Sourdough Stollen Recipe (german Christmas Stollen)

Easy Christmas Stollen Sweet Bread Recipe

The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and of course, delicious food. One traditional Christmas treat that is loved by many is Christmas Stollen. This German sweet bread is filled with warm spices, dried fruits, and nuts, making it the perfect festive dessert. Today, I will share with you an easy recipe for Christmas Stollen that is sure to impress your friends and family.

The first step in making this delightful sweet bread is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried currants
• 1/2 cup candied cherries, chopped
• 1/2 cup candied citrus peel, chopped
• 1/2 cup rum
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start making the Christmas Stollen. Follow these steps:

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the raisins, currants, candied cherries, candied citrus peel, and rum. Let the mixture soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Drain the soaked fruits and add them to the dough, along with the sliced almonds. Mix until well combined.
6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
7. Shape the dough into a log or oval shape and place it on a greased baking sheet.
8. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake the Stollen for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Remove the Stollen from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
12. Once the Stollen is completely cooled, dust it generously with powdered sugar.

How to Prepare:

Enjoy your homemade Christmas Stollen with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It also makes a wonderful gift for your loved ones during the holiday season. Happy baking!

Preparation Time:

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Rising time: 1 hour

Baking time: 30-35 minutes

Servings:

Makes 1 large Stollen

Nutrition Facts:

Calories per serving: 250

Total Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Cholesterol: 40mg

Sodium: 100mg

Total Carbohydrate: 36g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Total Sugars: 20g

Protein: 5g

Tips:

• Make sure to soak the dried fruits in rum for the best flavor. If you don’t have rum, you can use orange juice as a substitute.
• Feel free to add your favorite nuts or spices to the dough to personalize the Stollen.
• Store the Stollen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Q: Can I freeze the Stollen?

A: Yes, you can freeze the Stollen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.

Q: How long does it take for the Stollen to cool?

A: It usually takes about 1-2 hours for the Stollen to cool completely.

This delicious Christmas Stollen recipe is a must-try during the holiday season. The combination of warm spices, dried fruits, and nuts creates a festive treat that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea or give it as a gift, this traditional German sweet bread is sure to bring joy to your celebrations. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!