18+ Italian Christmas Sweet Bread Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 7, 2024
The holiday season is upon us, and one of the most beloved traditions in many Italian households is making sweet bread for Christmas. This delicious treat, also known as Panettone, is a staple on the holiday table and a symbol of love and togetherness. If you've never made this Italian Christmas sweet bread before, don't worry, because we've got you covered with our tried and tested Italian Christmas sweet bread recipe. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can bring a taste of Italy into your home this holiday season.
Main Ingredients: Hazelnuts, Eggnog, White Sugar, Salt, Butter, Egg, Egg
This Italian Christmas Bread with Eggnog Glaze is a delicious twist on the traditional panettone. The rich and buttery bread is studded with dried fruit and topped with a creamy eggnog glaze, making it the perfect sweet treat for the holiday season. Serve it for breakfast, as a dessert, or give it as a thoughtful homemade gift.
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Basic Cannoli
Main Ingredients: Part Skim Ricotta Cheese, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla
Cannoli are a classic Italian dessert made with a crispy fried shell filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta filling. This recipe for Basic Cannoli is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The shells are made from scratch and filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for a touch of extra flavor and crunch. Buon appetito!
Panettone is a traditional Italian Christmas sweet bread that is loved all over the world. It's a tall, dome-shaped bread studded with dried fruit and candied citrus peel. This recipe for Panettone Italian Christmas Sweet Bread is easy to make at home and will fill your house with the delicious aroma of warm bread and spices. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate holiday treat.
This Easy Homemade Italian Christmas Bread Panettone is a simpler version of the classic bread, perfect for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy the delicious flavors of Christmas. The dough is made with just a few basic ingredients and can be easily customized with your choice of dried fruits. Top it off with a dusting of powdered sugar and enjoy!
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Panettone (Italian Christmas Bread)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Lukewarm Water, Large
Panettone is a must-have during the holiday season in Italy. This recipe for Panettone (Italian Christmas Bread) is a traditional version that is soft, buttery, and filled with chunks of dried fruit. The dough is made with a starter that gives the bread its signature flavor and texture. Serve it as a dessert, breakfast, or snack and delight in every bite.
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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 fruit cakes, then you'll love this Italian Panettone Bread (Christmas Fruit Cake). It's a dense and moist bread filled with dried fruit, nuts, and spices. This recipe uses a mix of raisins, cranberries, and candied citrus peel, but feel free to use your favorite fruits. Serve it with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of wine for a truly festive treat.
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Christmas Panettone – Traditional Italian Fruit Bread...
Main Ingredients: White Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Water, Sugar, Salt
This Christmas Panettone – Traditional Italian Fruit Bread is a must-try during the holiday season. The bread is incredibly light and airy, with a hint of sweetness from the dried fruit. It's a perfect addition to any holiday brunch or dinner table and will surely impress your loved ones. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence.
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Italian Ricotta Cookies (Italian Christmas Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Large Egg, Almond Extract, Baking Soda
These Italian Ricotta Cookies are a staple during the holiday season in Italy. They are soft, cake-like cookies that are flavored with vanilla and topped with a sweet glaze. The addition of ricotta cheese gives the cookies a rich and creamy texture. Decorate them with festive sprinkles or drizzle them with melted chocolate for a fun and delicious treat.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake is a traditional Italian Christmas cake that is shaped like a star or a Christmas tree. It's a sweet and buttery cake that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe uses a star-shaped pan and is decorated with powdered sugar and candied cherries, but feel free to get creative with your decorations. It's a festive and delicious addition to any Christmas dessert spread.
These Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies are a little different from the classic version. They are soft and chewy cookies flavored with almond extract and topped with a sweet glaze. The ricotta cheese gives the cookies a soft and fluffy texture, making them irresistible. Top them with sliced almonds or chopped pistachios for a festive touch.
This recipe for Italian Christmas Cookies is a collection of classic Italian cookies that are perfect for the holiday season. From biscotti to pizzelle, these cookies are packed with flavor and will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Make a variety and serve them on a platter for a beautiful and delicious dessert display.
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Italian Christmas strudel
Main Ingredients: Dried Figs, Marsala, Raisins, Walnuts, Almonds, Lemon
This Italian Christmas strudel is a delicious and festive twist on the traditional apple strudel. Instead of apples, this recipe calls for a mix of dried fruit and nuts, adding a touch of holiday flavor. The flaky pastry is filled with a sweet and tart filling and is perfect for serving as a dessert or a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Christmas Italian Spice Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Polenta, Blanched Almonds, Cocoa
This Christmas Italian Spice Cake is a rich and flavorful cake that is filled with warm spices and dried fruits. It's a perfect addition to any holiday dessert table and will surely impress your guests. The cake is topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting and decorated with fresh berries for a festive touch. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
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Cucciddati | Italian Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Figs, Raisins, Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Orange
Cucciddati, also known as Italian Christmas Cookies, are a Sicilian holiday tradition. These cookies are filled with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season. The dough is flavored with orange zest and a touch of cinnamon, giving the cookies a warm and festive flavor. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and delicious snack.
