20+ Italian Christmas Zeppole Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Apr 7, 2024
If you're looking to add a touch of Italian tradition to your Christmas celebration, then you can't go wrong with a plate of delicious zeppole. These fried dough treats are a staple of Italian Christmas festivities and are loved by people all over the world. In this article, we'll share with you a tried and tested Italian Christmas zeppole recipe that will surely impress your family and friends this holiday season. So let's get started!
Main Ingredients: Part Skim Ricotta Cheese, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla
If you're looking for a classic Italian dessert to add to your holiday menu, then look no further than cannoli. These crispy pastry shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese and chocolate chips are a staple in many Italian households during Christmas time. While the traditional cannoli recipe calls for frying the shells, you can also bake them for a healthier option. Serve them as a sweet treat after dinner or as a festive addition to your holiday brunch.
Panettone is a must-have on the Italian Christmas table. This sweet bread is filled with candied fruits and raisins, giving it a rich and fruity flavor. Making your own panettone at home is easier than you think, and the end result is a delicious and impressive addition to your holiday spread. Serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert – either way, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Italian Ricotta Cookies (Italian Christmas Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Large Egg, Almond Extract, Baking Soda
These soft and pillowy cookies are a staple in many Italian households during the holiday season. Made with ricotta cheese, these cookies have a light and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. The dough can also be flavored with citrus zest, cocoa powder, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive touch. These cookies are a crowd favorite and are sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Pandoro is another traditional Italian Christmas dessert that is shaped like a Christmas tree. This buttery and rich cake is made with yeast and has a light and airy texture. It's usually dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snow on a Christmas tree. You can serve pandoro as is or toast it and top it with your favorite jam or Nutella for a decadent treat.
These cookies are similar to the ricotta cookies mentioned earlier, but with a festive twist. The dough is flavored with almond extract, and the cookies are topped with a simple icing and festive sprinkles. These cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make with kids. They are sure to become a new holiday favorite in your household.
Italian Christmas cookies come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. From biscotti to amaretti, these cookies are a must-have on the holiday table. Each region of Italy has its own unique cookie recipes, but they all have one thing in common – they are all absolutely delicious. So why not add a variety of Italian cookies to your holiday dessert platter and impress your guests with a taste of Italy?
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Italian Christmas strudel
Main Ingredients: Dried Figs, Marsala, Raisins, Walnuts, Almonds, Lemon
A strudel may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Italian desserts, but this Italian Christmas strudel is a must-try. This flaky pastry is filled with a sweet and nutty filling made with almonds, pistachios, candied fruits, and spices. It's a unique and tasty addition to your holiday dessert spread.
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Christmas Italian Spice Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Polenta, Blanched Almonds, Cocoa
Also known as 'pandolce', this Italian spice cake is a popular dessert during the holiday season. The cake is studded with dried fruits, nuts, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It's dense and moist, making it the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve it as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Cucciddati | Italian Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Figs, Raisins, Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Orange
These fig-filled cookies are a Sicilian Christmas tradition. The dough is filled with a mixture of figs, raisins, nuts, and spices, giving them a sweet and nutty flavor. These cookies are usually shaped into a crescent or an 'S' shape and are a delicious treat to enjoy with a cup of espresso or hot cocoa.
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Traditional Italian Christmas Eve Doughnuts
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Sugar, Dried Yeast, Water, Orange, Rum
In many Italian households, it's a tradition to eat fried foods on Christmas Eve, and these traditional Italian Christmas Eve doughnuts are a must. These light and airy doughnuts are flavored with lemon and orange zest and can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar or dipped in a warm chocolate sauce for a decadent treat. Just make sure to leave room for the rest of your holiday feast!
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Spiced Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking Powder
These spiced fig cookies are a twist on the traditional cucciddati recipe. The dough is flavored with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and the filling is made with figs, dates, and nuts. These cookies are a delicious and festive addition to any holiday dessert platter.
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Panettone (Italian Christmas Bread)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Lukewarm Water, Large
If you're a fan of panettone, then why not try making your own at home? This recipe for traditional panettone is easier than you think and yields a delicious and festive loaf of bread that is perfect for the holiday season. You can serve it as is, or get creative and turn it into a bread pudding or a French toast casserole.
