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Classic Homemade Holiday Panettone

A spectacular, towering Italian holiday bread! This beautifully soft, brioche-like Panettone is loaded with rich butter, sweet raisins, and bright candied citrus peel.

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup Warm milk
  • 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup Granulated sugar divided
  • 3 large Eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp Orange zest freshly grated
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest freshly grated
  • 3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup Raisins
  • 1/2 cup Candied orange peel

Method
 

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. Whisk the remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and lemon zest into the yeast mixture.
  3. Add the flour and salt. Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until combined.
  4. With the mixer running, add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, waiting until each piece is absorbed. Knead for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides.
  5. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover tightly, and let rise overnight in the refrigerator (or 3 hours at room temperature).
  6. Punch the dough down to deflate it. Turn it out and use a spatula to gently knead in the raisins and candied orange peel until evenly distributed.
  7. Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it directly into a buttered Panettone paper mold (6x4 inches).
  8. Cover lightly and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 2-3 hours, or until the dough reaches the top of the mold.
  9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a sharp knife to cut a shallow "X" on the top of the dough. Place a small pat of butter in the center of the X.
  10. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the loaf is a deep golden brown and a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Do not rush the rising times; the heavily enriched dough requires patience to climb the tall mold.
Ensure your butter is softened but not melted so the dough does not become greasy.
Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.