Description
An authentic yet approachable German Christmas Stollen recipe featuring almond paste, dried fruits, spices, and a snowy powdered sugar finish—bringing centuries of holiday tradition to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots or raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup candied ginger
- 12.5 ounces almond paste
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and spices in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix wet into dry until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth. Add dried fruit, nuts, and candied ginger, incorporating gently.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Punch down dough and roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread almond paste over dough, fold sides toward center, and roll into a cylinder.
- Place loaf seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch pan. Cover and rise 30–45 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding.
- Brush warm loaf with melted butter and dust generously with powdered sugar. Apply honey-water glaze for shine.
Notes
For the most authentic flavor, soak your dried fruits in rum overnight before adding them to the dough.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: stollen, german christmas bread, christmas stollen, holiday bread recipe