Name: Italian Christmas Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C); 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1/2 cup raisins or mixed dried fruit

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If you are looking to bring a warm and festive touch to your holiday table, this Italian Christmas Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. This soft and fragrant bread, reminiscent of traditional Panettone, is bursting with juicy dried fruit and zesty orange flavor that instantly evoke the joyful spirit of the season. It’s the perfect centerpiece for sharing sweet moments with loved ones, combining simple ingredients into something truly special and memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a tall, round fruit bread with a golden brown crust, all placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bread is sliced to show its inside, which is pale yellow and filled with many dark raisins and small pieces of dried fruit spread evenly. The texture of the bread looks soft and fluffy, with a slightly shiny crust that is smooth with a light crack pattern. A woman's hand is holding the top and side of the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Italian Christmas Bread Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, yet each component plays a crucial role in delivering its tender texture and luscious flavor. From the subtle richness of butter to the bright pop of orange zest, every ingredient ties together to create a delightful festive loaf.

3 cups flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure and tenderness when kneaded just right.
1 packet yeast: Essential for the bread’s rise and airy crumb, giving it that light, fluffy texture.
1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and softens the crumb, helping to create that irresistibly soft bite.
1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to complement the fruit without overpowering.
2 eggs: Give richness and help bind the ingredients for a perfect rise.
1/3 cup butter, softened: Infuses richness and keeps the loaf tender and moist throughout baking.
1/2 cup raisins or mixed fruit: Adds bursts of juicy sweetness and texture contrasts in every slice.
1 teaspoon orange zest: Brings a fresh, citrusy brightness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the sweetness is perfectly rounded.

How to Make Italian Christmas Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by warming the milk until it’s pleasantly warm but not hot, then whisk in the yeast and sugar. This step is important because you want the yeast to bloom properly, which usually takes about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes frothy and fragrant — this is the magic that will make your bread rise to tender perfection.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Next, combine the flour, eggs, softened butter, salt, orange zest, and the juicy raisins or mixed dried fruit into the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until the dough starts forming, then knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. This kneading will develop the gluten, resulting in a dough that’s soft yet structured, ready for rising.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rest in a warm spot. This rising stage is crucial and may take between 1 to 2 hours. The dough should almost double in size, becoming airy and light — a sure sign your yeast is working its magic.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release any large air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf or place it in your desired pan — remember, you can also make mini loaves using muffin tins for a personalized touch. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

How to Serve Italian Christmas Bread Recipe

The image shows a thick slice of light golden bread with a soft, airy texture. The bread contains dark raisins spread evenly inside, creating small dark spots throughout the slice. The top crust is a darker golden brown, smooth and slightly shiny. Behind the main slice, two whole round loaves with the same color and texture are visible. The bread sits on a white plate with a thin gold rim, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add an extra festive flair by dusting the loaf with powdered sugar or glazing it with a simple orange icing. Toasted sliced almonds can also be sprinkled on top before baking for a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.

Side Dishes

This Italian Christmas Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy spreads like mascarpone or ricotta cheese sweetened with a drizzle of honey. For a more indulgent celebration, serve alongside a cup of rich hot cocoa or mulled wine to complement the citrus and fruit flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices wrapped in colorful tissue paper or place them in a festive basket alongside other holiday treats. You can even hollow out individual servings and fill them with sweet custard or preserves for an unexpected twist that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Italian Christmas Bread Recipe fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it should stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying over several breakfasts or afternoon treats.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it first for convenience, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap before storing in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months, giving you a quick holiday treat anytime you crave a taste of Christmas magic.

Reheating

To revive the soft texture after freezing, simply toast slices lightly or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This brings back the freshly baked feeling—and that heavenly aroma—to brighten your day.

FAQs

Can I use other dried fruits instead of raisins?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding chopped dried apricots, cherries, cranberries, or even a mix of your favorites. Each variation adds its own unique burst of flavor and festive color to this Italian Christmas Bread Recipe.

Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute milk with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and replace butter with vegan alternatives. The texture might differ slightly but will still be deliciously tender and festive.

How long will the dough rise if my kitchen is cool?

If your kitchen is on the cooler side, the dough might take a bit longer, possibly up to 3 hours to fully rise. You can place it in a slightly warm oven (turned off) with the door ajar or near a warm window to speed up the process.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, almonds, or pistachios make fantastic additions, adding crunch and depth. Just fold them in with the dried fruit during mixing for a delightful texture contrast.

What’s the best way to shape the dough?

After the first rise, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on your pan size. Keep it loose for a lighter crumb, or shape it tighter for a denser texture. Both work beautifully for this Italian Christmas Bread Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Christmas Bread Recipe is more than just a holiday treat—it’s a heartfelt tradition in the making. The ease of making it at home, combined with its spectacular flavor and festive feel, makes it a perfect addition to your seasonal celebrations. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and create sweet moments with each bite of this warm and joyful bread.