Easy Panettone Recipe (Italian Holiday Bread)

This easy Panettone recipe brings the magic of the holidays straight to your kitchen. Every year, I look forward to baking this sweet, fluffy loaf that fills the house with the scent of butter, citrus, and vanilla. It’s one of those recipes that truly captures the warmth and joy of the season a treat that feels both festive and comforting at the same time.

Making Italian holiday bread like this may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple when you take it step by step. The dough is rich with eggs and butter, then studded with golden raisins and candied orange peel for that signature panettone flavor. Once baked, it turns out light, airy, and slightly sweet, perfect for breakfast or dessert during the holidays.

I always make this Christmas panettone to share with friends and family. There’s something so special about slicing into the golden loaf, spreading a little butter on it, and enjoying it with coffee or hot chocolate by the tree. It’s one of those traditional treats that never goes out of style.

If you’ve never tried making a traditional panettone, this is the perfect place to start. The recipe is beginner-friendly but delivers that authentic Italian taste we all love. Whether you bake it in a classic paper mold or a simple loaf pan, it’ll still rise beautifully and impress everyone at your holiday table.

There’s nothing quite like homemade panettone fresh out of the oven, soft, buttery, and filled with sweet fruit in every bite. It’s the ultimate Christmas baking project and a delicious way to bring a taste of Italian holiday bread tradition celebrations .

What You’ll Need When Making Easy Panettone Recipe

1. All-Purpose Flour

• Creates the base structure of the bread.
• Offers the perfect balance of softness and strength for a light, airy texture.
• For extra fluffiness, you can blend in a little bread flour.

2. Active Dry Yeast

• The life of your dough, it makes the bread rise beautifully.
• Activated in warm milk to help achieve that perfect dome-shaped top.
• Be sure not to use milk that’s too hot, as it can kill the yeast.

3. Whole Milk

• Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Warm milk activates yeast while keeping the bread soft inside.

4. Unsalted Butter

• Brings richness, tenderness, and that unmistakable buttery flavor.
• Adds shine and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

5. Sugar

• Feeds the yeast and sweetens the bread.
• Balances the citrus and fruitiness with subtle sweetness.

6. Eggs

• Essential for richness and structure.
• Create a soft, almost brioche-like crumb.

7. Zests (Lemon and Orange)

• Add a burst of fresh citrus flavor, a signature in every authentic panettone.
• Balances the sweetness with a refreshing aroma.

8. Raisins and Candied Peel

• Traditional mix-ins that make each bite fruity and festive.
• Soak them first for plumpness and better texture.

9. Vanilla Extract

• Deepens flavor and enhances the overall aroma.
• A touch of sweetness that ties everything together.

10. Egg Wash

• Gives the loaf that beautiful golden sheen after baking.
• Adds a slight crispness to the top crust.

Equipment for Making This Easy Panettone Recipe

1. Mixing Bowls
2. Whisk and Wooden Spoon
3. Dough Scraper
4. Stand Mixer (optional, for kneading)
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons
6. Panettone Mold or Deep Round Cake Pan
7. Parchment Paper
8. Wire Cooling Rack
9. Pastry Brush

Quick Tips for Perfect Easy Panettone Recipe

• Use room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can slow yeast activity.
• Don’t rush the rise: The secret to fluffy bread lies in patience.
• Soak the fruits: Raisins stay juicy and don’t dry out in the bake.
• Avoid over-kneading: You want elasticity, not toughness.
• Cool before slicing: This ensures clean slices and better texture.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Panettone Recipe

• Simple and approachable: This recipe keeps the Italian holiday bread tradition essence of panettone while simplifying the process for home bakers.
• Beautifully fluffy: The dough rises into a soft, cloud-like loaf with a golden, slightly crisp crust.
• Perfectly festive: Bursting with raisins, candied orange peel, and a hint of vanilla, this bread feels like Christmas in every bite.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or nuts for your own twist.
• Gift-worthy: Makes a beautiful homemade holiday gift wrapped in parchment and ribbon.
• Irresistibly aromatic: The smell of warm, buttery bread with citrus notes will make your kitchen smell like an Italian bakery.

