Traditional German Christmas Stollen with Rum-Soaked Raisins
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Experience the festive flavors of the holidays with this Traditional German Christmas Stollen, enriched with rum-soaked raisins for a delightful treat.
This Traditional German Christmas Stollen is a cherished holiday treat that combines rich flavors and festive spirit. Traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season, it’s a bread-like cake filled with fruits and nuts, making it a perfect gift or dessert for gatherings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich flavors of rum-soaked raisins and spices
- A beautiful centerpiece for holiday celebrations
- Hearty texture with a delightful sweetness
The Heritage of Stollen
Stollen is a traditional German bread that dates back to the 14th century, originally baked to celebrate the Christmas season. With its rich history, this festive loaf is more than just a dessert; it symbolizes the spirit of giving and togetherness during the holidays. Each region in Germany has its own variation, but the essential elements remain the same: a rich dough filled with dried fruits and nuts, often dusted with powdered sugar.
The most famous variety, Dresden Stollen, is a protected designation of origin, meaning that only those made in the city of Dresden can officially carry its name. This classic recipe captures the heart of German Christmas traditions, making it a beloved choice for families and friends to share during festive celebrations.
A Perfect Gift for the Holidays
Homemade Stollen makes an excellent gift for friends, family, or neighbors during the holiday season. Wrapped in decorative paper or placed in a beautiful tin, it’s a thoughtful and delicious way to spread holiday cheer. The rich flavors and hearty texture will surely delight anyone who receives it, making it a memorable treat that showcases your baking skills.
To elevate your gift, consider pairing the Stollen with a bottle of spiced rum or a festive tea blend. This thoughtful combination will make your gift even more special, allowing recipients to enjoy a cozy moment as they savor each slice of your homemade creation.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
To keep your Stollen fresh for longer, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for several weeks, and the flavors will continue to develop over time. For optimal taste, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.
When serving, slice it thick and enjoy it plain, or spread a layer of butter for added richness. Stollen pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect addition to your holiday brunch table or afternoon snacks.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Stollen:
For the Stollen
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 100g sugar
- 10g salt
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 250ml milk, warmed
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 200g mixed dried fruits (including rum-soaked raisins)
- 100g almonds, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delightful Stollen:
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over it and let it activate for about 10 minutes until frothy. Add the softened butter, eggs, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix until a dough forms.
Incorporate the Fruits and Nuts
Add the rum-soaked raisins and chopped almonds into the dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape and Bake the Stollen
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into an oval loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 60 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Dust
Let the Stollen cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing.
Enjoy your Stollen with a cup of tea or coffee!
Variations to Try
While this Traditional German Christmas Stollen recipe is delightful as is, you can customize it to suit your taste. For a twist, try incorporating different fruits such as apricots or cranberries, or substitute walnuts for almonds. Each variation adds a unique flavor while still retaining the essence of this festive bread.
For those who prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar amount or experiment with sugar substitutes. Just remember that the balance of flavors is crucial, so taste as you go to achieve the perfect blend.
Nutritional Information
This Traditional German Christmas Stollen is a rich source of carbohydrates due to the flour and dried fruits, making it a filling treat. However, it is also high in sugar and fat, so moderation is key, especially during the holiday season when indulgence is common.
To make it a bit healthier, consider adding more nuts for protein and healthy fats, or incorporating whole wheat flour for added fiber. This way, you can enjoy this festive treat while also being mindful of your nutritional intake.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of dried fruits?
Yes, you can substitute the mixed dried fruits with your favorite ones like cranberries or apricots.
→ How long does Stollen last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Stollen can last for up to 3 weeks.
→ Can I freeze Stollen?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
→ What can I serve with Stollen?
Stollen pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of mulled wine during the holidays.
Traditional German Christmas Stollen with Rum-Soaked Raisins
Experience the festive flavors of the holidays with this Traditional German Christmas Stollen, enriched with rum-soaked raisins for a delightful treat.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
For the Stollen
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 100g sugar
- 10g salt
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 250ml milk, warmed
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 200g mixed dried fruits (including rum-soaked raisins)
- 100g almonds, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over it and let it activate for about 10 minutes until frothy. Add the softened butter, eggs, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix until a dough forms.
Add the rum-soaked raisins and chopped almonds into the dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into an oval loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 60 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the Stollen cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 7g