15+ Best Christmas Stollen Bread Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!

The Ingredients

Flour

The first key ingredient in this Christmas stollen bread is flour. This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but for an even richer taste, you can use bread flour. Make sure to sift the flour to ensure a light and airy texture to the bread.

Butter

Butter is the star ingredient in this recipe, giving the bread its rich and buttery flavor. Make sure to use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the bread. You can also use a mix of butter and margarine for a lighter option.

Candied Fruit and Nuts

Traditional stollen bread is filled with candied fruit and nuts, giving it a festive and colorful appearance. You can use a mix of cherries, raisins, and citrus peel for the candied fruit and almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for the nuts. Make sure to chop them into small pieces for even distribution throughout the bread.

Spices

No Christmas recipe is complete without some spices. This stollen bread uses a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom for a warm and festive flavor. You can also add a pinch of ginger or cloves for extra holiday flair.

Yeast

To give the bread its soft and fluffy texture, you will need yeast. Make sure to use active dry yeast and proof it before adding it to the dough. This will ensure that the bread rises properly and has a light and airy texture.

The Steps

Mixing the Dough

The first step to making this Christmas stollen bread is to mix the dough. Start by mixing the flour, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Adding the Fruits and Nuts

Once the dough is ready, it's time to add the candied fruit and nuts. Mix them into the dough until they are evenly distributed. Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour in a warm place.

Shaping and Baking

After the dough has risen, it's time to shape it into the traditional stollen bread shape. Roll the dough into a log and then fold it in half lengthwise. Place it on a baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Once it has risen, bake it in the oven until it turns golden brown.

The Finishing Touches

To add the finishing touches to this Christmas stollen bread, brush it with melted butter and dust it with powdered sugar while it's still warm. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch. Let it cool before slicing and serving to your guests. In conclusion, this Christmas stollen bread recipe is truly the best one out there. Its combination of rich buttery flavor, colorful candied fruit and nuts, and warm spices make it the perfect addition to any holiday table. Don't wait any longer, try this recipe for yourself and impress your guests this holiday season.