Tag: holiday baking

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Luxury Homemade Panettone – A Soft, Buttery Italian Christmas Classic

Beautifully risen homemade Panettone filled with raisins and citrus peel. Image and recipe created by Nicol Retailer Limited
Beautifully risen homemade Panettone filled with raisins and citrus peel. Image and recipe created by Nicol Retailer Limited

Bring the Magic of Italian Christmas to Your Kitchen

Panettone is one of the most beloved Christmas bakes in the world. Tall, golden, soft as clouds and filled with fruity sweetness, this Italian Christmas bread has been enjoyed for over 500 years. Its delicate texture, gentle citrus aroma and beautiful domed shape make it a centrepiece dessert for festive gatherings, breakfasts and gifting.

This recipe teaches you how to make a luxury homemade Panettone that is light, airy, buttery and far superior to supermarket versions. With step-by-step instructions and simple ingredients, you can enjoy authentic Italian Christmas baking at home.

Whether served on Christmas morning, paired with coffee, shared with guests, or wrapped as a beautiful homemade gift, this Panettone recipe will fill your home with festive aromas and warm holiday cheer.

A Short History of Panettone – The Pride of Milan

Panettone originates from Milan, Italy, where it was first created during the Renaissance. What began as a simple enriched bread has evolved into the iconic tall, dome-shaped Christmas cake known today. Traditionally, Panettone is made with a long fermentation process that creates its signature airy crumb and rich depth of flavour.

Legend has it that Panettone was invented by a Milanese baker named Toni, which is why many Italians still call it “Pane di Toni” — Toni’s Bread. Today, Panettone is shared across Europe during the festive season, symbolising celebration, generosity and the spirit of Christmas.

According to BBC Good Food, Panettone has been a festive staple in Milan for centuries.

How to Make This Panettone

Making this luxury homemade Panettone is easier than you think. You’ll prepare a rich, buttery dough, knead it until smooth, let it rise slowly, then fold in rum-soaked fruit for extra flavour. After shaping and proving in a tall Panettone case, it’s baked until golden and cooled upside-down to keep its iconic tall, fluffy structure. Follow the simple steps and you’ll have a beautifully soft, fragrant Italian Christmas bread straight from your oven.

Beautifully risen homemade Panettone filled with raisins and citrus peel. Image and recipe created by Nicol Retailer Limited

Luxury Homemade Panettone

Print Recipe
Create a soft, buttery and beautifully golden homemade Panettone with this authentic Italian Christmas recipe. Made with enriched sweet dough, citrus zest, rum-soaked raisins and mixed peel, this festive bread is light, airy and irresistibly fragrant. Perfect for gifting, Christmas morning breakfast or serving with coffee, this easy step-by-step Panettone guide delivers bakery-quality results at home.
Course brunch, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Italian, Traditional Christmas
Diet Vegetarian
Keyword bakery style panettone, Christmas panettone,, holiday baking ideas, homemade panettone, Italian Christmas bread, Italian panettone, panettone recipe, panettone with raisins, sweet bread recipe, traditional panettone
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Rising Time: (two rises + cooling) 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings 12 People
Calories 320

Ingredients

For the Dough

Fruit Filling:

Finishing:

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for best dough development; cold eggs or milk will slow the rise of this enriched bread.
Be patient with rising time—Panettone needs a long, slow prove to achieve its signature tall, airy, cloud-soft texture.
High-quality dried fruit makes a big difference. Soak raisins and peel in rum or orange juice to keep them plump and fragrant.
The dough will be sticky—this is normal for enriched breads. Avoid adding extra flour; rely on a dough hook to knead properly.
Use a Panettone case or tall tin to support the dough as it rises upward instead of spreading outward.
Hang the Panettone upside-down after baking to prevent collapse and keep the crumb light and tall—this step is essential for authentic results.
Flavour variations: Add chocolate chips, pistachios, amarena cherries, or swap citrus peel for candied fruit.
Storage: Wrap tightly in cellophane or foil to keep it soft for 5–7 days.
Serving tip: Panettone tastes best slightly warm or lightly toasted and served with butter, mascarpone or a festive cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 80g | Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 160mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g

Serving Suggestions

Serve Warm with Butter, Mascarpone or Clotted Cream

Panettone is at its most indulgent when enjoyed slightly warm. Spread each slice with soft salted butter for a rich, comforting finish, or elevate it further with a dollop of silky mascarpone or classic clotted cream. The creamy texture melts into the warm, airy crumb, creating a beautifully luxurious Christmas treat.

