16+ Original German Recipe For Christmas Stollen Try These Culinary Delights!

The History of Christmas Stollen

The origins of Christmas stollen can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Germany, where it was initially known as Striezel. It was traditionally made by Catholic monks as a way to symbolize the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. The bread was baked with simple ingredients such as flour, yeast, water, and oil, and was often filled with dried fruits and nuts. Over time, the recipe evolved and became more elaborate, with the addition of spices and ingredients such as marzipan, rum, and candied citrus peel.

The Original German Recipe

While there are now many variations of Christmas stollen, the original German recipe remains the most authentic and highly sought after. The key to making the perfect stollen lies in the quality of the ingredients and the traditional baking process. Here is a simple recipe for you to try at home: Ingredients: - 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup warm milk - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 packet dry active yeast - ¾ cup butter, melted - 1 tsp salt - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - ½ tsp ground nutmeg - ½ tsp ground cloves - 1 cup raisins - ½ cup candied citrus peel - ¼ cup sliced almonds - ½ cup rum - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 tsp vanilla extract Instructions: 1. In a large bowl, mix together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is activated. 2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and spices. 3. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, mixing well until a dough forms. 4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. 5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour. 6. In a small bowl, soak the raisins and candied citrus peel in rum for 30 minutes. 7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 8. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle and spread the melted butter over the surface. 9. Drain the raisins and candied peel and sprinkle them evenly over the dough, along with the sliced almonds. 10. Roll up the dough tightly, tucking in the ends to form a loaf shape. 11. Place the stollen on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for 30 minutes. 12. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown. 13. Let the stollen cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. 14. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to make a glaze. 15. Drizzle the glaze over the stollen while it is still warm. 16. Let the stollen cool completely before serving.

In Conclusion

Christmas stollen is not just a festive treat, but a symbol of German Christmas traditions and heritage. By following this traditional recipe, you can experience the taste of original German Christmas stollen and share it with your loved ones during the holiday season. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake this delicious and meaningful bread. Frohe Weihnachten! (Merry Christmas!)