There’s a delightful warmth that fills the kitchen when you start baking Stollen Bread, reminiscent of holiday gatherings and cozy afternoons. As the rich aroma of cinnamon and warm milk wafts through the air, I often find myself transported back to joyful moments spent with loved ones. This traditional German bread, filled with vibrant mixed dried fruits and crunchy almonds, is perfect for celebrating the season or simply indulging in a comforting slice at breakfast.
What I love most about making Stollen is its simplicity; it may look fancy, but the steps are straightforward enough for any home cook. In just a little over an hour, you can create a stunning loaf that not only pleases the palate but also adds a beautiful touch to any table. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this Stollen recipe is bound to become a cherished family favorite. Join me in bringing a slice of tradition into our homes!
Why You'll Love This Stollen Bread
- Stollen Bread is incredibly easy to make, proving that you don’t need to be a professional baker to impress your family and friends.
- The combination of rich flavors from cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed fruits creates a heavenly aroma that makes your kitchen feel cozy and inviting.
- This recipe’s visual appeal, with its dusting of powdered sugar and beautiful loaf shape, makes it a centerpiece for any gathering.
- Not only does it save time with a straightforward process, but it also serves as a delightful treat that everyone will adore.
Stollen Bread Ingredients
For the Dough
• 500g all-purpose flour – The foundation of your Stollen, giving it the perfect texture.
• 100g sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the flavors of the fruits and spices.
• 1 packet of instant yeast – Ensures your Stollen rises beautifully, creating a light, fluffy loaf.
• 1 tsp cinnamon – Infuses warmth and depth, making the aroma simply irresistible.
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg – Adds a hint of warmth and spice, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Balances all the sweet flavors for a well-rounded taste.
• 100g butter – Contributes richness and moisture, making your Stollen delightfully tender.
• 150ml milk, warm – Activates the yeast while adding a touch of creaminess.
• 1 egg – Helps bind the ingredients while enriching the dough.
For the Filling
• 200g mixed dried fruits – A colorful medley that brings sweetness and texture, making your Stollen special.
• 100g almonds, chopped – Adds a crunchy element, perfect for contrasting the softness of the dough.
For the Finish
• Powdered sugar for dusting – A final touch that makes your Stollen Bread look as wonderful as it tastes.
How to Make Stollen Bread
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Combine Milk and Yeast: In a bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it froths. This step ensures your Stollen rises nicely!
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The fragrant spices will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma!
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Add Butter and Egg: Add the softened butter and egg to the dry mixture. Gently blend everything until fully combined, creating a lovely, cohesive dough.
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Incorporate Yeast Mixture: Pour in the yeast mixture and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This should take about 7-10 minutes of kneading, making your arms feel pleasantly worked!
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Add Dried Fruits and Almonds: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped almonds. Continue kneading until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Let It Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Patience is key for that perfect fluffy texture!
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Preheat the Oven: While your dough rises, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures an even bake for your Stollen!
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Shape the Loaf: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake your Stollen for 30-40 minutes until it’s beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking!
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Cool and Dust: Let your Stollen cool on a wire rack. Once cool, generously dust it with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Optional: Serve warm with a smear of butter for an extra cozy treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Stollen Bread preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! To make things easier, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Once it doubles in size, simply shape it into a loaf and bake it the next day. Additionally, you can chop the dried fruits and almonds up to 3 days ahead and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy your Stollen, just follow the baking instructions as usual, and you’ll have a delicious loaf with that freshly baked taste and aroma, all with minimal effort. Happy baking!
How to Store and Freeze Stollen Bread
Room Temperature: Store your Stollen Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Fridge: If you want to keep it for longer, wrap the Stollen tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge; it’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze your Stollen Bread by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature or warm in the oven before serving for the best flavor.
Stollen Bread Variations
Get creative with your Stollen Bread by trying these fun and flavorful twists!
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Dried Fruit Swap: Use an assortment of your favorite dried fruits like apricots and cranberries for a unique twist. Each variation offers a different flavor profile to enjoy.
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a distinct taste and nuttier texture. This swap adds a delightful crunch to every bite!
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Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best results.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the spice mix for an extra kick of warmth. These spices complement the cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully!
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Zesty Zing: Include citrus zest, like orange or lemon, for a refreshing pop of flavor. The zest enhances the sweetness of the fruits and makes the dough aromatic.
