Panettone and Pandoro

Discover the Delicious Italian Christmas Traditions of Panettone and Pandoro – The Sweet Symbols of Festive Italy

It's impossible to think of Christmas in Italy without imagining Panettone and Pandoro—two iconic sweet treats that fill grocery stores and bakery windows everywhere during December. As you walk through Italian streets at this time of year, you'll see towering displays of colorful boxes from Bauli, Motta, Tre Marie and many other brands, and admire bakery windows decorated with ornate, muffin-topped cakes wrapped in cellophane. Unlike the much-maligned fruitcake that haunts holiday offices in America, Panettone and Pandoro are beloved symbols of Italian holiday cheer and are always a welcomed gift.

The Legend of Panettone

Panettone hails from Milan and is so deeply rooted in city tradition that it’s practically a symbol of Milanese Christmas. The history of panettone dates back to the early 20th century, when bakers Angelo Motta and Gioacchino Alemagna added their creative touches—such as the distinctive shape and airy texture—sparking a rivalry that pushed Panettone into the limelight. This competition drove the popularity of Panettone across Italy and beyond.

A Slice of History and Regional Pride

Today, Panettone is more than a dessert—it’s a symbol of Italian ingenuity and festive spirit. You might even notice regional variations: in the North, especially in Lombardy, bakers might add extra candied fruit or twist the recipe to include chocolate or pistachio cream. Meanwhile, the tradition of giving Panettone as a gift remains alive in Italian households.

Panettone Childhood Traditions

If you have a chance to spend Christmas with an Italian family with children around, you might witness a funny little thing that usually happens with Panettone. Because of the particular bitter-sweet taste of the candied fruit, children typically remove the candied fruit from their Panettone. It is a careful and delicate process that sometimes involve picking out only the raisins or oranges. This tradition often turns into a playful game, with kids enjoying the process of "de-fruiting" their slice before savoring the fluffy bread itself.

Pandoro: Panettone’s Rival

Pandoro, a star-shaped cake native to Verona is the other very typical Italian sweet for the Christmas holidays. Its bright yellow hue comes from eggs and vanilla—rich ingredients that make it a decadent treat. Aside from the shape and sugar-coating, the main thing that sets Pandoro apart from Panettone is the lack of candied-fruits, either a huge advantage or a tragic flaw depending on who you ask. For a finishing touch, it’s traditionally served with an extra dusting of powdered sugar, mimicking a snow-covered mountain—an image that’s doubly fitting for a winter holiday.

Where to Buy: Supermarket or Artisanal?

When it comes to purchasing these festive treats, the options are plentiful. During the holiday season, you can find mass-produced Panettone and Pandoro in supermarkets, made by well-known companies like Bauli Motta, and many others. These are convenient and affordable, and they make for a quick gift or addition to your table. However, if you’re after something truly special, many Italian bakeries and pastry shops craft handmade Panettone and Pandoro—often more expensive, but also far more delicious. These artisanal versions are made with high-quality ingredients, artisanal techniques, and a lot of love, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor that truly captures the spirit of Christmas in Italy.

More Than Just a Dessert

No Italian Christmas is complete without at least one Panettone or Pandoro, and if you ask us, it's best to cover your bases and have both. Head to your local Italian Bakery or supermarket and pick up these traditional treats to add a bit of Italian tradition to your Christmas dinner. If you're really feeling adventurous, impress your Italian friends and family, and any sweet-loving guests for that matter, by cooking it yourself! You can find lots of recipes online. You'll need some special tools like the star-shaped cake pan for the Pandoro, and the paper molds for the Panettone, but they are a sure-fire crowd pleaser! You can always trust Italians to preserve delightful traditions for every holiday and occasion! The sweet and fluffy Christmas Panettone and Pandoro are the perfect example.

Happy Holidays!