17+ Italian Christmas Donuts Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Apr 20, 2024
If you're looking for a delicious and traditional dessert to add to your Christmas celebration, look no further than Italian Christmas donuts, or as they are known in Italian, "zeppole di natale." These delectable treats are a staple in many Italian households during the holiday season and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. In this article, we will share with you a classic Italian Christmas donut recipe that is easy to follow, authentic, and will have everyone wanting more.
Main Ingredients: Part Skim Ricotta Cheese, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla
Cannoli is a traditional Italian dessert that is perfect for any occasion, including Christmas. These delicious pastries are made with a crispy shell filled with creamy ricotta cheese and chocolate chips. They are easy to make and can be customized with different flavors and toppings to suit your taste. Here are some of our favorite variations of basic cannoli for your holiday celebrations.
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Italian Christmas Bread with Eggnog Glaze
Main Ingredients: Hazelnuts, Eggnog, White Sugar, Salt, Butter, Egg, Egg
This Italian Christmas bread, also known as Panettone, is a sweet and fluffy bread that is typically enjoyed during the holiday season. The addition of an eggnog glaze makes it even more festive and indulgent. Serve it for breakfast or as a dessert, and your guests will be impressed by the delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.
If you're feeling ambitious and want to make your own Panettone from scratch, this recipe is for you. This traditional Italian Christmas bread is made with candied orange peel, raisins, and almonds, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. The bread is soft and fluffy, making it perfect for soaking up any leftover glaze or sauce from your main course.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Pandoro is a buttery and rich Italian Christmas cake that is shaped like a Christmas tree. It is usually dusted with powdered sugar and can be served as is or with a side of whipped cream or custard. This recipe adds a festive twist by using red and green sprinkles to decorate the top, making it a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
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Italian Ricotta Cookies (Italian Christmas Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Large Egg, Almond Extract, Baking Soda
Ricotta cookies are a staple in many Italian households during the holiday season. These soft and fluffy cookies are made with ricotta cheese, giving them a unique texture and flavor. They can be decorated with icing and sprinkles to match the festive theme, making them perfect for cookie exchanges or as a sweet treat for your loved ones.
If you're looking for a twist on the classic ricotta cookie, try this recipe that adds cranberries and pistachios to the mix. The tartness of the cranberries and the crunch of the pistachios complement the creamy ricotta perfectly, making these cookies a flavorful and festive addition to your holiday spread.
These Italian cookies are a must-have for any holiday celebration. They are made with a simple dough that is flavored with anise extract and rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy effect. The result is a soft and buttery cookie with a hint of licorice flavor that will have you coming back for more.
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Italian Christmas strudel
Main Ingredients: Dried Figs, Marsala, Raisins, Walnuts, Almonds, Lemon
This Italian Christmas strudel is a flaky and delicious pastry filled with a mixture of raisins, walnuts, and spices. It's perfect for breakfast or as a dessert, and can be served warm or at room temperature. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a unique and tasty addition to your holiday table.
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Christmas Italian Spice Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Polenta, Blanched Almonds, Cocoa
This Italian spice cake is a festive and flavorful dessert that is a staple in many Italian households during Christmas. It is made with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, giving it a cozy and comforting taste. The cake is moist and can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for added sweetness.
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Cucciddati | Italian Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Figs, Raisins, Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Orange
Cucciddati are traditional Italian cookies that are often enjoyed during the Christmas season. They are made with a sweet and crumbly dough filled with a mixture of dried figs, nuts, and spices. The filling is slightly sweet and has a chewy texture, making these cookies a unique and delicious addition to your holiday dessert spread.
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Traditional Italian Christmas Eve Doughnuts
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Sugar, Dried Yeast, Water, Orange, Rum
If you're looking for a decadent and indulgent treat for Christmas Eve, try these traditional Italian doughnuts. They are made with a dough that is flavored with orange zest and vanilla and filled with a rich and creamy custard. These doughnuts are fried to golden perfection and are a must-try for any doughnut lover.
