Maritozzi are beloved sweet buns that hold a special place in Roman breakfast culture. These soft, pillowy rolls are split and generously filled with lightly sweetened whipped cream that luxuriously spills out the sides when served.

The name "maritozzi" comes from the word "marito" meaning husband in Italian. According to tradition, during Lent, these buns were given by young men to their fiancées as a sweet token of affection, hence becoming known as "little future husbands."

Making maritozzi involves creating a rich, yeasted dough enriched with eggs, sugar, and often flavored with orange zest and vanilla. The dough is shaped into oval buns, studded with raisins or candied orange peel, then baked until golden brown. Once cooled, they're split horizontally and filled generously with freshly whipped cream.

While the classic version features plain whipped cream, modern variations include chocolate-flavored cream, pistachio cream, or even custard fillings. Some bakers add pine nuts or different dried fruits to the dough for extra texture and flavor.

In Rome, maritozzi are traditionally enjoyed for breakfast alongside a strong cappuccino. You'll find them in most Roman cafes and pasticcerie, particularly in the early morning when they're freshly baked and filled.

While undeniably delicious, maritozzi are quite rich in calories and sugar due to the sweet dough and cream filling. Those watching their sugar intake might want to share one or save them for special occasions. The buns contain gluten and eggs, so they're not suitable for those with related allergies or intolerances.