• Rich in vitamin B from eggs and flour.
• Contains antioxidants from citrus zest and raisins.
• Moderate portion sizes can offer sustained energy from complex carbs.
• A festive dessert that’s less heavy than typical cakes.

Conclusion

Panettone is more than a dessert, it’s an Italian love story baked into a golden, fragrant loaf. With its light texture, festive aroma, and rich tradition, it’s the perfect bread to share with family and friends during the holidays. Whether you bake it for Christmas morning or wrap it as a heartfelt gift, this Easy Panettone Recipe will become a treasured part of your Italian holiday bread tradition. Every bite brings the warmth of the season, a touch of sweetness, and a reminder that homemade treats made with love always taste best.

✅ Quick Tips: Read through the full recipe before diving in; it’s the best way to get a feel for the flow, prep time, and tools you’ll need. Think of it like scanning a map before a road trip: you’ll cook more confidently and avoid any surprises halfway through.

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Easy Panettone Recipe (Italian Holiday Bread)

This Easy Panettone Recipe brings the magic of Italian holiday baking right to your kitchen. A golden, buttery loaf dotted with sweet raisins, candied citrus, and warm vanilla essence, this bread captures the heart of Christmas in every fluffy slice. Originating from Milan, Panettone is more than just bread, it’s a cherished tradition, baked in homes across Italy and gifted as a symbol of love and celebration during the holidays.

Delicious

Author: Lia Agbor Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Italian Courses: Breakfast, Brunch, Desert Recipe Keys: Halal High Fiber Low Sodium Vegan

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Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 175  C Servings: 8 Calories: 330

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) Active Dry Yeast
• ½ cup Whole Milk (warm, about 43°C)
• ½ cup Granulated Sugar
• ½ tsp Salt
• 4 large Eggs ((room temperature))
• ¾ cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
• 1 tbsp Orange Zest
• ½ cup Raisins (soaked in warm water or rum)
• ½ cup Candied Orange Peel (chopped)
• ½ cup Mini Chocolate Chips (optional)
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for greasing bowl)
• 1 Egg 1 Yolk + 1 tbsp Milk (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

   • In a small bowl, combine warm milk (43°C) with yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar.

   • Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy. This shows your yeast is alive and ready.

   
   Mark as complete

1. Make the Dough

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.

   • Add in the yeast mixture, eggs, honey, and vanilla extract.

   • Mix until the dough starts to come together.

   
   Mark as complete

1. Add the Butter

   • Gradually add softened butter, one tablespoon at a time.

   • Knead for 10–15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

   • If it’s too sticky, dust with a bit more flour, but don’t overdo it.

   Mark as complete

1. First Rise

   • Gently deflate the dough.

   • Knead in the raisins, candied peel, and chocolate chips (if using).

   • Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout.

   Mark as complete

1. Shape the Loaf

   • Transfer dough into a greased and parchment-lined panettone mold or deep round cake pan.

   • Let it rise again for 45–60 minutes until puffy.

    

   
   Mark as complete

1. Egg Wash and Bake

   • Brush the top with the egg yolk and milk mixture.

   • Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for 40–50 minutes, until golden and a skewer comes out clean.

   • If it browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

   Mark as complete

1. Cool Completely

   • Let it cool in the mold for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

   • Cool completely before slicing to allow the crumb to set.

   
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size 1 thick slice (about 90g)

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 330kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 12g19%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Cholesterol 85mg29%

Sodium 2mg1%

Potassium 210mg6%

Total Carbohydrate 48g16%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 20g

Protein 7g15%

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Vitamin A 350 IU

Vitamin C 1.2 mg

Calcium 35 mg

Iron 1.8 mg

Vitamin D 15 IU

Vitamin E 0.7 IU

Vitamin K 2.4 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Avoid drafts while your dough rises.
• If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off).
• Don’t open the oven during the first 30 minutes of baking.
• Store leftovers tightly wrapped to keep it soft for days.
• Freeze slices for long-term storage, they toast beautifully.