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Italian Christmas Bread Recipe

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3.8 from 39 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 servings)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A soft and festive Italian-style holiday bread filled with dried fruit and citrus flavor, perfect for the Christmas season. This Italian Christmas Bread, similar to Panettone, features a tender crumb enriched with eggs and butter, studded with sweet raisins or mixed fruit, and brightened with a hint of orange zest.

Ingredients

Dry 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

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup raisins or mixed dried fruit

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, orange zest, and dried fruit. Mix until the ingredients come together.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape and prepare for baking: Gently punch down the risen dough to release any air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan or shape into rounds for freeform baking. Cover and let it rise a second time for about 30 minutes.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your festive Italian Christmas Bread.

Notes

  • Add chocolate chips to the dough along with the dried fruit for a delicious variation.
  • For smaller servings, bake the bread dough in greased muffin tins to make mini Italian Christmas breads. Reduce baking time slightly and check for doneness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Bread, Holiday
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://myhomemadecooking.com/italian-christmas-bread-recipe/