Panettone is an iconic Milanese Christmas cake that you can sample on a Milan food tour during the holiday season. It’s a tall, round, naturally leavened type of fruitcake made with soft flour, eggs, butter, raisins, candied fruit, and other seasonal ingredients.
Panettone has a soft, spongy texture and goes nicely with sparkling wine like Prosecco. Many Milanese families enjoy it on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, but you can find it all over Milan during the holiday season.
The History of Panettone: Milan’s Beloved Christmas Tradition
The history of Milanese Panettone is rife with legends and unsubstantiated stories. Some of which date this naturally leavened Italian sweet bread as far back as the 16th century.
The most popular version states that panettone was originally made by a young cook named Toni, who accidentally burned a cake meant for the Duke of Milano’s Christmas feast. In a moment of desperation, Toni used whatever ingredients he had left in the kitchen to throw together a sweet bread.
This original version of Panettone was a rich, brioche-like bread that was jam-packed with raisins and candied fruit. The Duke of Milano enjoyed it so much that he named it pan di Toni, which translates loosely from Italian as “bread of Toni”.
Then in the 1820s Milanese panettone became a symbol of Italian liberty, and the recipe was elevated. This called for replacing the raisins and candied fruit with red candied cherries and green limes or other citrus to replicate the red, white, and green colors of the Italian flag.
Must-Try Bakeries for Panettone in Milan
During the holiday season, the city of Milan is festooned with bakeries selling classic and creative takes on Panettone. Including some of the following.
Pasticceria Cucchi
Photo credit: Pasticceria Cucchi
Pasticceria Cucchi is a historic pastry shop that has been providing Milan with panettone and other delicious baked goods since 1936. It’s conveniently located near landmarks like the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio and the canals of the Navigli district.
The vintage décor at Pasticceria Cucchi gives it an old-world ambiance. At the same time, the elegant chandeliers, and warm wooden furnishings also give it a refined touch. Especially during the holiday season when the interior is tastefully adorned with festive decorations.
During the holidays the panettone is the centerpiece of Pasticceria Cucchi’s lineup. I love its soft, fluffy texture and the perfect balance of candied fruits and raisins. I like to break a little from tradition and have the panettone with one of their expertly brewed espresso or traditional Italian hot chocolate.
Pasticceria Cucchi (€10-€20) – Corso Genova, 1, 20123 Milano MI, Italy – Open every day from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Giacomo Pasticceria
Photo credit: Giacomo Pasticceria
Giacomo Pasticceria is near Milan’s Villa Necchi Campiglio and Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli. As part of the city’s prestigious Giacomo group, it offers a luxurious take on panettone and other traditional Italian pastries.
The ambiance inside Giacomo Pasticceria is reminiscent of a vintage European salon. The decor is opulent, with ornate chandeliers, marble counters, and gilded mirrors. During the holiday season, the bakery is festooned with lavish displays, and shimmering decorations that match Milan’s air of sophistication.
Giacomo Pasticceria’s panettone is celebrated for its impeccable quality and visual artistry. It is beautifully moist, yet has an airy crumb and a delicate balance of flavors from the candied orange peel and the raisins they use. They even package it in an ornate wrapping that looks like a present that belongs under a Christmas tree.
Giacomo Pasticceria (€15-€25) – Via Pasquale Sottocorno, 5, 20129 Milano MI, Italy – Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Open Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
La Boutique del Dolce
You’ll find La Boutique del Dolce just outside of Milan in the charming town of Cologno Monzese. They are known for their artisanal pastries, with their signature panettone being a standout holiday special.
La Boutique del Dolce’s ambiance is cozy with a lot of traditional Italian charm. During the holidays, they go the extra mile to show off their wares and sometimes have a booth at popular nearby Christmas markets at Piazza Duomo, or the Quadrilatero d’Oro shopping district.
La Boutique del Dolce offers an array of panettone, from the classic original recipe to panettone with creative flavors and flair that delight the senses. This includes innovative varieties like pear and chocolate, mixed berries, and even a beer-infused panettone.
La Boutique del Dolce (€10-€25) – Via Dottor Carrobbio, 34, 20093 Cologno Monzese MI, Italy – Open every day from 7:30 AM to 7:45 PM.
How to Choose the Best Panettone
There are several things to consider when choosing the best panettone on your Milan holiday food tour.
Ingredient quality also matters. The best panettone is made from high-quality ingredients, like fresh butter, free-range eggs, candied fruit, and Madagascar vanilla. Read the labels when available and avoid ones that use hydrogenated fats or artificial additives.
A good panettone should be soft, airy, and light, with an open crumb structure. It should have a slightly sweet aroma with notes of citrus and vanilla. You should be able to notice the raisins and candied orange peel in the sponge of the cake.
Where to Buy Panettone to Take Home
Where your panettone is made is an important factor. Industrially produced panettone made in factories will generally cost less and will last longer due to the inclusion of dough conditioners. This makes it a better option for shipping back home.
However, panettone from an artisanal bakery made using traditional methods is typically higher in quality and has much richer flavors. The price will be a little higher, and the shelf-life will be shorter. Thus, making it a better option if you’re celebrating the holidays in Milan.
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/milan/
Pasticceria Cucchi. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://pasticceriacucchi.it/
Giacomo Milano. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://giacomomilano.com/it/
Boutique del Dolce. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.boutiquedeldolce.com/