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Spiced Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking Powder
These spiced Italian Christmas fig cookies are a delicious and unique holiday treat. The dough is spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and is filled with a mixture of dried figs, nuts, and chocolate chips. These cookies are soft and chewy, with a burst of flavors in every bite.
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Panettone (Italian Christmas Bread)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Lukewarm Water, Large
This traditional Italian Christmas bread is a must-have for any holiday celebration. It is made with a sweet and fluffy dough that is filled with raisins and candied orange peel. The bread is usually served with a cup of espresso or hot chocolate, making it the perfect breakfast or dessert option for the holiday season.
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Struffoli di Natale – Italian Christmas
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs, Egg Yolk, Salt
Struffoli di Natale is a traditional Italian Christmas dessert that is made with small balls of fried dough that are coated in honey and sprinkles. These bite-sized treats are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a crowd-pleaser among both kids and adults.
This version of Panettone adds a twist by using chocolate chips and almonds in the dough. The result is a rich and indulgent bread that is perfect for serving as a dessert or as a sweet breakfast option. This recipe also includes a step-by-step guide on how to shape the dough into a beautiful Christmas wreath.
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Italian Panettone Bread (Christmas Fruit Cake)
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Lukewarm Water, White Sugar, Eggs
If you're a fan of fruitcake, you'll love this Italian version that uses Panettone bread as the base. It is filled with dried fruits and nuts, and the addition of rum adds a boozy and festive touch. This cake is perfect for serving as a dessert or as a gift to your loved ones during the holiday season.
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Italian Christmas Salad / Insalata Di Natale
Main Ingredients: Fennel, Celery, Endive, Oranges, Olives, Capers
While Christmas may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of salads, this Italian Christmas salad is a refreshing and flavorful addition to your holiday menu. It is made with a mix of fresh greens, oranges, pomegranate seeds, and a simple vinaigrette dressing. The colors and flavors of this salad make it a perfect side dish for any Christmas feast.
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Christmas Polenta Party, an Italian Tradition
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Sea Salt, Polenta
In some regions of Italy, it is tradition to serve polenta on Christmas Eve with a variety of toppings and sauces. This "polenta party" is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with your loved ones, and can be customized with your favorite toppings and flavors. From savory to sweet, the possibilities are endless with this Italian Christmas tradition.
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Christmas Panettone – Traditional Italian Fruit Bread...
Main Ingredients: White Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Water, Sugar, Salt
This traditional Italian Christmas bread is filled with candied fruits, nuts, and chocolate chips, and is perfect for serving as a dessert or as a sweet breakfast option. The recipe also includes a step-by-step guide on how to make your own candied fruits, making this Panettone even more special and unique.
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European-style Hot Chocolate
Main Ingredients: Milk Chocolate, Bittersweet Chocolate, Granulated
No Christmas celebration would be complete without a warm and indulgent cup of hot chocolate. This European-style hot chocolate is thick, rich, and decadent, and is made with real chocolate and cream. It's the perfect drink to cozy up with on a cold winter night, and can also be served with a splash of your favorite liqueur for an adult version.
Gather the Ingredients
To make these deliziosi Italian Christmas donuts, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup of milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting
Choosing the Right Oil
When it comes to frying your Italian Christmas donuts, it's important to choose the right oil. Olive oil is the traditional choice and adds a delicious flavor to the donuts. However, you can also use vegetable or canola oil if you prefer.
Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and mix until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Frying the Donuts
In a large pot, heat about 3 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Working in batches, drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, flipping once. This should take about 3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Dusting with Powdered Sugar
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dust them generously with powdered sugar. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for some extra flavor. Serve the zeppole di natale warm and enjoy with your loved ones.
In conclusion, Italian Christmas donuts are a must-try dessert during the holiday season. With this authentic recipe, you can bring a taste of Italy to your Christmas celebration. So gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready to indulge in these deliziosi treats. Buon Natale!
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