Name: Festive Skillet Gnocchi with Honey, Brandy and Clementine
Total time: 15M
Yield: 2-3 servings
Cuisine: Italian-inspired; Author's Recipes

Overhead view of festive sweet skillet gnocchi coated in cinnamon sugar with citrus zest and rosemary, served in a holiday bowl surrounded by evergreen branches and dried orange slices.

Sweet skillet gnocchi recipe meets festive holiday flavours in this warm, buttery dish infused with clementine, brandy, cinnamon, nutmeg, rosemary, and a sparkling coating of coarse sugar. This dessert-style gnocchi is comforting, aromatic, and beautifully seasonal – perfect for winter gatherings or as a playful twist on classic holiday treats.

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Festive sweet skillet gnocchi in a Christmas bowl topped with coarse sugar, citrus zest, and rosemary, with holiday decorations, red berries, and a glowing candle in the background.

Hey, folks – I hope you’re all doing well!

Today, I want to share something a little playful and unexpected for the holidays: a cozy bowl of sweet skillet gnocchi. It’s simple, warm, and just a bit whimsical – the kind of easy festive treat that comes together quickly and still feels special.

This idea was inspired by a traditional Venetian cinnamon-butter gnocchi recipe shared by one of my favourite food bloggers, The Pasta Project (also adopted by me Cinnamon Butter Gnocchi). I loved the concept of a simple, old-world sweet gnocchi, and this festive version grew from there.

So, let’s dive into this festive sweet skillet gnocchi recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Skillet Gnocchi Recipe

Uniquely festive. Cinnamon, nutmeg, rosemary, brandy, and clementine create a warm, aromatic profile perfect for holiday cooking.
Beautiful caramelization. The butter-and-honey glaze coats the gnocchi with a glossy, syrupy finish.
Dessert-like but not too sweet. Balanced richness with citrus notes and warm spices.
Quick and simple. Ready in minutes on the stovetop with only one pan.
A playful holiday twist. A fun way to serve gnocchi as a sweet treat instead of a savoury dish.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This dish is glossy, buttery, lightly crisp on the edges, and incredibly aromatic. Clementine juice and zest brighten the richness, brandy adds warmth, cinnamon and nutmeg deepen the holiday character, and rosemary offers a subtle herbal finish. A sprinkle of coarse sugar adds sparkle and a festive crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Sweet Skillet Gnocchi Recipe

Gnocchi. Acts as the soft, pillowy base that absorbs the butter-honey syrup. I used so call skillet gnocchi.
- Skillet gnocchi are a convenient packaged variety designed to be pan-fried without boiling. They crisp beautifully in butter or oil, turning golden on the outside while staying tender within. Their texture and quick cooking time make them perfect for weeknight meals and skillet-style recipes like this one.
Butter. For browning, richness, and caramelization.
Clementine juice and zest. Adds citrus brightness and seasonal aroma.
Brandy. Adds warmth and depth; optional but highly festive.
Honey. Enhances caramelization and balances acidity.
Cinnamon. Key holiday spice for cosy warmth.
Nutmeg. Adds sweet, aromatic depth.
Rosemary leaves. Provides a subtle herbal counterpoint.
Coarse sugar. Sprinkled overtop for sparkle and a crunchy festive finish.
Pinch of salt. To balance sweetness and enhance flavour.

Fluffy white and tabby cat sitting behind a bowl of sweet skillet gnocchi topped with cinnamon, coarse sugar, and citrus zest, surrounded by festive Christmas greenery and spices.

Possible Additions and Variations

Add vanilla extract for extra warmth.
Replace brandy with orange liqueur or omit for an alcohol-free version.
Use brown sugar in place of honey for a deeper caramel note.
Garnish with additional citrus zest or dried orange slices for presentation.

How to Make Sweet Skillet Gnocchi

It’s easy to make these dessert-style skillet gnocchi – they will be ready in less than 15 minutes. Melt the butter in a large, preferably heavy-bottomed skillet over high-medium heat and sauté the gnocchi for about 4-5 minutes until lightly golden.

Increase heat to medium-high. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, clementine juice, and zest, a little pinch of salt, then pour in the brandy. Simmer briefly over medium-high heat until reduced and thick, about 2-3 minutes.

Stir in the honey and cook for another 30-50 seconds until glossy and syrup; if the gnocchi look a bit too dry, add another splash of brandy or juice. Off heat.

Serve warm, sprinkled generously with coarse sugar and cinnamon for sparkle and festivity, as well as with extra zest. Enjoy!

Can I Make This Recipe with Regular Gnocchi?

Yes. While skillet gnocchi are designed to crisp easily without boiling, you can substitute regular gnocchi. Simply boil them first, drain well, and ensure they are fully dry before pan-frying to achieve a similar golden, crisp exterior.

More Festive Holiday Pasta Recipes

Are you looking for more fun festive pasta ideas, like this Sweet skillet gnocchi recipe? Be sure to check more recipes below:

I’d love for you to try this festive sweet pan-fried gnocchi. If you give this holiday recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!