Stollen Recipe by InfoStarBase

Festive Stollen Recipe: A German Christmas Classic

Stollen is not just any bread; it’s a sumptuous representation of German holiday traditions, full of rich buttery flavors that evoke warmth and joy. Bursting with dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, this classic Christmas treat captures the essence of the season. Here’s a creative spin on how to craft this delightful bread in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You Will Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Awaken the Yeast
   Begin by waking up your yeast. In a small bowl, blend the warm milk with the active dry yeast. Allow this mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes until it forms a frothy layer, signaling that the yeast is alive and kicking.

2. Craft the Dough
   In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Create a little well in the center, and pour in your yeast mixture along with the softened butter and the egg. Stir until everything is combined into a shaggy mass.

3. Bring It Together
   Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Let your hands work on it for about 8-10 minutes, pushing and folding until the dough is smooth and elastic. As you work, gradually mix in the dried fruits, lemon zest, and chopped nuts, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout.

4. Let It Rise
   Place this beautiful dough ball into a greased bowl, cover it thoughtfully with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a cozy spot for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size, filled with anticipation.

5. Shape Your Stollen
   After it has risen, gently punch down the dough to release some air, then flip it onto a floured surface again. Shape the dough into an oval loaf. To give it that signature Stollen look, fold one side over the other to create layers that resemble the classic structure.

6. Final Rise
   Set this formed loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it again and let it rise for an additional 30-40 minutes, until it puffs up.

7. Bake to Perfection
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide the Stollen into the oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes, checking for a lovely golden color and a hollow sound when you tap the bottom.

8. Cool Down and Indulge
   Allow your Stollen to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, generously dust the top with powdered sugar, then slice and serve this delightful creation with your favorite coffee or tea.

Enjoying Stollen

Stollen is best appreciated sliced, either unadorned or with a smattering of butter. Interestingly, this festive bread often becomes even tastier after a couple of days, as the flavors mingle beautifully. Relish this holiday gem and savor each bite as you share it with friends and family!