Citrus & Spice Holiday Panettone

Citrus & Spice Holiday Panettone

We love this panettone because it captures the cozy, citrusy magic of the holidays in every bite — light, fragrant, and filled with the bright flavor of Blood Orange Olive Oil and our Cara Cara Orange Vanilla Balsamic. It’s a festive classic with a Little Shop twist that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying warm with your morning coffee.

Author

The Little Shop of Olive Oils

Prep Time

3 hours

Cook Time

45 minutes

Servings

10-12

Category

Dessert

Cuisine

Italian

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
• ½ cup Blood Orange Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Cara Cara Orange Vanilla Balsamic Vinegar
• ½ tsp salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional — the balsamic adds plenty!)
• 1 cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped dried apricots or candied orange peel

Directions

1. In a small bowl, stir yeast into warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolk, sugar, Blood Orange Olive Oil, Cara Cara Orange Vanilla Balsamic, salt, orange zest, and vanilla extract (if using).
3. Add the activated yeast mixture and gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead for 8–10 minutes (or mix with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
5. Gently fold in the dried fruit. Shape into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (1 ½–2 hours).
6. Punch down, shape into a round loaf, and place in a parchment-lined panettone mold or tall cake pan. Let rise again until doubled (about 45 minutes).
7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Score the top, then bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool completely before slicing or wrapping for gifting.