Hello and welcome to our cozy kitchen! Today, we have a delightful recipe that will fill your home with the warm and comforting scents of the holiday season. Our Christmas Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of warming spices. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea by the fire or to share with loved ones during the festive season.
**Christmas Stollen**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and chopped apricots)
– 1/2 cup rum or orange juice
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 2 1/4 tsp dry yeast
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, rum (or orange juice), chopped almonds, lemon zest, and orange zest. Let it sit for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk with the dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
4. Add the softened butter and eggs to the flour mixture. Pour in the yeast mixture as well.
5. Knead the dough by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Fold in the soaked dried fruit and nut mixture into the dough until evenly distributed.
7. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into an oval loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake the Stollen in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Remove the Stollen from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
12. Dust the cooled Stollen generously with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your handmade Christmas Stollen with loved ones and embrace the joy and warmth it brings during the holiday season. This delicious treat also makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. Happy baking and happy holidays!
