Stollen German Christmas Bread
A rich, flavorful German Christmas bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and warming spices, perfect for festive celebrations and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups unsifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon mace ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cardamom ⓘ
- 2 packages active dry yeast ⓘ
- 1/2 cup warm water ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup golden raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced mixed candied fruits ⓘ
- 1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine 5 cups of flour, cinnamon, mace, and cardamom in a bowl and set aside.
- Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water and set aside to proof.
- Scald the milk and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour mixture with the scalded milk, sugar, salt, and melted butter.
- Add the lightly beaten eggs and the proofed yeast to the mixture.
- Mix in the golden raisins, diced candied fruits, and slivered almonds until evenly distributed.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the dough into a loaf or traditional stollen shape and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for approximately 60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half almond extract and half vanilla extract in the dough. If you don't have mace, you can substitute with nutmeg. Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly for the best texture. If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar by a third. You can also add in some chopped dried apricots or cranberries for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve stollen sliced, dusted with powdered sugar, as a delightful breakfast or dessert option. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Aunt Irma's Fruit Cake or a fruit compote. This bread also makes a lovely gift when wrapped in decorative paper.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stollen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stollen German Christmas Bread contains roughly 961 calories, with 17g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make stollen ahead of time?
Yes, stollen can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to three months if you want to prepare it well in advance.
What can I substitute for the golden raisins?
If you don't have golden raisins, you can substitute them with regular raisins, dried cherries, or even dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. Each option will provide a unique taste while still maintaining the festive spirit of the stollen.
How do I know when the stollen is done baking?
The stollen is done baking when it turns a golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Additionally, you can tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow if fully baked. Allow it to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
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).