Tuscany is a place of rich culinary traditions, and Christmas is the perfect occasion to sample some of the region’s most mouth-watering treats. Here’s our selection.

FLORENCE
In Florence you’ll be spoiled for choice, from the celebrated dark chocolate Torta Pistocchi, a kind of smooth, creamy hand-made chocolate ganache cake, right up to the classic Christmas centrepiece, artisan panettone. For this, we recommend Galleria Iginio Massari Firenze in Via de’ Vecchietti, Caffè Gilli in Piazza della Repubblica and Gualtieri in the Porta Romana district, where it’s made with candied fruit from a small Sicilian producer, butter from Normandy and organic eggs; vegan and gluten-free versions are also available.

PRATO
When it comes to sweet things, Prato is synonymous with Cantucci from the traditional Biscottificio Antonio Mattei (Via Ricasoli, 20/22), to enjoy dunked in sweet vin santo. But there’s another obligatory visit: Paolo Sacchetti’s Pasticceria Nuovo Mondo (Via Garibaldi, 23), where you shouldn’t miss the Giulebbe, a panettone in the shape of a panfrutto containing dried figs from Carmignano and walnuts from Val Bisanzio; the classic Panettone and the Pesche di Prato, brioche buns soaked in alchermes liqueur, with custard and sugar (ph. Pasquale Paradiso).

SIENA
Siena is the queen of Tuscan Christmas sweets: here you’ll find Ricciarelli, made with almonds, sugar and egg white, Panforte and Panpepato, a round cake full of candied fruit and nuts, honey and spices. And don’t forget the Copate, wafers with toasted almonds and walnuts. To make sure you get the best, we recommend Antica Drogheria Manganelli at Via di Città 71/73, and Pasticceria Gelateria Sinai at Via Fiorentina, 99.

MONTEVARCHI
Finally we travel to Montevarchi in the province of Arezzo, for the Panbriacone from Pasticceria F.lli Bonci at Via Vespucci, 101. The soft dough rises naturally for 36 hours, is soaked in sweet raisin wine and features fragrant currants.