These Caramel-Filled Panettone Muffins are a fun and irresistible take on the traditional holiday panettone. With a soft, fluffy dough enriched with honey and vanilla (or panettone essence for an extra burst of flavor), these muffins are studded with chocolate chips and filled with a rich caramel center. Baked until golden, they’re perfect for anyone who loves the classic flavors of panettone but prefers a more portable, muffin-sized version. The caramel filling adds a sweet surprise, making each bite even more indulgent and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This: These muffins are the perfect blend of soft, sweet bread and rich, gooey caramel. The chocolate chips add a delightful contrast to the tender crumb, while the caramel center makes every bite a treat. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat—ideal for holiday baking or whenever you’re craving something sweet and comforting. These muffins are perfect for sharing with family and friends, or for enjoying as a delicious snack or breakfast with your favorite hot beverage.
Perfect Occasion: These Caramel-Filled Panettone Muffins are ideal for holiday gatherings, Christmas morning breakfast, or any festive occasion where you want to serve something a little special. They also make a great addition to potlucks, brunches, or as homemade gifts. With their rich flavors and soft texture, these muffins are sure to impress guests or family members who love panettone or caramel-filled treats. They’re also perfect for making in advance and enjoying throughout the week.
Decoration Tips: To enhance the presentation of your Caramel-Filled Panettone Muffins, dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top or add a small swirl of caramel to highlight the filling inside. For extra flair, sprinkle a few chocolate chips or even some festive sprinkles on top before baking. If you’re giving these muffins as a gift, consider wrapping them in decorative muffin liners or presenting them in a beautiful gift box.
For 20 Muffins
Sponge:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 30g fresh yeast (recommended over powdered yeast)
- 125ml water (or milk for a softer texture)
Dough:
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 140g sugar
- 5g salt
- 2 eggs
- 10g honey
- 100g butter, softened
- 10ml vanilla extract (or panettone essence)
Filling:
- 300g semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Thick caramel (for filling)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sponge: Place the flour for the sponge on your work surface and create a well in the center. Add the yeast and water (or milk) to the center. Gradually incorporate the flour into the liquid until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise for about 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Make the Dough: Once the sponge has risen, create another well with the flour for the dough. Add the sugar, salt, eggs, honey, softened butter, and vanilla extract (or panettone essence) to the center. Mix everything together until a smooth, uniform dough forms.
- Combine the Dough and Sponge: Once the sponge has doubled in size, mix it with the prepared dough. Knead the two together until fully combined and smooth.
- Add the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Shape and Fill: Divide the dough into 20 equal portions. Shape each piece into a small ball, flatten it slightly, and place a spoonful of thick caramel in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and form it back into a ball. Place each filled ball into a greased or paper-lined muffin tin.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the muffins for 15 minutes without opening the oven. After 15 minutes, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into a muffin—it should come out clean when the muffins are fully baked. Baking times may vary, so use the toothpick method as a guide.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the muffins cool slightly before removing them from the tin. For best results, serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel on top.
Enjoy!