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Traditional Italian Christmas Eve Doughnuts
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Sugar, Dried Yeast, Water, Orange, Rum
These Traditional Italian Christmas Eve Doughnuts, also known as zeppole, are a classic Italian dessert that is typically served on Christmas Eve. They are soft and fluffy doughnuts that are rolled in sugar and filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta filling. Top them off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and indulge in this delicious holiday treat.
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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 must-try for any fig lover. The dough is flavored with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and is filled with a mixture of dried figs, almonds, and orange zest. They are a perfect balance of sweet and savory and are a unique addition to any holiday dessert spread.
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Struffoli di Natale – Italian Christmas
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs, Egg Yolk, Salt
Struffoli di Natale, also known as Italian Christmas Honey Balls, are small fried dough balls that are coated in honey and decorated with festive sprinkles. They are a popular dessert during the holiday season and are often served alongside other traditional Italian Christmas desserts. These sweet and sticky treats are a must-try for any holiday celebration.
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Italian Christmas Salad / Insalata Di Natale
Main Ingredients: Fennel, Celery, Endive, Oranges, Olives, Capers
This Italian Christmas Salad, also known as Insalata Di Natale, is a refreshing and colorful addition to any holiday meal. It's a mix of fresh greens, oranges, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts, tossed in a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The vibrant colors and flavors make it a perfect accompaniment to any rich and heavy holiday dishes.
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Christmas Polenta Party, an Italian Tradition
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Sea Salt, Polenta
Polenta is a classic Italian dish made from ground cornmeal that is often served during the holiday season. This recipe for Christmas Polenta Party is a fun and unique way to serve polenta at your holiday gathering. The creamy polenta is topped with a variety of toppings, such as grilled vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats, making it a perfect dish for sharing and celebrating with loved ones.
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European-Style Hot Chocolate
Main Ingredients: Milk Chocolate, Bittersweet Chocolate, Granulated
This European-Style Hot Chocolate is a decadent and indulgent drink that will warm you up on a cold winter day. It's thick, rich, and full of chocolate flavor, making it a perfect treat for the holiday season. Serve it in mugs and top it with whipped cream or marshmallows for an extra touch of delight.
The History of Italian Christmas Sweet Bread
The Origins
The origins of Italian Christmas sweet bread can be traced back to the Roman Empire, where it was considered a luxurious and decadent dessert. Over the years, the recipe evolved, and different regions in Italy put their own spin on it. Today, it is a staple in many Italian households, especially during the holiday season.
The Symbolism
In Italy, the sweet bread is not just a delicious treat, but it also holds a lot of symbolic meaning. Its dome shape is said to represent the Virgin Mary's breast, and the raisins or candied fruits inside symbolize the jewels on her crown. It is also believed that the bread brings good luck and prosperity to those who eat it.
The Key Ingredients
The Flour
One of the most crucial ingredients in Italian Christmas sweet bread is 00 flour, also known as doppio zero flour. This finely ground flour creates a soft and light texture, perfect for Panettone.
The Yeast
Traditionally, Italian sweet bread is made with fresh yeast, but it can be challenging to find outside of Italy. You can substitute it with active dry yeast, which is more readily available. However, make sure to activate the yeast before using it in the recipe.
The Flavorings
The flavorings in Italian Christmas sweet bread are what make it unique and delicious. Candied orange peel, raisins, and pine nuts are commonly used, but you can also add your own twist by using different dried fruits, nuts, or even chocolate chips.
The Process
The Starter
The first step in making Italian Christmas sweet bread is preparing the starter. This is a mixture of flour, yeast, and water that needs to ferment for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is essential in creating a light and airy bread.
The Dough
Once the starter is ready, it's time to make the dough. This involves combining the starter with the remaining ingredients and kneading the dough until it is smooth and elastic. The dough then needs to rise for a few hours before being shaped into a dome and baked.
The Baking
Baking the sweet bread is the final and most crucial step. The bread needs to be baked at a low temperature for an extended period to ensure it rises properly and has a light and fluffy texture. Once it's done, let it cool before slicing and enjoying it with your loved ones.
In conclusion, Italian Christmas sweet bread is more than just a recipe; it's a symbol of tradition, love, and togetherness. So why not add this delicious treat to your holiday table this year and experience a taste of Italy? Follow our Italian Christmas sweet bread recipe, and you'll be sure to impress your family and friends. Buon Natale!
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