15+ Italian Christmas Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Apr 17, 2024
Italian Christmas recipes are a delicious way to bring the flavors and traditions of Italy into your holiday celebrations. From savory dishes to sweet treats, there are many options to choose from when it comes to planning your Italian-inspired Christmas meal. One dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends is the classic Italian Christmas dessert, Panettone. This sweet, fluffy bread is a staple in many Italian households during the holiday season and is often enjoyed as a breakfast treat on Christmas morning. Let's take a closer look at this featured Italian Christmas recipe and how you can make it at home.
Main Ingredients: Hazelnuts, Eggnog, White Sugar, Salt, Butter, Egg, Egg
Celebrate the holiday season with a delicious twist on a classic Italian bread. This Italian Christmas bread is filled with warm spices and topped with a creamy eggnog glaze, making it the perfect treat for your Christmas brunch or dessert.
Start by making the dough for the bread, which is a simple combination of flour, sugar, yeast, and warm milk. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling by combining raisins, candied orange peel, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
If you're looking for a quick and easy version of the traditional Italian Christmas bread, look no further than this homemade panettone recipe. Using store-bought pizza dough, you can have a delicious Italian Christmas bread on the table in no time.
Simply roll out the pizza dough and spread a mixture of dried fruit, nuts, and spices on top. Roll up the dough and place it in a greased bundt pan. Let it rise for about 30 minutes, then bake until golden brown. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
No Italian Christmas celebration is complete without a plate of homemade cookies. These Italian Christmas cookies are buttery, crumbly, and full of festive flavors like anise and citrus.
To make the dough, cream together butter and sugar, then add eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Gradually add flour and baking powder until a soft dough forms. Roll out the dough and use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes. Bake until lightly golden and let cool before decorating with a simple glaze and sprinkles.
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Italian Christmas strudel
Main Ingredients: Dried Figs, Marsala, Raisins, Walnuts, Almonds, Lemon
Looking for a unique and delicious addition to your Christmas dessert table? Try this Italian Christmas strudel, filled with a mixture of dried fruit, nuts, and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger.
The strudel dough is made with flour, butter, and egg yolks, which gives it a flaky and tender texture. Toss the filling ingredients together and spread them over the dough, then roll it up and bake until golden brown. Serve slices of this strudel with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent and festive treat.
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Italian Ricotta Cookies (Italian Christmas Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Large Egg, Almond Extract, Baking Soda
These soft and cakey Italian Ricotta cookies are a staple in many Italian households during the holiday season. They are made with ricotta cheese, which adds a subtle tang and moisture to the cookie.
The dough is a simple combination of flour, sugar, butter, and ricotta cheese. After baking, the cookies are dipped in a glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract. The result is a tender and sweet cookie that will melt in your mouth. Serve these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy Christmas treat.
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Cucciddati | Italian Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Figs, Raisins, Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Orange
Cucciddati, also known as Italian fig cookies, are a traditional Christmas treat that is beloved by many Italian families. These cookies are filled with a mixture of dried figs, nuts, and spices, giving them a unique and delicious flavor.
To make the dough, combine flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Knead until the dough comes together, then let it rest in the fridge for about an hour. For the filling, blend dried figs, apricots, and raisins with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles, then spoon the filling onto one half of the circle and fold the other half over it. Bake until golden brown and let cool before enjoying these festive cookies.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Pandoro, which means "golden bread" in Italian, is a traditional Christmas cake that is shaped like a Christmas tree. This light and fluffy cake is made with a rich dough that is infused with vanilla and lemon zest.
After baking and cooling, the cake is cut into slices and stacked to create the shape of a Christmas tree. Dust the cake with powdered sugar and top with a star-shaped piece of fruit for a festive and delicious centerpiece for your holiday table.
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Traditional Italian Christmas Eve Doughnuts
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Sugar, Dried Yeast, Water, Orange, Rum
In some Italian households, it is a tradition to eat doughnuts on Christmas Eve as a symbol of good luck for the new year. These traditional Italian Christmas Eve doughnuts, also known as zeppole, are light and airy with a crispy exterior.
The dough is made with flour, eggs, yeast, and warm milk. After frying, the doughnuts are rolled in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with honey for a sweet and indulgent treat. Enjoy these doughnuts warm with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy Christmas Eve tradition.
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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 addition to your holiday dessert spread. The dough is made with a combination of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.
After chilling the dough, roll it out and cut it into circles. The filling is a mixture of dried figs, dates, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Place a spoonful of the filling onto each circle of dough, then fold the dough over and crimp the edges to seal. Bake until lightly golden and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.
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Panettone (Italian Christmas Bread)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Lukewarm Water, Large
Panettone is a classic Italian Christmas bread that is often given as a gift during the holiday season. This sweet bread is studded with dried fruit and candied citrus, giving it a burst of flavor in every bite.
The dough is made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, and is left to rise overnight to develop its signature flavor and texture. Bake the bread in a round pan and let it cool before slicing and enjoying it with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Struffoli di Natale – Italian Christmas
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs, Egg Yolk, Salt
Struffoli, also known as honey balls, are a traditional Italian Christmas dessert that is made with deep-fried dough balls coated in honey and sprinkles.
The dough is a simple combination of flour, eggs, and butter. After frying, the dough balls are tossed in a warm honey and sugar mixture, then arranged into a tower or wreath shape and topped with festive sprinkles. These sweet and crunchy treats are a must-have on every Italian Christmas table.
