Traditional Christmas Stollen Recipe
Table of Contents
Introduction
Christmas Stollen is a traditional German bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and a ribbon of marzipan. This festive bread is dusted with powdered sugar, making it a holiday favorite. Serve it with homemade bread or Christmas Cake for a delightful holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts)
- 1/3 cup marzipan
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rest: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Incorporate Fruits and Nuts: Punch down the dough and knead in the dried fruits and nuts.
- Shape and Add Marzipan: Roll the dough into a rectangle. Place the marzipan log in the center and fold the dough over to enclose it. Shape into an oval.
- Second Rise: Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the stollen for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish with Powdered Sugar: Let the stollen cool slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar.
Tips for Baking Stollen
- Soak the dried fruits in rum or orange juice overnight for added flavor.
- Ensure the marzipan is evenly distributed for a delicious surprise in every slice.
- Stollen tastes better after a day or two, so bake in advance if possible.
Nutritional Value
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
FAQs
Can I make stollen ahead of time? Yes, stollen improves in flavor when made a few days in advance and stored properly.
What’s the best way to store stollen? Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I skip the marzipan? Yes, but the marzipan adds a traditional touch and flavor to the recipe.
Conclusion
Traditional Christmas Stollen is a festive bread that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. Serve it alongside Gingerbread or other holiday favorites for a complete treat spread. Enjoy the rich flavors and celebrate the season!
