Name: Heavenly Christmas Stollen Bread for the Holidays
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 4 cups Bread Flour (All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute.); 1 cup Sugar (Consider brown sugar for deeper flavor.); 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for dough structure.); 2 teaspoons Yeast (Active dry or rapid rise yeast.); 1/2 cup Butter (Can substitute with margarine for dairy-free.); 1 cup Milk (Non-dairy option works well.); 1 large Egg (Can be omitted or substitute with flax egg.); 1/2 cup Rum (Or another liquor; apple juice for non-alcoholic.); 2 cups Mixed Dried Fruit (Include raisins, currants, and cranberries.); 1 cup Candied Zest (Store-bought or homemade.); 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds (Can be omitted for nut-free.); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Can substitute with stevia for low-calorie option.)

Jump to Recipe

Christmas Stollen Bread is a festive German delight that brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. This traditional stollen recipe combines a rich, buttery dough filled with rum-soaked fruits and a touch of candied zest, creating a luscious bread that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll find it hard to resist the temptation to slice into this masterpiece. Let’s dive into the world of holiday baking and learn how to make this iconic dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Stollen Bread

There are many reasons to adore this German Christmas bread. First, its unique blend of flavors—from the buttery dough to the fruity filling—creates a delightful taste experience. Second, it’s a wonderful centerpiece for holiday tables, evoking a sense of celebration. Third, this is an easy stollen bread recipe, making it accessible even to novice bakers. Fourth, it’s perfect for gifting, wrapped in festive paper for loved ones. Fifth, it keeps well, allowing you to enjoy it over several days. Finally, the stollen bread variations and flavors can be customized, from adding marzipan to experimenting with different fruits, ensuring that each loaf is special.

Ingredients for Christmas Stollen Bread

Gather these items:

4 cups Bread Flour (All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute.)
1 cup Sugar (Consider brown sugar for deeper flavor.)
1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for dough structure.)
2 teaspoons Yeast (Active dry or rapid rise yeast.)
1/2 cup Butter (Can substitute with margarine for dairy-free.)
1 cup Milk (Non-dairy option works well.)
1 large Egg (Can be omitted or substitute with flax egg.)
1/2 cup Rum (Or another liquor; apple juice for non-alcoholic.)
2 cups Mixed Dried Fruit (Include raisins, currants, and cranberries.)
1 cup Candied Zest (Store-bought or homemade.)
1/2 cup Sliced Almonds (Can be omitted for nut-free.)
1 cup Powdered Sugar (Can substitute with stevia for low-calorie option.)

How to Make Christmas Stollen Bread Step-by-Step

Step 1: Soak the dried fruit in rum for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Make candied lemon and orange zest by simmering in sugar and water for about 10 minutes, then cool.
Step 3: Mix bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a mixer. Heat butter and milk, let cool, add egg, and mix with dry ingredients.
Step 4: Knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate cooled candied zest and almonds into the dough followed by soaked fruit.
Step 6: Shape dough into a ‘trough’ form; add marzipan if desired.
Step 7: Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm area for 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Step 8: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 60 minutes.
Step 9: Brush with melted butter and sift powdered sugar over warm bread; let cool before slicing.

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Stollen Bread

Keep these in mind:

Store leftover stollen bread in an airtight container.
Allow flavors to develop by letting the bread sit for a day before serving.
Can be frozen for longer storage.
For a richer taste, consider using high-quality butter.
Experiment with different festive stollen filling ideas like nuts or chocolate.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Stollen Bread

Enjoy this delicious bread with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect pairing for breakfast or dessert. You can also serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream for a festive touch. If you’re wondering how to serve Christmas stollen, try toasting it lightly for extra flavor!

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Stollen Bread

For best results, store your stollen bread in an airtight container. This will help retain its moisture and keep it fresh. If you have leftover stollen, you can freeze it for longer storage. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Stollen Bread

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Stollen Bread?

The secret lies in the quality of your ingredients and allowing the dough to rise properly. Using authentic German stollen ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of your bread.

Can I make Christmas Stollen Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making Christmas Stollen Bread ahead of time allows the flavors to deepen as it sits. Prepare it a day or two in advance for the best taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Stollen Bread?

Common mistakes include using too much flour or not allowing the dough to rise adequately. Follow the classic stollen bread baking instructions carefully for the best results.

Variations of Christmas Stollen Bread You Can Try

Consider adding different flavors to your stollen. Some popular variations include using chocolate chips, swapping out dried fruits for fresh, or incorporating festive spices like nutmeg and cardamom. You can also make Christmas stollen with marzipan for an extra layer of flavor.

Heavenly Christmas Stollen Bread for the Holidays - Christmas Stollen Bread - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making gingerbread cookies for the holidays!