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Struffoli di Natale – Italian Christmas
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs, Egg Yolk, Salt
Struffoli is a traditional Italian Christmas dessert that originated in Naples. These bite-sized fried dough balls are coated in honey and topped with festive sprinkles, making them a sweet and festive treat. They are usually served in a mound or shaped into a wreath and are a fun and delicious addition to any holiday dessert table.
This recipe for panettone is a little different from the traditional one. The bread is filled with dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and almonds, giving it a festive and decadent twist. It's the perfect combination of sweet and tart and is sure to be a hit with your holiday guests.
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Italian Christmas Salad / Insalata Di Natale
Main Ingredients: Fennel, Celery, Endive, Oranges, Olives, Capers
While desserts usually steal the show during the holiday season, it's important not to forget about incorporating some healthy options into your menu. This Italian Christmas salad is a refreshing and light dish made with seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and grapes, and dressed with a simple vinaigrette. It's a great way to balance out all the indulgent dishes on the table.
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Italian Panettone Bread (Christmas Fruit Cake)
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Lukewarm Water, White Sugar, Eggs
This panettone bread recipe is a classic and traditional version that is perfect for any holiday celebration. The dough is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, giving it a rich and festive flavor. It's a wonderful addition to any holiday breakfast or brunch spread.
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Christmas Polenta Party, an Italian Tradition
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Sea Salt, Polenta
In some parts of Italy, it's a tradition to serve polenta on Christmas Eve. This creamy and comforting dish is made with cornmeal and can be topped with a variety of toppings like meats, cheeses, and vegetables. It's a hearty and warm dish that is perfect for a cold winter evening.
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Christmas Panettone – Traditional Italian Fruit Bread...
Main Ingredients: White Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Water, Sugar, Salt
This recipe for Christmas panettone is a little different from the others mentioned earlier. It's a savory version of the traditional sweet bread, filled with prosciutto, cheese, and olives. It's a unique and delicious twist on the classic and is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering.
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European-style Hot Chocolate
Main Ingredients: Milk Chocolate, Bittersweet Chocolate, Granulated
Hot chocolate is a staple during the holiday season, and this European-style hot chocolate is a must-try. Made with dark chocolate, heavy cream, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and decadent. Serve it in festive mugs with a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate holiday treat.
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Lupini Beans and Olives, An Italian Christmas...
Main Ingredients: Beans, Salt, Olives
The History of Zeppole
Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a quick look at the history of zeppole. These heavenly bites originated in Naples, Italy, and were traditionally made on the feast day of Saint Joseph, which falls on March 19th. However, over the years, they have become a popular treat for Christmas as well. In fact, it is believed that the tradition of eating zeppole on Christmas Eve originated from the story of Saint Joseph and the miracle of the wheat crop during a famine in Sicily. Today, zeppole are enjoyed all year round, but they hold a special place in Italian households during the holiday season.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Now, let's move on to the most exciting part - the ingredients! To make Italian Christmas zeppole, you'll need all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, vanilla extract, and active dry yeast. You'll also need some oil for frying and powdered sugar for dusting. These simple ingredients come together to create a heavenly treat that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
The Method
To start, you'll need to mix the yeast with warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the dry ingredients along with the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour.
Once the dough has risen, heat the oil in a deep pot. Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Once cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Finally, dust the zeppole with powdered sugar and serve them warm.
A Twist on Tradition
While the classic zeppole recipe calls for a simple dusting of powdered sugar, you can get creative and add your own twist to this traditional treat. You can fill them with your favorite jam, chocolate spread, or even a creamy custard filling. You can also add some flavor to the dough by incorporating lemon or orange zest. The possibilities are endless, and you can let your imagination run wild!
In conclusion, Italian Christmas zeppole is a must-try recipe that will add a touch of Italian charm to your holiday spread. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twist, these delicious treats will surely be a hit among your loved ones. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and we guarantee you won't be disappointed!
![Panettone [Italian Christmas Bread] | Brown Eyed Baker | Bloglovin’](http://www.browneyedbaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/panettone-33-600.jpg)
