Stollen (German Christmas Bread)

Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that brings warmth and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. This rich, fruit-filled loaf, often dusted with powdered sugar, is perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings.

Why make this recipe?

Making stollen at home allows you to enjoy the delightful aromas of baking and the joy of creating something special for the holiday season. This recipe combines a blend of spices, dried fruits, and marzipan, producing a deliciously unique flavor that is perfect for Christmas.

How to prepare Stollen

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour 🥖
• 100g sugar 🍬
• 10g salt 🧂
• 10g active dry yeast 🍞
• 250ml milk 🥛
• 100g unsalted butter 🧈
• 200g mixed dried fruit 🍇
• 100g marzipan 🍬
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 🌰
• Powdered sugar for dusting ❄️

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, warm the milk until it’s lukewarm. Add the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon.

3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the melted unsalted butter and the yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Stir until just combined.

4. Knead the dough: Transfer the mixture to a clean surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

5. Add dried fruit: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit until evenly distributed.

6. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

7. Shape the stollen: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface. Shape it into an oval, then fold one side over to create a slight marzipan-like shape. Shape the marzipan into a long log and place it in the center of the dough before folding.

8. Second rise: Place the shaped stollen on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the stollen for about 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.

10. Cool and dust: Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

How to serve Stollen

Slice the stollen into thick pieces and serve it with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s also delightful alongside some festive treats like cookies or pastries.

How to store Stollen

Stollen can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer for up to three months.

Tips for preparing Stollen

• Ensure your ingredients, especially the milk, are at the right temperature to activate the yeast properly.
• For extra flavor, you can soak the mixed dried fruit in rum or orange juice overnight before adding it to the dough.
• For a decorative touch, after dusting with powdered sugar, you may also add slivers of almonds on top.

Variations

You can customize your stollen by adding different fruits, such as apricots or cranberries. For a nutty flavor, consider including chopped walnuts or pecans.

FAQs

1. Can I make stollen ahead of time?
Yes! Stollen can be made a week in advance and will taste even better as the flavors develop.

2. Is stollen the same as fruitcake?
While both are fruit-laden breads, stollen is typically richer, contains marzipan, and has a distinct flavor profile due to the spices used.

3. What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
You can substitute with bread flour, but the texture may be slightly different.

Now you’re ready to make your very own stollen! Enjoy the festive baking and delicious results! 🎄✨