Description
A rich and fluffy twist on traditional Italian panettone, this chocolate-studded holiday bread is infused with citrus zest and features an airy texture and deep flavor from overnight fermentation. Perfect for festive breakfasts or dessert.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 cup chocolate chunks
1 cup chocolate chips
½ cup warm milk
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and both citrus zests to the dry ingredients. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture while kneading to form a smooth dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough overnight for slow fermentation.
- The next day, gently knead in the chocolate chunks and chocolate chips.
- Transfer the dough to a greased panettone paper mold, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 2 hours).
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the panettone for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool completely before slicing. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Swap chocolate chips for white or dark chocolate for variation.
Add chopped hazelnuts or almonds for a nutty version.
Replace chocolate with raisins and candied orange peel for a traditional take.
Add a splash of amaretto or rum for added depth.
Shape into mini panettones for gifting and faster baking.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
