INGREDIENTS 
(for 9 mini panettones)
  • 80ml warm milk
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp dry yeast
  • 256g bread flour
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • zest of 1/2 lemon
  • zest of 1 orange
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg (room temperature)
  • 1 yolk (room temperature)
  • 2 1/2 - 3 tbsp honey (~40 - 45g)
  • 75g butter (room temperature and cut in cubes)
  • 1 egg with a splash of milk (egg wash)


HOW TO:

In a separate bowl, mix the sugar with the warm milk and then add the dry yeast. Mix and leave for at least 5 mins so that the yeast can get activated. You will see it will rise.

In the stand mixer bowl, sift in the flour then add the salt, the egg + egg yolk, the honey, the zests of orange and lemon, the vanilla extract and finally the yeast mixture. Mix to incorporate and then knead for 10 minutes using a dough hook. 
 Once the mixer has been on for about 10 mins, add the butter in bit by bit, mixing well to incorporate after each addition. Once all butter is added, knead for another 10 minutes.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover tightly with cling film and leave until the dough rises to double its size. I left my dough to rise for at least 2 hours.
Lightly grease your working surface or a big chopping board with some butter (do not use flour). Place the dough and lightly press into a square. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and lightly knead the dough to distribute well the chocolate chips. Then divide the dough into 9 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Place the balls in the mini cases on a baking tray lined with grease proof paper or a muffin tray - these are the cases I got but you can also use muffin cases. 

Cover loosely with a cling film and leave for the dough to rise until it almost reaches the brim. 

Gently brush the top surface with the egg wash and bake in a preheated oven at 170ºC (350ºF) for 20 minutes or until golden / fully cooked. 

I am not sure if panettone is a traditional Christmas food in many countries but growing up it was something my family always bought around the holiday season so I was very excited to finally be able to make my own. If you also enjoy panettone as much as I do, I'd highly recommend trying this moreish recipe. 

If you're not a big chocolate fan, you can use raisins and sultanas instead. It's just as yummy!

Overall rating: 9/10