Stollen is a beloved German Christmas cake that'll fill your home with the most heavenly aromas! This festive treat features a soft, buttery dough filled with a delightful mix of juicy raisins, cherries, and crunchy almonds. Baking stollen is a true labor of love, but the end result is so worth it – just imagine that first warm, comforting bite. Dusted with powdered sugar, it's a sight to behold and a true Christmas classic. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a special dessert, stollen is sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. And if you want to learn more about this beloved German treat, just keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Stollen is a traditional German Christmas cake with a rich, buttery dough filled with dried fruits and nuts.
- Stollen originated in the 14th century and has evolved over the centuries, maintaining its significance in festive traditions.
- The dough for stollen requires careful preparation, including multiple rising periods, resulting in soft, flaky layers and a crisp crust.
- Key ingredients in stollen include all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, and a blend of dried fruits and nuts.
- Stollen is often enjoyed as a holiday treat, served with coffee or tea, and can be used as a festive gift.
History
When did stollen, the famous Christmas fruit bread, first appear? Stollen has been around for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the 14th century in Germany! Back then, it was a simple bread made with just flour, yeast, and water.
Over time, as bakers got more creative, they started adding delicious ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
Today, stollen is a beloved Christmas treat enjoyed all over the world. The rich, buttery bread is studded with juicy raisins, cherries, and almonds, and dusted with a layer of powdery sugar. Stollen originated in Germany, where it is traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. The combination of buttery bread and sweet fruits gives it a festive and indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea. In fact, it’s so delicious that it can even be used as a base for a cream caramel dessert, adding a decadent touch to any Christmas table.
It's the perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate on a chilly winter day. Biting into a slice of stollen is like taking a trip back in time, as you savor the flavors and aromas that have been delighting people for generations.
Recipe
Stollen is a traditional German Christmas cake that has been enjoyed for centuries. This rich, buttery bread is filled with a variety of dried fruits and nuts, and often dusted with powdered sugar, giving it a festive and delicious appearance.
It's important to keep in mind that while stollen is a delightful treat for humans, some ingredients like raisins can be harmful to dogs; grapes are toxic to dogs and should be avoided in any baked goods intended for them.
Stollen is a labor of love, requiring time and patience to prepare. The dough must be kneaded and allowed to rise multiple times, and the filling must be meticulously assembled.
However, the end result is well worth the effort, as the flavors and textures come together in a harmonious and comforting way.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cherries, and apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds
- 1/4 cup candied citrus peel
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the warm milk and yeast.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Punch down the dough and roll out into a rectangle.
Sprinkle the dried fruits, nuts, and candied peel over the dough, then roll up the dough from the long side, pinching the seam to seal.
Place the stollen seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the stollen for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown.
Brush the hot stollen with the melted butter and dust generously with powdered sugar. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.
When making stollen, it's important to use high-quality ingredients and to be patient with the rising and baking process.
The dough can be tricky to work with, but with a little practice, you'll be able to create a beautiful and delicious stollen that will be the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations.
Cooking Steps
First, cream the butter and sugar until they're light and fluffy.
Then, knead the dough thoroughly until it's smooth and elastic.
After that, let the dough rise in a bowl until it's doubled in size.
Now, shape the dough into a loaf and bake it until it's golden brown and delicious!
Step 1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
To begin, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This is an important first step in making delicious stollen. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the butter and sugar for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale and creamy.
You'll know it's ready when the sugar has fully dissolved and the butter has a light, airy texture.
Next, add a bit of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. The sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the butter will create a wonderful foundation for the rest of the stollen ingredients.
Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined. With the butter and sugar creamed to perfection, you're well on your way to baking up a batch of mouthwatering stollen!
Keep up the good work, and get ready for the next step.
Step 2. Knead the Dough Thoroughly
Kneading the dough thoroughly is a crucial step in creating the perfect stollen. Once you've creamed the butter and sugar, it's time to get your hands dirty and work that dough!
Grab the dough and start pushing it down, then fold it over. Keep repeating this process, kneading the dough for about 10 minutes. You'll feel the texture change as the gluten develops, becoming smooth and elastic.
Don't be afraid to add a dusting of flour if the dough starts to stick. The key is to knead it until it's nice and springy. Imagine you're shaping and sculpting the dough, molding it into a beautiful shape.
