There’s something magical about baking Classic Stollen—the rich aroma of candied fruits, warm spices, and buttery dough instantly fills your kitchen with Christmas nostalgia. Originating from Germany, this festive bread is a true holiday classic that combines fruitcake charm with soft, yeasty sweetness. If you’ve ever wanted to bake your own, this easy-to-follow guide will walk you through every step so you can create a perfect loaf that’s both beautiful and delicious.
What Makes Stollen Special?
Stollen (also known as Christstollen) is more than just bread—it’s a festive centerpiece. What sets it apart?
- Rich Dough: Made with butter, milk, and eggs for a soft, moist crumb.
- Candied Fruits & Nuts: Orange peel, raisins, and almonds add sweetness and texture.
- Spiced Perfection: A blend of nutmeg and cardamom gives Stollen its signature warmth.
- Sweet Finish: A generous dusting of powdered sugar makes it look like a snow-covered loaf—perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather everything you’ll need to keep the process smooth and enjoyable.
For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp cardamom
For the filling:
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped candied peel)
- ¼ cup chopped almonds
- 3 tbsp rum or orange juice (to soak the fruit)
For finishing:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Mixture
Start by soaking your dried fruits in rum (or orange juice) for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures that the fruit stays moist and flavorful while baking.
Tip: You can soak the fruit overnight for an even richer taste.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, add flour, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cardamom.
- Stir in the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs.
- Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Once kneaded, cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Add the Fruit and Shape the Loaf
After the dough has risen:
- Drain any excess liquid from the soaked fruits.
- Gently knead them into the dough along with the chopped almonds.
- Roll the dough into an oval shape.
- Fold one long side toward the center, then the other side, slightly overlapping to form the traditional Stollen shape.
Place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover it lightly, and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Stollen for 35–40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
When it’s still warm, brush the top with melted butter and dust generously with powdered sugar. Repeat once it cools for that snowy, festive look.
Step 5: Let It Rest (The Secret Step!)
Classic Stollen actually gets better with time. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in foil and store it for at least 2–3 days before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to blend beautifully and gives the bread its signature moist texture.
Bonus Tip: Properly wrapped Stollen can last up to two weeks at room temperature—or longer when refrigerated.
Enjoy Your Homemade Stollen
Slice your Classic Stollen, serve it with coffee, and enjoy the cozy warmth of the holidays in every bite.
Whether it’s your first time baking this traditional bread or it’s already part of your family tradition, homemade Stollen is always worth the effort.
✨ Save this recipe for later and share it with your holiday baking friends!
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