Name: Stollen Bread: 7 Secrets to Perfect German Christmas Bread
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 4 cups All-purpose flour; 1 packet Active dry yeast; ¾ cup Warm milk; ½ cup Unsalted butter (softened); ⅓ cup Granulated sugar; ½ tsp Salt; 2 large Eggs; 1 tsp Cinnamon; ¼ tsp Nutmeg; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 1 tbsp Orange zest; 1 tbsp Lemon zest; 1 cup Mixed dried fruits; ⅓ cup Chopped candied citrus peel; 1 log Almond paste or marzipan; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Stollen Bread is a delightful German Christmas bread that has become a holiday favorite around the world. This delicious homemade stollen bread is packed with rich flavors and aromas, making it perfect for festive occasions or cozy gatherings. The combination of dried fruits, warm spices, and marzipan creates a unique taste experience that is truly unforgettable. Let’s dive into this traditional stollen recipe and learn how to make stollen bread that will impress everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Stollen Bread

You’ll absolutely adore this stollen bread for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a traditional German Christmas bread that evokes the spirit of the holidays. Secondly, it’s a fruit-studded bread that combines the sweetness of mixed dried fruits with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. Thirdly, this recipe features marzipan, which adds a delightful richness. With its beautiful presentation and aromatic flavors, it’s the best stollen bread for gifting. Whether you opt for an easy stollen bread recipe or an authentic German stollen, you’ll find this festive treat to be a hit!

Ingredients for Stollen Bread

Gather these items:

4 cups All-purpose flour
1 packet Active dry yeast
¾ cup Warm milk
½ cup Unsalted butter (softened)
⅓ cup Granulated sugar
½ tsp Salt
2 large Eggs
1 tsp Cinnamon
¼ tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tbsp Orange zest
1 tbsp Lemon zest
1 cup Mixed dried fruits
⅓ cup Chopped candied citrus peel
1 log Almond paste or marzipan
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

How to Make Stollen Bread Step-by-Step

Step 1: Combine warm milk and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until frothy, about 5–10 minutes.
Step 2: Mix in a large bowl the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, zest, and softened butter. Then, add in the eggs, vanilla, and the yeast mixture until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 4: Fold the risen dough to punch it down and incorporate the mixed dried fruits and candied peel. Roll the dough into a rectangle and place the almond paste log in the center.
Step 5: Wrap the dough around it and shape into a loaf. Let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and then bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool the bread slightly after baking, then dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Stollen Bread: 7 Secrets to Perfect German Christmas Bread - Stollen Bread - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Stollen Bread

Keep these in mind:

This bread is great for festive occasions or cozy gatherings.
Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
For even better flavor, allow the stollen to sit for a few days before serving; it enhances the flavors.
If you’re looking for a vegan stollen bread recipe, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based butter. Vegan options can be just as delicious!

Best Ways to Serve Stollen Bread

Enjoy your stollen bread fresh from the oven or toasted with a spread of butter. You can also pair it with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. Another idea is to serve it as part of a festive holiday brunch alongside traditional holiday breads. Holiday brunch ideas can elevate your gatherings!

How to Store and Reheat Stollen Bread

To store your stollen bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness. If you want to reheat it, simply slice and toast the pieces in a toaster oven. Stollen bread can last up to two weeks if stored properly, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stollen Bread

What’s the secret to perfect Stollen Bread?

The secret to perfect stollen bread lies in allowing the dough to rise properly and in using high-quality ingredients. The marzipan should be fresh, and the dried fruits should be mixed well into the dough to ensure even distribution.

Can I make Stollen Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make stollen bread a few days ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit wrapped for a couple of days enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Stollen Bread?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that your yeast is active and that you knead the dough sufficiently. Overbaking can dry it out, so keep an eye on it while it’s in the oven.

Variations of Stollen Bread You Can Try

There are many holiday stollen variations you can try. For example, you can make a chocolate stollen by adding cocoa powder to the dough and using chocolate chips instead of dried fruits. You might also consider a vegan stollen bread recipe, which substitutes dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Another idea is to incorporate different nuts or spices for a unique twist on this authentic German stollen!