Can you feel the satisfying resistance as you work the dough? It's almost like the dough is coming alive under your touch.
Once the dough is perfectly kneaded, you're ready for the next step. Isn't it exciting to see your stollen come together, one delicious layer at a time?
Keep up the great work – you're doing fantastic!
Step 3. Let Dough Rise in Bowl
Once you've thoroughly kneaded the dough, it's time to let it rise in a bowl. Find a nice, big bowl and lightly grease the inside with a bit of butter or oil. Gently place the dough inside, then cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel.
Now, you'll want to let the dough rise in a warm, cozy spot. The perfect temperature is around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If your kitchen is a bit chilly, you can place the bowl near a sunny window or even in the oven with the light on. Just be sure not to turn the oven on!
As the dough rises, you'll notice it gradually expanding and getting nice and puffy. This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the temperature. Keep an eye on it, and once the dough has doubled in size, it's ready for the next step.
Gently punch it down to release any air bubbles, then you can shape it into the classic Stollen loaf. Get ready for some delicious baking!
Step 4. Shape the Dough Into Loaf
With the dough nicely risen and ready to go, you can now shape it into the classic Stollen loaf. First, gently punch down the dough to release any trapped air bubbles.
Next, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and use your hands to shape it into a long, oval-shaped loaf. Be sure to tuck the ends under to create a smooth, uniform shape.
Now, transfer the shaped dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, carefully make a series of diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf. This not only creates that signature Stollen look, but also allows the dough to expand properly during baking.
Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get ready for the best part – baking your stollen until it's a beautiful, golden brown!
Carefully place the shaped loaf onto a lightly greased baking sheet. With the oven nice and hot, slide the tray in and set a timer for 30-35 minutes.
As the stollen bakes, your kitchen will fill with the mouthwatering aroma of butter, spices, and toasted nuts. Keep an eye on it, peeking through the oven window occasionally.
When the top is a lovely shade of amber and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, it's time to take it out. Use oven mitts to carefully transfer the stollen to a wire rack.
Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing into it. The wait will be worth it, as you'll be rewarded with soft, flaky layers and a delightfully crisp crust.
Enjoy your freshly baked stollen – it's the perfect holiday treat!
Final Thoughts
Fundamentally, stollen is a cherished, centuries-old German Christmas tradition that continues to captivate bakers and pastry enthusiasts worldwide.
Whether you've savored its rich, buttery crumb, delighted in the burst of dried fruit, or marveled at the snowy dusting of powdered sugar, there's no denying the joy this beloved treat brings.
With its time-honored recipe and the care required in its preparation, stollen is a labor of love that celebrates the spirit of the holiday season.
As you slice into a fresh, fragrant loaf, let the aromas transport you to a cozy Bavarian kitchen, where generations have gathered to share in this timeless delight. As you take a bite, savor the tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor that comes from using only the finest ingredients. Each bite carries the warmth and love of a family tradition that has been passed down for centuries. The buttery, flaky layers of this traditional rugelach recipe are a testament to the art of baking perfected through years of practice and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Origin of the Name "Stollen"?
You're curious about the origin of the name "stollen," aren't you? Well, it's believed the name comes from the German word "Stollen," which refers to the traditional shape of this rich, fruit-filled Christmas bread.
How Long Can Stollen Be Stored?
You can generally store stollen for up to 2-3 weeks if stored properly. It'll stay fresh longer when kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its delicious flavors for longer.
Is Stollen a Traditional Christmas Treat?
Yes, stollen is a traditional Christmas treat. This rich, buttery bread is a beloved holiday staple, enjoyed for its festive flavors and long-standing tradition in many European countries, particularly Germany. It's a must-have for your Christmas celebrations.
Can Stollen Be Frozen for Later Use?
Yes, you can freeze stollen for later use. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. This allows you to enjoy this traditional Christmas treat all year round.
What Is the Significance of the Shape of Stollen?
The shape of the food item you're referring to is significant because it symbolizes the swaddled Christ child. This unique form sets it apart, making it a meaningful part of the holiday tradition.
Rachel is all about nostalgic comfort food with a modern twist. She brings the flavors of classic American diners to Cook if Ya, with her takes on burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Rachel’s love for simple, hearty meals brings a bit of retro flair to the table, reminding us all of the joys of classic diner dishes.
