Helen Corbitt'S Christmas Stollen
A festive, rich stollen filled with dried fruits, nuts, and candied peel, perfect for holiday celebrations and enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover raisins, currants, and candied fruit with cognac for at least 1 hour.
- Drain; mix with lightly toasted slivered almonds and knead into the bread dough.
- Cut the dough in half; roll each piece into an oval about 1/2-inch thick.
- Fold each oval over almost in half, so that the bottom edge extends beyond the top. Lightly roll to set the shape.
- Place on a buttered baking sheet; allow to rise until puffy.
- Brush the loaves with melted butter.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush the warm loaves again with melted butter.
- Decorate with sugar icing, whole toasted almonds or pecan halves, and candied fruit.
- Wrap in clear plastic until needed or freeze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark rum instead of cognac. Ensure your dried fruits are plump by soaking them for longer if desired. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of candied fruit or substitute with fresh citrus zest for a bright flavor. You can also add spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this Christmas stollen with a side of spiced tea or coffee for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with Sugar-Free Fruit Dessert for a lighter option. For an extra festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving or add a dollop of whipped cream for richness. Enjoy it as a breakfast pastry or dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Once fully cooled, wrap the stollen tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dry place for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the oven at a low temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Helen Corbitt'S Christmas Stollen contains roughly 147 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (121% 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 different dried fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute dried apricots, figs, or dates for a unique twist. Just make sure to keep the total amount of fruit roughly the same to maintain the dough's consistency.
How long does the stollen stay fresh?
If stored properly in plastic wrap, the stollen can remain fresh for about a week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option, and it can last up to three months in the freezer.
Is it necessary to soak the fruits in cognac?
Soaking the fruits in cognac enhances their flavor and moisture, making the stollen richer. However, if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can soak the fruits in orange juice or tea instead for a flavorful alternative.
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).