This recipe for Panettone Italian Christmas sweet bread is a simplified version of the traditional bread, making it perfect for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a taste of Italy during the holidays.
The dough is made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, but instead of letting it rise overnight, this recipe uses instant yeast to speed up the process. The result is a soft and fluffy bread studded with dried fruit and nuts, perfect for slicing and enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Italian Christmas Salad / Insalata Di Natale
Main Ingredients: Fennel, Celery, Endive, Oranges, Olives, Capers
While most Italian Christmas dishes are rich and indulgent, this Italian Christmas salad offers a refreshing and healthier option for your holiday meal.
The salad is a combination of mixed greens, colorful vegetables, and a simple homemade vinaigrette dressing. Top it with slices of fresh mozzarella and prosciutto for an Italian twist. Serve this salad alongside your traditional holiday dishes for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
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Lupini Beans and Olives, An Italian Christmas...
Main Ingredients: Beans, Salt, Olives
Lupini beans and olives are a classic Italian Christmas appetizer that is often served as part of the antipasto course. These salty and tangy snacks are perfect for nibbling on while waiting for the main course.
The beans are soaked in water for a few days to remove their bitterness, then boiled until tender. They are then marinated with olives, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for a flavorful and addictive snack. These beans and olives can also be served as a side dish or added to salads for a burst of flavor.
This Italian Christmas cookie recipe is a simple and delicious way to add a touch of Italy to your holiday celebrations. The dough is a classic sugar cookie dough, flavored with vanilla and almond extract.
Roll out the dough and use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes like stars, trees, and candy canes. Bake until lightly golden and let cool before decorating with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles. These cookies are perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
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Italian Christmas Bars
Main Ingredients: Flour, Baking Powder, Butter, Sugar, Almond Paste
If you're looking for an easy and delicious dessert to add to your holiday menu, try these Italian Christmas bars. They are a combination of a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of sweet jam, and a crumbly streusel topping.
The crust and topping are made with flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. The jam layer can be made with your favorite flavor, such as raspberry, apricot, or fig. These bars are simple to make but will impress your guests with their festive and tasty flavors.
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Italian Cookies (Italian Christmas Cookies)
Main Ingredients: White Sugar, Butter, Eggs, Anise Extract, All Purpose
These Italian cookies, also known as pizzelle, are thin and crispy treats that are a staple in many Italian households during the holiday season. The batter is made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, and is cooked on a special pizzelle iron to create the signature pattern.
Once cooked, the cookies can be left plain or dusted with powdered sugar. For a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top or sandwich two cookies together with a creamy filling. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy and delicious treat.
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Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract
Cucidati, also known as Italian fig cookies, are a traditional Christmas treat that is beloved by many Italian families. These cookies are filled with a mixture of dried figs, nuts, and spices, giving them a unique and delicious flavor.
To make the dough, combine flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Knead until the dough comes together, then let it rest in the fridge for about an hour. For the filling, blend dried figs, apricots, and raisins with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles, then spoon the filling onto one half of the circle and fold the other half over it. Bake until golden brown and let cool before enjoying these festive cookies.
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Italian Christmas Cookie Cake
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Eggs, Almond Extract, Heavy Cream
For a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests, try this Italian Christmas cookie cake. This cake is made with layers of soft and chewy almond cookies, filled with a creamy mascarpone filling and topped with a chocolate ganache.
The cookies are made with almond flour, sugar, egg whites, and almond extract. The mascarpone filling is made with whipped cream, mascarpone cheese, and powdered sugar. Assemble the cake by layering the cookies and filling, then top with a rich chocolate ganache and festive sprinkles. This cake is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
This Italian Christmas pudding cake, also known as panettone pudding, is a delicious and unique way to use up any leftover panettone from your holiday celebrations. The panettone is torn into pieces and combined with a rich custard made with eggs, milk, and cream.
Bake the pudding until it is set and golden brown, then let it cool before serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. This dessert is a decadent and indulgent way to end your holiday meal.
Ingredients for Panettone
For the dough:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
For the filling:
- 1 cup of dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or cherries)
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as almonds or hazelnuts)
- 1/4 cup of dark rum or brandy
- 1/4 cup of honey
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, soak the dried fruit and nuts in the rum or brandy for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spices. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Drain the soaked fruit and nuts, reserving the liquid.
7. Add the fruit and nuts to the dough and knead for a few minutes until they are evenly distributed.
8. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
9. Punch down the dough and knead it for a few minutes. Then shape it into a round loaf and place it in a greased pan.
10. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another hour.
11. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
12. Brush the top of the panettone with the reserved liquid from the soaked fruit and make a cross-shaped cut on top.
13. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
14. Let the panettone cool before serving.
Variations
While the traditional Panettone recipe is made with dried fruit and nuts, you can also experiment with different fillings and flavors. Some popular variations include chocolate chips, candied citrus peel, and even savory options like prosciutto and cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Panettone is typically served as a dessert or breakfast dish during the Christmas season. It can be enjoyed on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of gelato. For an extra indulgent treat, try toasting slices of Panettone and serving them with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce.
In conclusion, Panettone is a must-try Italian Christmas recipe that will add a touch of sweetness to your holiday celebrations. With its fluffy texture and delicious flavors, it is sure to become a new favorite among your family and friends. So why not give it a try and impress your loved ones with your homemade Panettone this Christmas?
![Panettone [Italian Christmas Bread] | Brown Eyed Baker | Bloglovin’](http://www.browneyedbaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/panettone-33-600.jpg)
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