german stollen bread recipe

The Best german stollen bread recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by traditional German baking, and Stollen bread is one of the most iconic and delicious treats from this beautiful country. As a lover of all things sweet and buttery, I was thrilled to discover this recipe that combines the best of both worlds. The moment I took my first bite of this soft, fluffy bread infused with the sweetness of dried fruits and spices, I knew I had to share it with my family and friends.

Not only does Stollen bread taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can create this mouthwatering treat in no time. I’ve made Stollen bread for countless family gatherings, holiday parties, and even just for a quick breakfast on-the-go.

My kids love helping me mix the dough and sprinkling on the festive spices. It’s a tradition we all look forward to every year. As a bonus, Stollen bread is relatively healthy compared to other sweet treats.

With its high content of fiber-rich fruits and whole grains, you can feel good about indulging in this sweet delight. One of the things I love most about Stollen bread is its versatility. You can serve it as a sweet breakfast treat, a snack for kids (or adults!)

, or even as a side dish at your next dinner party. Its rich flavors pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea on a chilly morning or afternoon. And let’s not forget about the leftovers – they’re perfect for toast or French toast.

In my experience, making Stollen bread from scratch is surprisingly straightforward. You don’t need any fancy baking skills or special equipment; just some basic kitchen tools and patience are all you need. The recipe itself is easy to follow, and the end result is well worth the effort.

German Stollen Bread

4.6 from 726 votes

This traditional German stollen is a rich, yeast-based bread filled with dried fruits, almonds, and a hint of citrus. It is typically dusted with powdered sugar to resemble a snowy loaf.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 15 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Fruit and Nut Mixture

1 cup raisins
1/2 cup candied orange peel, chopped
1/2 cup candied lemon peel, chopped
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup rum or orange juice

For the Filling and Topping

1/2 cup almond paste (marzipan), rolled into a log
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine the raisins, candied orange peel, candied lemon peel, and slivered almonds.
2Pour the rum or orange juice over the mixture and stir to coat.
3Let it soak for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the dough.
4In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the flour, the sugar, and the yeast.
5Add the warm milk and stir until smooth.
6Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
7Add the remaining 3 cups of flour, softened butter, eggs, salt, vanilla extract, cardamom, and nutmeg to the yeast mixture.
8Mix on low speed with a dough hook until combined, then increase to medium speed and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
9The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl.
10Drain any excess liquid from the fruit and nut mixture, then fold it into the dough until evenly distributed.
11Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until it has doubled in size.
12Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently punch it down to release air.
13Roll the dough into a 10×8-inch rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
14Place the almond paste log along the center of the rectangle lengthwise.
15Fold one long side of the dough over the almond paste, then fold the other side over to overlap slightly, creating a loaf shape.
16Pinch the seams and ends to seal.
17Place the stollen seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
18Cover the stollen loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy and nearly doubled.
19Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
20Bake the stollen for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
21If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
22Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
23Transfer the stollen to a wire rack.
24While still warm, brush the entire surface with melted butter, then generously sift powdered sugar over the top.
25Let the stollen cool completely before slicing.
26For best flavor, wrap tightly and let it rest overnight before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Stand mixer with dough hook
Small bowl
Plastic wrap
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Pastry brush
Wire rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 240mg🌾Total Carbs: 58g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the rum with orange juice. The stollen keeps well for up to two weeks when wrapped tightly and stored in a cool place. Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for a snowy look.

Watch Video Of How German Stollen Bread Works

Stollen bread is always a great idea for any occasion – whether it’s Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or just a random Tuesday afternoon snack attack! It’s easy to make ahead of time and freezes beautifully for later use.

To reheat leftover Stollen bread, simply place it in your toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Or try microwaving slices individually on high power for 10-15 seconds per slice – watch closely so they don’t overcook!

This festive German treat never fails to impress my guests with its tender crumb and rich flavors.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About German Stollen Bread

Q: What type of flour should I use for Stollen bread?

A: Traditionally, Stollen bread is made with rye flour, which gives it that distinctive flavor and texture. However, you can also use all-purpose flour if you prefer.

Q: How do I store leftover Stollen bread?

A: Leftover Stollen bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Q: Can I make Stollen bread without nuts?

A: While traditional Stollen recipes include chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, you can easily omit them if you prefer nut-free baking.

Q: How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my countertop?

A: To prevent the dough from sticking to your countertop, make sure your surface is clean and lightly floured before working with the dough.

Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins?

A: Yes, you can use dried cranberries as a substitute for raisins in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they’ll add a slightly different flavor profile.

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