Description
This traditional German Stollen recipe features a rich, flavorful Christmas bread packed with dried fruits, almonds, and a hint of warm spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Whisk together the dry active yeast and warm water. Set aside until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, cinnamon powder, and nutmeg powder thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and sugar.
- 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.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 2-3 minutes to bring it together.
- Incorporate the soaked currants, golden raisins, chopped apricots, candied orange peel, blanched almonds, and lemon zest into the dough.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes to evenly distribute all fruits and nuts.
- 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.
- Punch down the risen dough gently. Transfer to a floured surface and divide into 6 equal-sized pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 14-15 inch long log.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the braided breads for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- While breads are hot, brush with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and allow to cool completely.
- Whisk together icing sugar and 3-4 tablespoons of milk until smooth and thick to create a glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled stollen breads. Slice and enjoy your festive Christmas bread!
Notes
- This bread is perfect for the holiday season.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 3h 10min
- Cook Time: 2h
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 339 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg