Traditional Christmas Stollen Recipe
The holiday season is incomplete without the delightful aroma of freshly baked Traditional Christmas Stollen wafting through the home. This classic German treat, laden with fruits, nuts, and a hint of spice, embodies the festive spirit with every bite. Its rich flavors and soft texture make it a timeless centerpiece, bringing family and friends together for cherished holiday moments.
Ingredients Overview
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in crafting the stollen’s unique flavor and texture. The softened butter lends a rich creaminess, while warm milk activates the yeast, giving the dough its soft, pillowy structure. Vanilla and almond extracts infuse subtle, aromatic notes that complement the sweetness of raisins and dried cranberries.
Candied orange and lemon peels contribute a citrusy zing, enhancing the overall flavor complexity. Sliced almonds provide a delightful crunch, and the ground cinnamon adds a warm, spicy undertone. For those seeking an extra indulgent touch, marzipan nestled in the center creates a luscious surprise with every slice.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Success
The magic of stollen lies in the precision and care taken at every stage of preparation.
Preparing the Dough
The foundation of any good stollen is its dough. Kneading is essential to develop the gluten network, which gives the bread its soft and elastic texture. Start by mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution. When incorporating the extracts, mix them well with the milk and butter to distribute their fragrance throughout the dough. Knead with steady, firm movements for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is supple and smooth.
Adding the Mix-Ins
Once the dough achieves the right consistency, it’s time to enrich it with mix-ins. Spread the raisins, cranberries, candied peels, almonds, and cinnamon evenly across the dough before gently folding them in. This ensures that every slice contains a balanced medley of flavors. For those looking to experiment, substitute dried apricots or walnuts for a unique twist.
Shaping the Stollen
After the dough’s first rise, roll it into a neat rectangle on a lightly floured surface. If using marzipan, shape it into a log and place it along the center of the dough. Fold the sides over, sealing the edges tightly to encase the marzipan fully. Carefully shape the dough into an oval or loaf, ensuring no cracks form, as this could lead to uneven baking.
Baking and Finishing Touches
Baking stollen to perfection requires close attention. Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until golden brown. To ensure it’s done, tap the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready. While still warm, brush generously with melted butter to seal in moisture and flavor. A liberal dusting of powdered sugar completes the traditional look and taste.
Recipe Tips
Achieving the Ideal Dough Consistency and Rise
Use slightly warm ingredients to help activate the yeast and create a pliable dough. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the bread dense.
Storage Tips to Keep Stollen Fresh
Wrap the cooled stollen tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors develop further.
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Holiday Schedules
Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it after the first rise. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking for fresh stollen with minimal effort.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Stollen pairs beautifully with warm, comforting beverages. A spiced tea, rich hot chocolate, or mulled wine enhances its festive flavors. For an added touch of decadence, serve slices with a dollop of whipped butter or a smear of fruit preserves. Its versatility makes it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe Without Marzipan?
Absolutely! While marzipan adds a delightful creamy center, you can skip it and still enjoy a traditional stollen. The fruit, nuts, and spices provide ample flavor and texture.
How Do I Prevent the Dough From Becoming Too Sticky?
Work on a well-floured surface and keep your hands lightly floured during kneading. Add small amounts of flour as needed, but be cautious not to overdo it, as this can result in a dry dough.
Can I Freeze Stollen for Later Use?
Yes, stollen freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it at room temperature and dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.
Traditional Christmas Stollen is more than just a festive treat; it’s a symbol of holiday warmth and joy. The combination of sweet, citrusy, and nutty flavors makes every slice a celebration. Whether shared at a family gathering or gifted to loved ones, this classic recipe is a heartfelt way to spread holiday cheer. Make it a part of your seasonal traditions and savor the magic it brings to your celebrations.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1/2 cup (80g) raisins
1/2 cup (80g) dried cranberries
1/4 cup (40g) candied orange peel, finely chopped
1/4 cup (40g) candied lemon peel, finely chopped
1/2 cup (50g) sliced almonds
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (for dusting)
Optional: marzipan for the center
Instructions:
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast to create a uniform base. Gradually pour in the warm milk, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Knead the mixture until a soft and pliable dough forms, a process that should take approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
Gently fold in the raisins, cranberries, candied orange and lemon peel, sliced almonds, and ground cinnamon. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed to enhance the flavor throughout the dough.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel, and place it in a warm environment. Allow it to rise undisturbed for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in volume.
Roll the dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface. If including marzipan, position it in the center of the rectangle, then fold the dough over, sealing the edges securely. Shape the dough into an oval or loaf, as preferred.
Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for another 45 minutes, allowing it to puff slightly.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the stollen for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it achieves a rich golden-brown hue and is baked through.
Once removed from the oven, brush the warm stollen generously with melted butter. Immediately dust it with powdered sugar, coating it thoroughly. Allow the stollen to cool completely before slicing.
Cut the stollen into slices and savor it alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee. This festive treat is perfect for sharing and enjoying during the holiday season.
Traditional Christmas Stollen Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup 180ml warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 cups 500g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup 100g granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup 80g raisins
- 1/2 cup 80g dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup 40g candied orange peel, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup 40g candied lemon peel, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup 50g sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup 60g powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Optional: marzipan for the center
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast to create a uniform base. Gradually pour in the warm milk, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Knead the mixture until a soft and pliable dough forms, a process that should take approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Gently fold in the raisins, cranberries, candied orange and lemon peel, sliced almonds, and ground cinnamon. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed to enhance the flavor throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel, and place it in a warm environment. Allow it to rise undisturbed for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in volume.
- Roll the dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface. If including marzipan, position it in the center of the rectangle, then fold the dough over, sealing the edges securely. Shape the dough into an oval or loaf, as preferred.
- Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for another 45 minutes, allowing it to puff slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the stollen for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it achieves a rich golden-brown hue and is baked through.
- Once removed from the oven, brush the warm stollen generously with melted butter. Immediately dust it with powdered sugar, coating it thoroughly. Allow the stollen to cool completely before slicing.
- Cut the stollen into slices and savor it alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee. This festive treat is perfect for sharing and enjoying during the holiday season.