13 Italian Christmas recipes

Helen Salter

True to her surname, Helen consumes a salt-drenched diet largely consisting of capers, olives and aioli.

Panettone, biscotti, amaretto, tiramisu… when it comes to food, there’s no denying that Italians do Christmas properly.

Well, now you can eat, and celebrate, like the Italians do with our round-up of Italian Christmas food recipes. Perfect for a hearty dose of festive feasting!

1. Sherry panettone

We’ve one-upped classic panettone with this boozy, sherry recipe. Not only is it made with sherry-soaked sultanas and raisins, but it’s glazed with it too; a sure enough way to get your sherry fix this Christmas!

Learn how to make panettone here.

2. Soft amaretti biscuits

These easy-to-make biscuity morsels can be a lovely, sweet addition to any Christmas feast, but they’ll be gone before you know it.

3. Panforte

You may be unfamiliar with panforte – a chewy, Italian dessert made with dried fruit, nuts and praline – so make this your formal introduction. Our recipe keeps for up to two weeks, so it’s a serious contender for a deliciously sweet Christmas gift.

4. Florentines

These florentines with stem ginger, candied peel, almonds and cranberries are a go-to gift to sneak under the Christmas tree (that’s if you can resist them yourself).

5. Make-ahead Baileys tiramisu

Alright alright, the tiramisu part is certainly authentic, but we may be cheating with the addition of Baileys…. However, just trust us on this one, this oh-so-indulgent dessert is worthy of your forgiveness.

6. Classic negroni cocktail

Toast to the holidays with a classic Italian aparetif. Although typically enjoyed in the summer time, garnish this classic cocktail with an orange slice and serve with a handful of nibbles to have you feeling festive.

7. Panettone, vin santo berries and zabaglione cream trifle

A show-stopping dessert teeming with boozy berries, panettone and creamy zabaglione. This has to be the ultimate Christmas pud.

8. Individual cranberry and candied orange panettoni

A bundle of gorgeous individual panettoni is the sweetest gift to give this Christmas (and even better to receive!).

9. Christmas pudding semifreddo

Find Christmas pudding a bit too heavy? If so, you’ll love this lighter, frozen semifreddo version, made with the same lovely fruits and seasonal spices as the original.

10. Panettone

No longer just a favourite in Italy, panettone is a wonderfully sweet Italian bread bursting with vanilla, citrus and candied fruit. It’s known for making a stellar Christmas gift, but we think it’s equally as satisfying to make for yourself.

Learn about the history of the panettone here.

11. Panettone pudding

If panettone leftovers are such a thing in your household, make the most of them with this knock-out bread and butter pudding recipe. Drizzle marsala or sherry over the panettone before the custard and you’ve got yourself a sensational finish to your Christmas meal.

12. Two Italian biscotti

A charming Italian biscotti duo: one with almonds and candied orange, the other flavoured with double chocolate and hazelnut. Pair with a sweet dessert wine, sit back and relax.

13. Chocolate and hazelnut panettone

Take your love of panettone to the next level with this chocolate and hazelnut twist on the classic recipe. One for those with an unrelenting sweet-tooth!