During the festive holiday season, German Christmas baking fills the kitchen with scents of warmth and spice that instantly evoke memories of cozy gatherings and joyful celebrations. One such traditional treat is the Kirsch Nuss Stollen, also known as Cherry Nut Stollen. This delightful sweet bread, enriched with candied cherries, nuts, and a hint of cherry liqueur, is a staple in many German households during Christmas. The rich flavors and tender texture make it a perfect addition to your holiday table or a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Title: Kirsch Nuss Stollen Cherry Nut Stollen
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of dried cherries
– 1/2 cup of cherry liqueur (Kirsch)
– 1/2 cup of chopped mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans)
– Zest of one lemon
– 1/4 cup of warm water
– 1 package of active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup of warm milk
– 1/3 cup of sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 4 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted (for brushing the stollen)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, soak the dried cherries in cherry liqueur for at least 1 hour to plump them up and infuse them with flavor.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped nuts and lemon zest. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
4. Add the warm milk, sugar, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, melted butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
5. Gradually stir in the flour until a shaggy dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7. Drain the soaked cherries and gently fold them into the dough along with the nut mixture.
8. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
10. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval loaf, pressing down the center and folding one side over the other to create the characteristic stollen shape.
11. Transfer the loaves to the prepared baking sheet, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
12. Bake the stollen in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
13. Remove the stollen from the oven and brush them generously with melted butter while they are still warm.
14. Let the stollen cool completely on a wire rack before dusting them with powdered sugar.
15. To serve, slice the stollen into thick pieces and enjoy with a cup of hot tea or mulled wine.
This Kirsch Nuss Stollen is a labor of love that truly captures the essence of Christmas with its warm flavors and festive decoration. Whether you indulge in a slice for breakfast, as an afternoon treat, or as a delightful dessert, this traditional German Christmas baking recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Prepare a batch of this Cherry Nut Stollen to share the magic of the holiday season with your loved ones, spreading joy and sweetness wherever it goes.
