Ah, Stollen! This delightful German fruit bread is a true holiday treasure, steeped in rich history and tradition. Originating from the city of Dresden, Stollen has been a beloved Christmas treat for centuries, often gifted to friends and family during the festive season. There’s something magical about the aroma of spices and dried fruits filling the kitchen as it bakes, making the entire house feel warm and inviting. My heart skips a beat every time I slice into a loaf, revealing the beautiful marbled interior dusted with powdered sugar like a light snowfall. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of cozy family gatherings and the joy of sharing homemade goodies. Trust me, once you try making Stollen, it’ll become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations too!
Ingredients for Stollen
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a delicious Stollen, and I promise, it’s worth every bit of effort! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 500g all-purpose flour: This is the base of your Stollen, giving it that lovely structure. Make sure to sift it for a fluffier texture!
- 200g mixed dried fruits: I love using a mix of raisins, currants, and chopped apricots. They add sweetness and a burst of flavor throughout the bread.
- 100g almonds, chopped: These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Feel free to toast them lightly for an extra depth of taste!
- 100g butter, softened: Rich and creamy butter is essential for a moist loaf. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 150ml milk, warm: Warm milk helps activate the yeast. Just heat it slightly—don’t boil it, or you’ll kill the yeast!
- 100g sugar: This adds sweetness, but it also helps with browning, giving your Stollen that beautiful golden color.
- 1 packet of instant yeast: Instant yeast will save you some time! No need to activate it beforehand; just mix it right in with the flour.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: This warm spice is what makes your Stollen smell heavenly while baking. It’s a must for that festive flavor!
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a lovely depth. Just a little goes a long way!
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- 1 egg: This helps bind everything together and adds richness. Make sure it’s at room temperature for even mixing.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: The final touch! It not only looks beautiful but adds a sweet finish to the loaf.
Now that you’ve got everything ready, you’re one step closer to baking your own Stollen! Can you smell the holiday spirit already?
How to Prepare Stollen
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—baking your Stollen! I promise, it’s easier than you might think. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a beautifully fragrant loaf in no time!
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets a little frothy. This tells you the yeast is alive and kicking!
- While the yeast is working its magic, grab a larger bowl and mix together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This fragrant blend is going to be the base of your Stollen.
- Add in the softened butter and egg to your flour mixture. It’s best to use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix it well until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Now, pour in that frothy yeast mixture. Knead the dough using your hands (or a stand mixer with a dough hook) until it becomes smooth and elastic—this should take about 8-10 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much!
- Once your dough is looking good, gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped almonds. This is where it gets exciting! Knead just until they’re evenly distributed.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. I like to place mine near a sunny window or in a slightly warmed oven (just turn it off before placing the dough inside).
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) while you wait. The smell of that warm air is going to get your mouth watering!
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air, and then shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. You can shape it in a classic oval or a more rustic style—whatever you prefer!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. It should sound hollow when tapped gently.
- When it’s done, let it cool on a wire rack. Once it’s cool, dust generously with powdered sugar. The snowy top is the perfect finishing touch!
And just like that, your homemade Stollen is ready to be enjoyed! The anticipation is half the fun, so don’t rush—let that delicious aroma fill your home as it cools. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It captures the festive spirit of Christmas in every slice!
- With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s incredibly easy to make.
- The aroma of baking Stollen fills your home with warmth and joy.
- Sharing this delicious bread with family and friends brings everyone together.
- Each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Stollen turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips that I’ve learned along the way! First, always make sure your yeast is fresh. If it doesn’t froth up in the warm milk, it’s likely expired—no one wants a dense loaf! When kneading, don’t be afraid to get your hands in there; the dough should be smooth and a bit tacky but not overly sticky. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little extra flour, but go easy!
Letting the dough rise in a warm place is crucial, so find that sunny spot in your kitchen! Patience is key; don’t rush the rising process. Lastly, once your Stollen is baked and cooled, resist the urge to cut into it right away. It actually tastes better after resting for a couple of days, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Variations of Stollen
While the classic Stollen is a delight on its own, there’s so much room for creativity! You can easily customize your Stollen by swapping out the mixed dried fruits for your favorites—think cranberries, cherries, or even candied citrus peel for a zesty twist. Want to add a little extra richness? Try incorporating marzipan in the center for a sweet surprise! If you’re a nut lover, consider using pecans or hazelnuts instead of almonds. And for a touch of warmth, a dash of ginger or cardamom can elevate the flavor beautifully. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make this Stollen your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Stollen fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed within a week, but trust me, it often tastes even better after a few days as the flavors meld together beautifully! If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a warm, toasty treat. It’ll be like Christmas morning all over again!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, a slice of Stollen contains about 250 calories, with 10g of fat, 6g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. It also has around 10g of sugar and 150mg of sodium. Remember, enjoying Stollen as part of a balanced diet is all about moderation and celebration!
FAQ about Stollen
Got questions about making Stollen? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?
While fresh fruits can be tempting, they can add too much moisture and affect the bread’s texture. Stick with dried fruits for the best results!
How do I know when my Stollen is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, too!
What if I can’t find instant yeast?
No worries! You can use active dry yeast. Just activate it in warm milk for about 10 minutes before mixing it into your dough.
How should I store leftover Stollen?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze slices for later enjoyment. Trust me, it tastes even better after a couple of days!
Can I make Stollen ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making it a few days in advance allows the flavors to develop, making each slice even more delightful!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Stollen experience, serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or a rich hot chocolate—perfect for cozy moments! You can also pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of butter for a touch of indulgence. For an extra festive flair, consider presenting it with a selection of seasonal fruits, like crisp apples or juicy pears. Trust me, these combinations will make your Stollen even more delightful!
Print
Stollen: 7 Heartwarming Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Stollen is a traditional German fruit bread, typically enjoyed during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 200g mixed dried fruits
- 100g almonds, chopped
- 100g butter, softened
- 150ml milk, warm
- 100g sugar
- 1 packet of instant yeast
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, let sit for 5 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add softened butter and egg to the flour mixture.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and knead until smooth.
- Add dried fruits and almonds, knead until incorporated.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place on a baking tray.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Stollen tastes better after resting for a few days.
- Try adding marzipan for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Stollen, German bread, fruit bread, Christmas bread