Perfected German Stollen Bread: A Festive Delight

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Perfected German Stollen Bread is a traditional festive bread that brings the delightful flavors of Christmas into your home. This rich, flavorful German Christmas bread is packed with dried fruits, almonds, and a hint of warm spices, making it a beloved holiday treat. The dough is enriched with butter, milk, and eggs, braided and baked to golden perfection, and finished with a buttery glaze. Whether you enjoy it as a dessert or a breakfast bread, it’s sure to become a staple during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Perfected German Stollen Bread

This Perfected German Stollen Bread is not just any bread; it’s a celebration in itself. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

Rich flavors from dried fruits and spices make it irresistible.
The preparation is a fun family activity, perfect for the holidays.
It’s a great way to impress guests with your baking skills.
Perfect for gifting during the festive season.
This traditional Stollen recipe is surprisingly easy to follow.
It captures the essence of authentic German Stollen bread.

This bread is a classic stollen preparation that embodies the spirit of Christmas, making it a must-try!

Ingredients for Perfected German Stollen Bread

Gather these items:

1 1/4 tbsp Dry active yeast
1/4 cup Warm water (about 40.5°C or 105°F)
5 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
1/4 cup Sugar
1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp Nutmeg powder
5 oz Melted butter (salted butter preferred)
1 cup Whole milk
3 Eggs, lightly beaten
4 oz Dried currants (soaked in 1/4 cup rum)
7 oz Golden raisins (soaked in 1/4 cup orange juice)
4 oz Blanched almonds, sliced
4 oz Candied orange peel, chopped (store-bought optional)
2 oz Dried apricots, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp Melted butter (for brushing on top)
3/4 cup Icing sugar
3-4 tbsp Milk (for glaze)

How to Make Perfected German Stollen Bread Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whisk together the dry active yeast and warm water. Set aside until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, cinnamon powder, and nutmeg powder thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and sugar.
Step 3: Add the yeast mixture, lightly beaten eggs, whole milk, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 2-3 minutes to bring it together.
Step 5: Incorporate the soaked currants, golden raisins, chopped apricots, candied orange peel, blanched almonds, and lemon zest into the dough.
Step 6: Knead the dough for 10 minutes to evenly distribute all fruits and nuts.
Step 7: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 8: Punch down the risen dough gently. Transfer to a floured surface and divide into 6 equal-sized pieces.
Step 9: Roll each piece into a 14-15 inch long log.
Step 10: Take 3 logs and pinch them together at the top, then braid the dough, tucking in the ends under the braid. Repeat with the remaining 3 logs.
Step 11: Place the braided breads on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise again until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 12: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 13: Bake the braided breads for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.
Step 14: While breads are hot, brush with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and allow to cool completely.
Step 15: Whisk together icing sugar and 3-4 tablespoons of milk until smooth and thick to create a glaze.
Step 16: Pour the glaze over the cooled stollen breads. Slice and enjoy your festive Christmas bread!

Pro Tips for the Best Perfected German Stollen Bread

Keep these in mind:

This bread is perfect for the holiday season.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Can be frozen for later use.
For a unique twist, consider adding marzipan for a rich flavor.
Allow the bread to sit for a few days to enhance the flavors.

Best Ways to Serve Perfected German Stollen Bread

Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

Slice and serve with a dollop of butter for breakfast.
Pair with a cup of mulled wine for a festive treat.
Enjoy it as a dessert after your holiday meal.

How to Store and Reheat Perfected German Stollen Bread

Use the final instructions step to ensure the bread stays fresh: store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze for later use. It can be defrosted overnight in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Perfected German Stollen Bread

What’s the secret to perfect Perfected German Stollen Bread?

The secret lies in allowing the dough to rise properly and using quality ingredients. This ensures a moist and flavorful bread, characteristic of authentic German Stollen bread.

Can I make Perfected German Stollen Bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time! The flavors develop beautifully if you let it sit for a few days before serving, making it a perfect option for holiday baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Perfected German Stollen Bread?

Avoid over-kneading the dough and ensure not to skip the resting periods. These steps are essential for achieving the desired texture and flavor in your traditional stollen recipe.

Variations of Perfected German Stollen Bread You Can Try

Here are some delightful variations:

Try adding marzipan for a sweet and nutty flavor.
Substitute dried fruits with your favorite combinations for a unique twist.
Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger for a personal touch.

Perfected German Stollen Bread: A Festive Delight - Perfected German Stollen Bread - main visual representation

For more festive recipes, check out our Christmas Chocolate Bark or Cozy Apple Kringle.

Perfected German Stollen Bread: A Festive Delight - Perfected German Stollen Bread - additional detail

Additionally, you can learn more about Soft Christmas Peppermints and Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs for more holiday inspiration.