Enjoy with Espresso or Hot Chocolate on Christmas Morning

A slice of freshly baked Panettone makes the perfect Christmas morning breakfast. Pair it with a strong Italian espresso for an authentic Milanese experience, or serve with a mug of creamy hot chocolate for a cosy, family-friendly moment. The gentle sweetness of the bread pairs wonderfully with warm festive drinks.

Toast Slices Lightly and Drizzle with Honey

For a quick and irresistible twist, toast thick slices of Panettone until lightly caramelised. Once golden, drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a glossy, fragrant finish. This simple serving idea enhances the citrus notes and adds a gentle crispness while keeping the centre soft and fluffy.

Use Leftovers for Panettone French Toast

Turn leftover Panettone into the ultimate luxury breakfast with Panettone French Toast. Dip slices into a mixture of eggs, cream, sugar and cinnamon, then pan-fry until golden. Serve with berries, syrup or whipped cream. It’s one of the most delicious ways to repurpose leftover festive bread and guaranteed to impress guests.

Wrap in Cellophane and Gift to Friends and Family

Homemade Panettone makes a stunning edible Christmas gift. Wrap the entire loaf in festive cellophane, tie with ribbon and add a gift tag for a thoughtful, artisan-style present. Panettone keeps beautifully when wrapped well, making it ideal for gifting to neighbours, colleagues or loved ones.

Shop Premium Baking Ingredients at Nicol Retailer Limited

Make your Panettone even better with high-quality ingredients available at: Nicol Retailer Limited – Premium Ingredients for Home & Professional Bakers.

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Luxury Christmas Mince Pies Using Chef’s Selections Mincemeat – A Festive Favourite for National Mince Pie Day

Golden Christmas mince pies with star tops and icing sugar. Image and recipe created by Nicol Retailer Limited.
Golden Christmas mince pies with star tops and icing sugar. Image and recipe created by Nicol Retailer Limited.

The Ultimate Festive Treat That Defines British Christmas

Few foods capture the magic of Christmas quite like the humble mince pie. But when made properly — buttery, golden, generously filled and beautifully spiced — they become something truly unforgettable. This recipe combines soft, melt-in-the-mouth shortcrust pastry with the rich, warming flavour of Chef’s Selections Mincemeat (3kg) from Nicol Retailer Limited. It creates bakery-quality mince pies perfect for gifting, serving, or enjoying fresh from the oven.

Whether you’re celebrating National Mince Pie Day on December 13th or preparing for festive gatherings, this recipe brings together tradition, luxury, and irresistible Christmas flavour in every bite.

The History of Mince Pies — A British Christmas Icon

Mince pies have been part of British festive traditions for over 600 years. Originally made with minced meat, dried fruits and warming spices brought back from the Middle East during the Crusades, they evolved throughout the centuries into the sweet, fruit-rich pies we know today.

By Victorian times, mince pies had become a symbol of generosity and celebration — served warm at festive gatherings and gifted as a gesture of love and good fortune. Today, over 200 million mince pies are eaten in the UK every year. This makes them one of the nation’s most cherished seasonal bakes.

National Mince Pie Day — A Celebration of Festive Baking

National Mince Pie Day, celebrated in the UK every year on 12 December, is a joyful tribute to one of Britain’s most beloved festive treats. It marks the start of the Christmas baking season. Homes fill with the warm aroma of citrus, cinnamon and spiced fruit. It’s the perfect moment to bake a fresh batch of mince pies, share them with loved ones and enjoy the tradition that has been part of British Christmas for centuries. Using Chef’s Selections Mincemeat (3kg) from Nicol Retailer Limited makes this celebration even more delicious. It gives every pie a rich, authentic festive flavour.

How to Make These Delicious Christmas Mince Pies

Making these traditional Christmas mince pies is wonderfully simple and incredibly rewarding. With just a few basic ingredients and the rich, flavour-packed Chef’s Selections Mincemeat (3kg) from Nicol Retailer Limited, you can create bakery-quality mince pies right at home. The process begins with preparing a buttery shortcrust pastry and filling each case generously with spiced mincemeat. Then, bake them to golden perfection. Whether you’re an experienced baker or making mince pies for the first time, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve beautifully festive, perfectly flavoured pies every single time.

Golden Christmas mince pies with star tops and icing sugar. Image and recipe created by Nicol Retailer Limited.

