Stollen, the iconic German Christmas bread, is a rich, fruity loaf filled with candied fruits, nuts, and spices. Its unique flavor and festive aroma evoke warm memories of the holiday season. While it may seem like a complicated bake, this step-by-step guide will show you How To Make Stollen at home, filling your kitchen with the delightful smells of Christmas. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you to creating a stollen that will impress your family and friends.
What is Stollen?
Originating from Dresden, Germany, stollen has been a beloved Christmas tradition for centuries. Its shape, oblong and dusted with powdered sugar, is said to represent the Christ Child wrapped in swaddling clothes. The rich, buttery dough is studded with rum-soaked dried fruits and marzipan, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Making stollen is a labor of love, but the payoff is a delicious and rewarding treat that embodies the festive spirit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 500g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 100g granulated sugar
- 250ml warm milk
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 100g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
For the Filling:
- 200g mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, currants)
- 50g candied peel
- 50g flaked almonds, toasted
- 50ml rum or brandy (optional)
- 100g marzipan (optional)
For the Topping:
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
- 100g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Cling film
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush
