Favorite Family Recipe - Christmas Stollen
Christmas Stollen is a traditional festive bread filled with dried fruits, candied cherries, and fragrant spices like cardamom. Its rich, buttery flavor and chewy texture make it a beloved treat for holiday gatherings and special occasions, offering warmth and sweetness with every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften active dry yeast in warm water.
- Scald milk with sugar, salt, and butter; cool to lukewarm.
- Mix in 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, yeast, beaten eggs, ground cardamom, and fruit.
- Add enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough.
- Knead on a floured surface.
- Place dough in a greased bowl and grease the top.
- Cover and let rise.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of skim. If you can't find candied citron, substitute with chopped mixed peel or additional cherries. Ensure the yeast is fresh for optimal rising. For a more authentic taste, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough. Kneading the dough well helps develop gluten, giving your Stollen a better texture.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Stollen and dust it with powdered sugar before serving for a festive touch. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside a fruit compote or whipped cream for added indulgence. This bread is also delightful when enjoyed with a slice of Flan(Spanish Caramel Custard) for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Stollen tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Family Recipe - Christmas Stollen contains roughly 1785 calories, with 61g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (229% of the Daily Value), iron (142% of the Daily Value), and protein (123% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2020mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients without needing to soften it in water first. This will save you a bit of time in the preparation process.
How can I make the Stollen more festive?
To make your Stollen even more festive, consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, or include spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. You can also brush the loaf with melted butter right after baking and sprinkle it with additional powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Is it normal for the dough to be sticky?
Yes, Stollen dough can be a bit sticky, especially with the added fruit and butter. If it’s too sticky to handle, gradually add small amounts of flour while kneading until you can form a manageable dough. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the Stollen dense.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).