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italian panettone bread recipe

Italian Christmas Panettone Bread

This Italian Christmas panettone bread is soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, filled with juicy raisins and candied citrus. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or snacks, it fills your kitchen with a warm, festive aroma and tastes like a classic bakery treat at home.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Rise time 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the starter:
  • 1/4 cup warm water 110°F
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
For the dough:
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
  • 1 cup mixed raisins and candied citrus peel
Optional glaze:
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 tbsp sugar

Method
 

  1. Make the starter: Mix warm water, yeast, sugar, and 1/2 cup flour. Cover and let sit 15 minutes until bubbly.
  2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix 3 1/2 cups flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well, add eggs, milk, vanilla, and starter. Stir to form a sticky dough.
  3. Add butter and zest: Knead in softened butter gradually, then fold in orange and lemon zest. Knead 10 minutes until smooth.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 2 hours until doubled.
  5. Add fruits: Gently fold in raisins and candied citrus. Shape dough into a ball and place in a tall panettone mold.
  6. Second rise: Cover and let rise 60–90 minutes until the dough reaches the top of the mold.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle sugar. Bake 35–40 minutes, tent with foil if browning too fast.
  8. Cool: Let the panettone cool completely before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature for best results.
  • Two rises are important for the soft, airy texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
  • You can add chocolate chips or dried cherries as a variation.