Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that is usually enjoyed during the holiday season. It originated in the city of Dresden and has become popular not only in Germany but also in other parts of the world.
Stollen is a sweet and rich fruit bread made with a yeasted dough that contains ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, milk, and eggs. It’s typically studded with candied fruits, dried fruits such as raisins and currants, and sometimes nuts like almonds. The dough is often flavored with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, which contribute to its festive aroma and taste.
One of the defining features of stollen is its shape, which is meant to symbolize the infant Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. The bread is usually shaped into an oval or loaf-like form with a hump in the center, reminiscent of the image of a baby. After baking, the stollen is often dusted with powdered sugar to represent the baby’s swaddling.
Stollen
4
servings50
minutes40
minutesStollen is traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season, and its preparation often involves a lot of care and attention. It’s a special treat that brings people together to celebrate the holiday spirit. In some regions, variations of stollen with different ingredients or shapes may also exist.
Ingredients
- For the Dough
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- For the Filling and Decoration
1 cup mixed candied fruit (such as citrus peel)
1 cup raisins or currants
1/2 cup chopped almonds or other nuts (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 10 minutes, until foamy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Make a well in the center and add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Pour in the activated yeast mixture. Mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Add the Fruits and Nuts:
- Flatten the dough and sprinkle the candied fruit, raisins or currants, and chopped nuts over it. Fold the dough over the fruits and nuts, then knead gently until they are evenly distributed.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Stollen:
- Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf, with a slightly raised center (to resemble a baby in swaddling clothes). You can also place a piece of marzipan down the center if desired.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped stollen on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the stollen in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cooling and Dusting:
- Remove the stollen from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar.
- Enjoy:
- Slice and serve the stollen as desired. It’s best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, especially during the holiday season.