Description
A traditional German Stollen filled with spiced dough, dried fruits, and nuts, finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. This festive bread is rich, aromatic, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup currants
1/2 cup chopped candied citrus peel
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Soak raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel in orange juice for at least 1 hour, then drain well.
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk in a large bowl and let sit until foamy.
- Add sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate soaked fruits and chopped almonds evenly into the dough.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, shape into an oval loaf, and fold slightly to form the traditional stollen shape.
- Transfer to a lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise again.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until golden brown, about 40–45 minutes.
- While warm, brush with melted butter and dust generously with powdered sugar.
- Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
Add a marzipan log in the center for a richer variation.
Substitute almonds with hazelnuts or walnuts if desired.
Dried cranberries can replace currants for a different flavor.
Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Flavor improves after a day or two of resting.
Freeze wrapped stollen for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.
Ensure proper rising time to avoid dense texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
