Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Christmas Stollen 26.png

Christmas Stollen

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

๐Ÿž Enjoy a traditional German Christmas bread that combines rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan.
โ„๏ธ This classic stollen features a tender crumb and a sweet snowy powdered sugar finish, perfect for holiday celebrations.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes (excluding aging)
  • Yield: 2 loaves

Ingredients

– 240 ml lukewarm whole milk for the dough

– 7 g active dry yeast for the dough

– 50 g granulated sugar for the dough

– 500 g all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour substitute) for the dough

– 1 large egg for the dough

– 2 large egg yolks for the dough

– 150 g unsalted butter (room temperature) for the dough

– 1 tsp vanilla extract for the dough

– zest of 1 lemon for the dough

– 1/2 tsp salt for the dough

– 1 tsp ground cardamom for the dough

– 1/2 tsp ground mace or nutmeg for the dough

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon for the dough

– 150 g marzipan (optional) for the dough

– 150 g raisins for the fruits & nuts

– 100 g finely diced candied lemon peel (homemade recommended) for the fruits & nuts

– 100 g finely diced candied orange peel for the fruits & nuts

– 100 g finely chopped almonds for the fruits & nuts

– 100 ml quality dark rum for the fruits & nuts

– 75 g melted unsalted butter for the glaze & dusting

– powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1-In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and citrus zest to distribute the spices evenly.

2-Dissolve fresh yeast in warm milk and let it activate for 5-10 minutes until frothy, ensuring a good rise for your dough.

3-Add the yeast mixture and softened butter to the dry ingredients, then knead until a smooth dough forms; for gluten-free versions, knead gently to keep the texture light.

4-Incorporate the soaked dried fruits and chopped nuts evenly into the dough, adjusting flour if it feels too wet.

5-Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size, a crucial step for that fluffy, traditional Christmas Stollen texture.

6-Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into an oval about 2.5 cm thick, then roll the marzipan into logs and press it into the center.

7-Fold the left side over the marzipan, then fold the right side partially over the left, pinching and tucking the ends to form the characteristic hump.

8-Let the shaped dough rest and rise for 40 to 60 minutes until puffy, making sure to remove any exposed raisins.

9-Preheat the oven to 175ยฐC (350ยฐF) and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 88ยฐC (190ยฐF).

10-After baking, let it cool for 5 minutes, brush with melted butter, and dust with powdered sugar, rubbing it into the creases for that snowy effect.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

๐Ÿ‹ Homemade candied citrus peel greatly enhances flavor and can be frozen for convenience.
๐ŸŒฐ Marzipan adds delicious richness but may be omitted if preferred.
๐Ÿ”„ Using a stand mixer with dough hook simplifies kneading for better texture.
๐Ÿž All-purpose flour yields a tender crumb; gluten-free substitutes are possible with adjustments.
โณ Stollen develops best flavor aged 2-3 weeks, allowing rum-soaked fruits to moisten the bread.
๐Ÿ”ฅ Briefly warm slices in microwave to soften crumb before serving.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 3 hours (including rising)
  • Aging time: up to 2 weeks
  • Cook Time: 30 to 40 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Mixing, kneading, rising, baking
  • Cuisine: German
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 324 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg