Stollen
Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan, boasting a rich, sweet flavor profile. Its tender crumb and festive ingredients make it perfect for holiday celebrations or as a cozy treat with coffee or tea. A delightful bread for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water in a small bowl; add a pinch of sugar, stir to dissolve, and let stand for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and add the sugar, salt, eggs, and milk; mix well.
- Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead in the chopped almonds, raisins, and candied cherries until evenly distributed.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or oval shape on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 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 mixed with hot water to create a glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using milk that has been scalded and cooled instead of just warm milk. If you don't have candied cherries, you can substitute with additional raisins or dried cranberries. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise, and if you're short on time, you can skip the rising step and bake immediately for a denser loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Stollen with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It pairs beautifully with Iced Tea Ala Mode for a refreshing twist. For added festive flair, dust with extra powdered sugar just before serving or serve alongside a rich Creme Caramel for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Stollen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in a low oven for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stollen contains roughly 454 calories, with 9g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 627mg per serving (27% 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 make Stollen ahead of time?
Yes, Stollen can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors develop. Just wrap it well and store at room temperature. If you want to prepare it for the holidays, consider making it a week in advance and freezing until needed.
What can I use instead of almonds?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use almonds, you can easily substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you can skip nuts altogether and add more dried fruits to enhance the sweetness.
How do I know when the Stollen is done baking?
The Stollen is done when it has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
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).