Stollen is a cherished German Christmas bread, renowned for its rich sweetness and a delightful blend of dried fruits and nuts. This holiday classic is ideal for sharing as a heartfelt gift or savoring alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Embrace the festive spirit by preparing your very own Stollen with this recipe.
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted, for brushing
Join me and let's see how to make Stollen
Instructions:
Step 1
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it's frothy.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix to form a dough.
Step 3
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, chopped almonds, chopped candied cherries, lemon zest, orange zest, nutmeg, and cinnamon. If using rum, pour it over the fruit mixture and let it soak.
Step 5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 6
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle. Sprinkle the fruit mixture evenly over the dough. Roll up the dough, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a log shape.
Step 7
Place the Stollen on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it's golden brown.
Step 8
While the Stollen is still warm, brush it with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar.
Step 9
Allow the Stollen to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade German Stollen!