Grandma Wangner German Stollen Or Hot Cross Buns
A rich, buttery bread with sweet dried fruits and nuts, perfect for festive occasions or cozy mornings, combining traditional German and holiday flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the scalded milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Let the mixture cool to lukewarm temperature.
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast and lukewarm water; let it sit until frothy.
- Add the yeast mixture to the cooled milk mixture and stir in 3 1/2 cups of flour.
- Mix on low speed until combined.
- Add the beaten eggs to the mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
- Stir in floured raisins, and if desired, cordial fruits, cherries, and slivered almonds.
- Mix the dough by hand until well incorporated.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.
- Place the kneaded dough into a large, greased or ungreased bowl, allowing it to double in size.
- Cover the bowl with a light cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter stollen, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you don't have raisins, any dried fruit like cranberries or apricots works well. Ensure your milk is not too hot when added to prevent killing the yeast. Kneading the dough sufficiently is key for a good rise and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of stollen dusted with powdered sugar alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It also pairs beautifully with Cream Cheese Mint for a festive spread. Hot cross buns are delicious with butter or a light glaze and can be enjoyed as breakfast or dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stollen or hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Wangner German Stollen Or Hot Cross Buns contains roughly 1789 calories, with 14g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 156g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2983mg per serving (130% 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 use instant yeast as a substitute. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without the need for proofing in water. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for to ensure proper rise.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels puffy to the touch. You can also gently press a finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready for the next step.
Can I add nuts or other spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to add slivered almonds or spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for added flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount of flour slightly if you're adding a lot of extra ingredients to maintain the right dough consistency.
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).