To begin making panettone, you will need to gather your ingredients. You will need 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast, 1/2 cup of warm water, 4 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and cherries), and the zest of one orange and one lemon.
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until frothy. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Mix everything together until the dough begins to come together.
At this point, you can either knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or use a dough hook attachment on low speed to knead the dough for about 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
Next, add the mixed dried fruits and citrus zest to the dough. Knead or mix until the fruits and zest are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and transfer it to a well-floured surface. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased panettone mold or a tall, deep cake pan lined with parchment paper. Cover the dough once again and let it rise for another hour, or until it has puffed up and filled the mold.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly beat an egg and brush it over the top of the panettone. This will give it a golden and shiny crust once baked. If desired, you can also sprinkle some sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
Bake the panettone in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Once baked, remove the panettone from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Panettone can be enjoyed as is, or you can serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence.
Making panettone from scratch requires time and effort, but the result is truly worth it. The delicious aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes, and the satisfaction of sharing a homemade treat with loved ones, is incomparable. So, why not give it a try this holiday season and experience the joy of making your very own panettone?