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Chocolate Delight: Fold in dark chocolate chunks along with the fruits for a decadent treat. This variation transforms your Stollen into a delightful dessert option!
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Vegan Twist: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg plus use plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version. Your Stollen will remain just as delicious!
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Extra Sweetness: Drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf instead of the traditional powdered sugar dusting. Sweeten the deal for special occasions!
What to Serve with Stollen Bread?
There’s something magical about pairing delightful dishes that enhances your Stollen experience, transforming a simple treat into a heartwarming meal.
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Hot Chocolate: A rich, creamy cup complements the sweetness of your Stollen perfectly, creating a cozy atmosphere on chilly days.
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Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices in this drink echo the cinnamon and nutmeg in the Stollen, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Vanilla Custard: Drizzling this smooth custard over a slice of Stollen adds a delightful creaminess that takes the flavor to new heights.
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Fruit Compote: Fresh or cooked fruit can add a bright, acidic counterpoint that balances the sweetness and richness of the loaf.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream brings a luscious texture that harmonizes with the dense bread.
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Tea Selection: A cup of Earl Grey or chai will bring out the spices and dried fruit in your Stollen while offering a soothing experience.
When you gather these delightful accompaniments, you swear your kitchen is the heart of the home, inviting warm memories and shared moments.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Stollen Bread, ensure to use warm milk when activating the yeast, as this helps create a better rise.
- Avoid over-kneading your dough; knead just until smooth and elastic to maintain a soft texture.
- Adding the dried fruits and almonds should be done gently to prevent crushing and ensure an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Keep an eye on your Stollen during baking, and if it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Stollen Bread Recipe FAQs
What types of dried fruits work best in Stollen Bread?
Absolutely! You can use a variety of mixed dried fruits such as raisins, currants, cranberries, and chopped apricots. I often find that a mix enhances the flavor and texture, making each bite extra delightful. Just make sure they are plump and fresh for the best results!
How should I store leftover Stollen Bread?
To keep your Stollen Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge, where it can last up to a week. Remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the most enjoyable experience!
Can I freeze Stollen Bread? If so, how?
Absolutely! Freezing Stollen Bread is a great way to enjoy it later. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring all the air is out to prevent freezer burn. Then, wrap it in aluminum foil for extra protection. Enjoy it within 3 months for the best flavor. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven for a cozy treat!
What should I do if my Stollen Bread doesn’t rise?
Very often, this happens due to inactive yeast. Make sure you’re using fresh yeast and that your warm milk is around 110°F (43°C) — too hot can kill the yeast! You should see it froth within the first 5 minutes after you mix it with the milk. If it doesn’t, it’s best to start over with new yeast to ensure the perfect rise.
Is Stollen Bread suitable for people with nut allergies?
If someone has a nut allergy, I recommend making your Stollen without almonds and using additional dried fruits or seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, for added texture. There are plenty of nut-free alternatives to enjoy while keeping everyone safe!
How long does Stollen Bread stay fresh?
When properly stored, your Stollen Bread can last about 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the fridge. If you choose to freeze it, you’ll maintain its flavors for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for gatherings or personal indulgence. Enjoy those cozy moments!
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Dough
- 500 g all-purpose flour The foundation of your Stollen, giving it the perfect texture.
- 100 g sugar Adds sweetness to balance the flavors of the fruits and spices.
- 1 packet instant yeast Ensures your Stollen rises beautifully.
- 1 tsp cinnamon Infuses warmth and depth.
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg Adds a hint of warmth and spice.
- 1/4 tsp salt Balances all the sweet flavors.
- 100 g butter Contributes richness and moisture.
- 150 ml warm milk Activates the yeast while adding creaminess.
- 1 piece egg Helps bind the ingredients while enriching the dough.
Filling
- 200 g mixed dried fruits A colorful medley that brings sweetness and texture.
- 100 g almonds, chopped Adds a crunchy element.
Finish
- Powdered sugar for dusting Makes your Stollen look as wonderful as it tastes.
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine warm milk and instant yeast in a bowl, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add softened butter and egg to the dry mixture and blend until fully combined.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for about 7-10 minutes.
- Gently fold in mixed dried fruits and chopped almonds, continuing to knead until evenly distributed.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) while the dough rises.
- Once risen, punch the dough down and shape it into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown, keeping an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
- Let cool on a wire rack and dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
