Ah, Stollen! This delightful German fruit bread is a true star of the Christmas season, and I can’t help but get excited just thinking about it. The moment you take a bite, you’re greeted with the warm, spiced flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, mingling with the sweetness of dried fruits and the crunch of almonds. It’s like a cozy hug on a chilly winter day! I still remember the first time I made Stollen. The kitchen was filled with the heavenly aroma of baking bread, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. Trust me, there’s something so magical about pulling a golden loaf out of the oven, dusted with powdered sugar, just waiting to be shared with loved ones. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, making Stollen is a cherished tradition that brings so much joy. Let’s dive into the recipe and create some delicious holiday memories together!
Ingredients for Stollen
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this festive delight! Here’s everything you’ll need to make the most scrumptious Stollen:
- 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
Make sure your butter is softened and your milk is warm, but not hot—this helps everything blend beautifully! You can mix and match the dried fruits too, depending on what you like best. I often sneak in some candied orange peel for that extra zing! Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the fun part—preparing the Stollen!
How to Prepare Stollen
Now that we have our ingredients all lined up, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work on this delightful Stollen! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a beautiful loaf that’ll fill your home with the most wonderful aromas.
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
First things first, let’s wake up our yeast! In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the yeast. Make sure the milk is warm, but not too hot—think cozy bath temperature! Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly. This little step is crucial because it gets the yeast all excited and ready to help our dough rise!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While the yeast is doing its thing, grab a larger bowl and mix together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Oh, the smell of those spices already gets me in the holiday spirit! Make sure everything is well combined so that each bite of your Stollen will be perfectly flavored. Trust me, you’ll want that cinnamon goodness spread throughout!
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together! Add the softened butter and the egg to the flour mixture. Then, pour in your bubbly yeast mixture. It’s time to get your hands in there (or use a mixer if you prefer)! Mix until everything is just combined. You’ll want to see a nice shaggy dough forming. Don’t overmix—just enough to bring it all together!
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Once your dough is combined, it’s kneading time! On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t worry, this is a workout that pays off! After a few minutes of kneading, gently fold in the dried fruits and chopped almonds. This is where the magic happens! You’ll have a beautiful, colorful dough full of surprises.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
After kneading, place your dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Now, let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. This is the perfect time to sip on some hot cocoa and get excited about the deliciousness that’s on the way!
Step 6: Bake the Stollen
Once your dough has doubled in size (it’s such a happy sight!), preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Shape your risen dough into a loaf and place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and your kitchen smells like a Christmas wonderland! You’ll know it’s ready when it sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. Let it cool, then dust with powdered sugar, and get ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me tell you why making Stollen is an absolute must during the holiday season! First off, the traditional flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet dried fruits create a warm and inviting aroma that fills your kitchen with festive cheer. There’s just something so comforting about those classic tastes that scream Christmas.
And you know what? It’s surprisingly easy to make! I promise, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can whip up this delightful loaf with just a little effort and a whole lot of love. The step-by-step process is straightforward, and you’ll feel like a pro as you knead the dough and watch it rise.
But what I truly adore about Stollen is how perfect it is for sharing! Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or bringing a homemade gift to a friend, this beautiful loaf is sure to impress. Just imagine presenting a freshly baked Stollen, dusted with powdered sugar, and watching everyone’s eyes light up with delight. It’s a delicious way to spread joy and create lasting memories with loved ones. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be hooked!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to bake your Stollen, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure you get the best results possible. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your Stollen game!
- Let it Rest: One of the best-kept secrets about Stollen is that it actually tastes better after resting for a few days! If you can resist the temptation, wrap your cooled Stollen in plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each slice even more delicious.
- Use Quality Ingredients: I can’t stress this enough! The better your ingredients, the better your Stollen will be. Opt for high-quality dried fruits and nuts. They really shine through in the final loaf!
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot when activating the yeast. Too hot can kill the yeast, and we don’t want that! Aim for a cozy bath temperature—just warm enough to be inviting.
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Give your dough the time it needs to rise. If your kitchen is a bit chilly, find a warm spot, like near the oven or on top of the fridge. The longer it rises, the fluffier your Stollen will be!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around with the dried fruits! I love adding a bit of candied ginger or even some chopped apricots for a twist. Just make sure to keep the total weight the same if you’re swapping out ingredients.
- Perfect Dusting: For that classic finish, dust your Stollen with powdered sugar just before serving. It gives that beautiful snowy look that feels so festive!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a stunning Stollen that’s sure to impress anyone who’s lucky enough to have a slice. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made this beautiful Stollen, let’s talk about how to keep it fresh and delicious! Proper storage is key to enjoying every last slice, so here’s what I recommend.
First, once your Stollen has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps to lock in all that yummy moisture and flavor. Then, pop it into an airtight container. If you’ve got a cool, dry place in your kitchen, that’s perfect for storing it at room temperature. Just make sure it’s away from direct sunlight!
Stollen can actually get better with a few days of resting, so if you can wait, let it sit for about 2-3 days before diving in. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making every bite even more scrumptious.
If you need to store it for a longer period, you can absolutely freeze your Stollen! Just wrap it well in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving. No need to reheat, but if you prefer it warm, you can pop it in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 10 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking!
With these tips, your Stollen will stay fresh and delicious, ready to share (or savor all to yourself) whenever the craving strikes. Enjoy every last crumb!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of our delicious Stollen! While I believe in enjoying every slice without guilt, it can be helpful to know what you’re nibbling on. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it’s a good starting point! Stollen is a delightful treat, and when you savor it in moderation, you can enjoy the festive flavors without worry. Happy indulging!
FAQ About Stollen
Got questions about making Stollen? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my answers to help you on your Stollen journey.
Can I use fresh fruits?
While fresh fruits sound tempting, I recommend sticking to dried fruits for Stollen. Fresh fruits have a higher moisture content, which can alter the texture of the dough. Dried fruits add sweetness and chewiness, giving you that classic Stollen flavor we all love!
How long does Stollen last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, Stollen can last for about a week at room temperature. But here’s the secret: it actually tastes even better after a few days! If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to wrap it tightly to keep it fresh.
What can I substitute for almonds?
No almonds? No problem! You can easily substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even just skip the nuts altogether if you prefer. Just make sure to keep the total weight of the added ingredients the same so the texture remains spot on. Get creative and make it your own!
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or need a bit of guidance. Happy baking!
Stollen: 5 Secrets to Master This Festive Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- 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.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
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