Traditional Christmas Stollen Recipe: A Holiday Favorite

Introduction

Christmas Stollen is a festive bread that has been enjoyed for centuries, particularly in Germany, where it originated. This rich, buttery bread is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and sometimes a decadent marzipan center. Dusted generously with powdered sugar, it resembles the snowy landscapes of the winter season, making it a perfect holiday treat.

My first encounter with Christmas Stollen was during a family holiday trip to Germany. The warmth of the bread, combined with its fragrant spices and sweetness, made a lasting impression. Since then, baking Stollen has become a family tradition. This recipe brings the authentic flavors of this traditional bread into your home, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season.

Recipe Overview

Name of the Recipe

Traditional Christmas Stollen

Brief Description

This traditional Christmas stollen recipe features a rich dough filled with a mix of dried fruits, candied citrus peel, almonds, and a surprise marzipan center. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a must-have holiday delight.

Ingredients List

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup dried fruits (raisins, currants, or cranberries)
• 1/4 cup candied orange peel
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 7 oz marzipan (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Substitutions

If you prefer, you can substitute the dried fruits for your favorites, such as dried cherries, apricots, or even figs. If you’re not a fan of marzipan, you can omit it and still have a delicious stollen. For those with nut allergies, simply leave out the almonds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cardamom, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. Add the fruit and nuts: Flatten the dough slightly and sprinkle the dried fruits, candied orange peel, and almonds over the surface. Fold the dough over the fruit mixture and knead gently until the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed.
5. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Shape the stollen: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12x8 inches. If using marzipan, roll the marzipan into a log and place it in the center of the dough. Fold the dough over the marzipan, sealing the edges tightly.
7. Second rise: Place the shaped stollen onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the stollen for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and dust with sugar: Once baked, remove the stollen from the oven and let it cool slightly. While still warm, generously dust the stollen with powdered sugar to create the traditional "snowy" effect.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 2-2.5 hours
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 3-4 hours

Serving Suggestions

Christmas stollen is best enjoyed sliced and served with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even mulled wine. Its sweet, fruity flavor also pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses or a smear of butter. Serve it as a dessert, a breakfast treat, or a festive gift during the holiday season.

Nutritional Information

Per slice (based on 12 slices):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 15g
• Fiber: 3g

Storage and Reheating

Christmas stollen can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the stollen at room temperature. To reheat, warm slices in a low oven (300°F) for about 5-10 minutes or enjoy at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I have to include marzipan in the stollen?

No, marzipan is optional in this recipe. While it adds a rich, almond-flavored center, you can skip it if you prefer a simpler version of the bread.

Can I make the stollen in advance?

Yes! In fact, many bakers believe that stollen tastes even better after resting for a day or two. Make the bread ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and allow the flavors to develop before serving.

Can I freeze stollen?

Absolutely. Stollen freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the bread in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Conclusion

Christmas stollen is a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. Its tender, rich crumb filled with fruits and spices is a festive treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re new to baking stollen or it’s already a family tradition, this recipe will guide you through creating a wonderful holiday bread. I encourage you to give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and make it a part of your holiday festivities.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it in the comments! Don’t forget to share your experience and follow my blog for more traditional holiday recipes.