Luxury Christmas Mince Pies Using Chef’s Selections Mincemeat

Print Recipe
Celebrate the festive season with these beautifully golden, buttery Christmas mince pies made using Chef’s Selections Mincemeat (3kg) from Nicol Retailer Limited. Filled with rich vine fruits, warming spices, citrus zest and optional brandy, these homemade mince pies deliver authentic holiday flavour with a bakery-quality finish. With a crisp shortcrust pastry and perfectly spiced filling, they’re ideal for National Mince Pie Day, Christmas gatherings, gifting, or cosy winter treats. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this recipe captures the true taste of Christmas in every bite.
Course Afternoon Tea Treat, Christmas Baking, Dessert, Festive Dessert
Cuisine English, Traditional Christmas
Diet Vegetarian
Keyword British Christmas, Butternut squash at Nicol Retailer, Christmas baking, Christmas pies, festive treats, holiday desserts, mince pies, mincemeat recipe, shortcrust pastry
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Chilling time) 30 minutes
Servings 24 People
Calories 235

Ingredients

For the Filling:

For Finishing:

Instructions

Make the Pastry

  • Rub flour, salt and cold butter together until breadcrumb-like.
  • Stir in the caster sugar.
  • Add the egg and bring together into a dough.
  • If dry, add 1 tablespoon cold water.
  • Wrap in clingfilm and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

  • In a bowl, mix the Chef’s Selections Mincemeat with brandy and/or orange zest for extra festive depth (optional but incredible).

Assemble the Mince Pies

  • Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C Fan).
  • Grease a muffin or tart tray.
  • Roll out pastry to 3mm thickness.
  • Cut rounds to fit your tray for the bases.
  • Spoon 1–2 tsp mincemeat into each pastry case.
  • Top with pastry lids, stars, or festive shapes.
  • Seal edges gently and brush tops with beaten egg.
  • Sprinkle with demerara sugar.

Bake

  • Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and bubbling slightly.

Serve

  • Cool for 10 minutes, dust with icing sugar, and serve warm with clotted cream, brandy butter or custard.

Notes

For the best flavour, use high-quality Chef’s Selections Mincemeat (3kg) from Nicol Retailer Limited — its rich fruit content and warming spices create a deeper, more authentic Christmas taste than supermarket jars.
Chill the pastry for at least 30 minutes before rolling. This helps prevent shrinking and gives the mince pies a delicate, buttery crumb.
Do not overfill the mince pies; the filling expands as it bakes. A heaped teaspoon per case is usually perfect.
Pastry thickness matters — roll your pastry to about 3mm for the ideal balance of crispness and tenderness.
Add orange zest or a splash of brandy to the filling for an extra festive boost.
Use festive pastry cut-outs (stars, trees, or hearts) instead of full lids for a lighter, bakery-style pie.
Brush with beaten egg for a shiny golden finish, and top with demerara sugar for sparkle and crunch.
Storage: Mince pies keep for 3–4 days in an airtight container or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Serving suggestion: Warm slightly and serve with clotted cream, brandy butter, or vanilla custard for a traditional Christmas treat.

Nutrition

Serving: 60g | Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g

Serving Suggestions

These luxuriously spiced Christmas mince pies shine even brighter when paired with the right festive accompaniments. Here are delicious serving ideas that elevate the flavour, texture and presentation — perfect for holiday gatherings, Christmas Eve treats, or National Mince Pie Day celebrations.

Classic Brandy Sauce

Nothing says traditional British Christmas dessert like warm brandy sauce poured generously over a hot mince pie. Smooth, silky and gently boozy, it balances the sweetness of the mincemeat and adds a festive warmth to every bite.

Brandy Butter

Creamy, rich and sweet, brandy butter melts beautifully over warm mince pies. Made with butter, icing sugar and a splash of brandy, it creates an indulgent finish worthy of a Christmas dessert table.

Vanilla Custard

A thick, velvety custard brings comforting warmth and creaminess. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a festive twist.

Luxury Vanilla Ice Cream

The contrast of cold, silky ice cream against a hot, freshly baked mince pie is irresistible — ideal for those who prefer a lighter, refreshing finish.

Spiced Whipped Cream

Lightly whipped cream flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of orange zest pairs beautifully with the fruity mincemeat.

Festive Presentation Ideas

  • Dust pies with icing sugar “snow”
  • Arrange on a wooden board with holly, cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices
  • Pack into gift boxes for neighbours or friends
  • Serve warm on a tiered stand for a Christmas afternoon tea

Shop the Star Ingredient

All you need for these delicious festive mince pies — including the premium Chef’s Selections Mincemeat (3kg) — is available at: Nicol Retailer Limited – https://nicolretailer.com/product/chefs-selections-mincemeat-3kg/