Stollen Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup candied citron peel
• 1/4 cup rum
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted for brushing
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, soak raisins and candied citron peel in rum for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it reaches 110°F. Sprinkle yeast over the warm milk and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Using an electric mixer, beat together granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
4. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix well
5. Gradually mix in the flour until you have a soft and sticky dough. Only add more flour if absolutely necessary.
6. Drain the raisins and citron peel then fold in the almonds and raisins into the dough.
7. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. This should take about 10 minutes.
8. Grease a large bowl with oil and transfer the dough into it, covering it with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Punch the dough down and shape into a loaf or oval shape. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Brush the stollen with melted butter and bake for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with more melted butter and dust with powdered sugar.
12. Cool before serving.

Verdict

This stollen recipe is perfect for bringing a touch of Germany to your Christmas festivities. The combination of raisins, candied citron peel, and almonds make for a delicious and aromatic pastry that you’ll want to eat all year round.

Serving Suggestions

Stollen is traditionally served as a sweet breakfast pastry or as a dessert. Slice it up and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. It also makes for a lovely gift during the holiday season.