla bean in every bite, making it truly decadent.

Beautiful Presentation:

These rolls look just as stunning as they taste. Perfectly golden on the outside, filled with creamy goodness inside, and dusted with powdered sugar, they’ll look gorgeous on any table. Serve them to guests, and watch the compliments roll in!

Easy to Make:

Even though they look fancy, these rolls are surprisingly easy to put together. The dough is simple, and the vanilla cream is a breeze to make. The most difficult part is waiting for them to cool down before you devour them!

Versatile:

While they make an incredible dessert, they’re also perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. You could even customize the filling with other flavors—think chocolate, hazelnut, or citrus zest—if you’re feeling adventurous.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create these gorgeous Italian rolls:

For the Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, creating the perfect texture—soft and pillowy.
• Yeast: This will make the dough rise beautifully, giving the rolls their light and airy texture.
• Sugar: Just a little sweetness in the dough to balance out the richness of the vanilla cream filling.
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Warm Milk: Milk provides moisture and helps activate the yeast, making the dough soft and tender.
• Butter: The butter adds richness and flavor to the dough, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Eggs: These help bind the dough together and give it a slight richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla in the dough ties in perfectly with the vanilla cream filling.

For the Vanilla Cream Filling:

• Heavy Cream: This forms the base of the filling, making it rich and smooth.
• Whole Milk: Adds to the creaminess and lightness of the filling.
• Sugar: Sweetens the vanilla cream, balancing the richness of the dairy.
• Egg Yolks: These will help thicken the custard-like cream and give it that silky texture.
• Vanilla Beans or Vanilla Extract: The star ingredient in the filling! You can use vanilla beans for a more intense vanilla flavor or go with extract for convenience.
• Cornstarch: This helps thicken the cream so it has the perfect consistency for filling the rolls.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to work making these melt-in-your-mouth Italian rolls!

Make the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Once the yeast is activated, pour it into the dry ingredients, followed by the eggs and melted butter. Mix until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
5. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Make the Vanilla Cream Filling:

6. Combine the Dairy: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
7. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar and cornstarch until smooth.
8. Temper the Eggs: Gradually pour a little of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture.
9. Thicken the Cream: Place the saucepan back over low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency (about 5 minutes).
10. Add Vanilla: Once thickened, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract or vanilla beans. Let the cream cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to use.

Assemble the Rolls:

11. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
12. Fill and Roll: Spread a generous amount of the chilled vanilla cream evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll up the dough, pinching the seams to seal.
13. Slice and Place in Pan: Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch wide pieces and place them into a greased baking pan, fitting them closely together. Let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes.
14. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Finish the Rolls:

15. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch.
16. Serve and Enjoy: These rolls are best enjoyed warm, but they’re still delicious the next day. Slice them up and serve for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.

How to Serve Italian Rolls Filled with Vanilla Cream

These Italian rolls are perfect for so many occasions. Here are a few ideas to make them shine:

Serve as a Dessert:

Serve them after dinner as a sweet treat or as part of an afternoon tea. They’re light yet indulgent, making them perfect for ending any meal on a sweet note.

Pair with Coffee or Tea:

Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or a pot of tea. The soft, fluffy dough and creamy filling pair beautifully with the rich flavors of a warm drink.

Add Fresh Berries:

For a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cream, serve the rolls with a handful of fresh berries on the side—strawberries, raspberries, or even blueberries would work wonderfully.

Top with Whipped Cream:

If you want to take these rolls to the next level, top them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead:

These rolls are perfect for making ahead. Prepare the dough and cream the night before, then bake and fill them in the morning for fresh rolls at breakfast. You can also freeze the dough before baking and then bake them as needed.

Customize the Filling:

If you want to switch things up, feel free to add a bit of citrus zest to the vanilla cream or swap in chocolate cream for a fun twist.

Storage:

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought cream instead of making my own?

A1: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought vanilla pudding or custard as a filling instead of making your own cream.

Q2: Can I freeze these rolls?

A2: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after assembling them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them in plastic wrap, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as directed.

Q3: Can I add fruit to the filling?

A3: You can! Fresh berries or even a layer of jam can be added to the vanilla cream for extra flavor and a pop of color.

Q4: Can I make the dough without yeast?

A4: Yeast helps give the rolls their light, airy texture. If you’re looking for a quicker option, you could try a biscuit-style dough, but the texture will be different.

Q5: How do I

know when the rolls are done baking? A5: The rolls should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick into the center to check if it comes out clean.

Q6: Can I use a different flavor for the filling?

A6: Absolutely! Chocolate, hazelnut, or even a coffee-flavored filling would be fantastic if you’re looking to switch things up.

Q7: How can I make the dough fluffier?

A7: Be sure to let the dough rise properly, and avoid overworking it. If the dough is too tough, it can lead to denser rolls. Trust the process and give it enough time to rise!

Q8: Can I make these rolls in mini sizes?

A8: Yes, you can! Roll the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time. Mini rolls are perfect for parties or as bite-sized snacks.

Q9: Can I add cinnamon or other spices to the filling?

A9: Definitely! A little cinnamon or nutmeg could give these rolls a warm, comforting flavor. You can experiment and find your favorite spice combination.

Q10: How should I store these rolls?

A10: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them and reheat before serving.

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There you go! These Italian Rolls Filled with Vanilla Cream are the perfect treat for any occasion. Light, fluffy, and filled with rich vanilla cream, they’re sure to make anyone who takes a bite smile. Enjoy!

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