This time of the year, the air is filled with the enticing aromas of holiday baking, and no German Christmas is complete without the beloved Marzipan Schoko Stollen. This delectable treat combines the rich flavors of marzipan and chocolate in a traditional sweet bread, making it a festive delight for the taste buds. Perfect for enjoying with a steaming cup of tea by a cozy fireplace, this recipe will surely become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Marzipan Schoko Stollen Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of raisins
– 1/4 cup of rum
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1/2 cup of sugar
– 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup of marzipan, chopped into small pieces
– 1/2 cup of chopped dark chocolate
– 1/2 cup of slivered almonds
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, soak the raisins in rum for about 1 hour until they plump up.
2. Warm the milk in a saucepan until just lukewarm. Add a teaspoon of the sugar and the yeast, stirring gently. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.
4. Add the yeast mixture and softened butter to the dry ingredients, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Pat the dough into a rectangle shape, then sprinkle the marzipan, chocolate, almonds, and soaked raisins evenly over the dough.
6. Roll the dough tightly into a log, tucking in the fillings as you go. Place the stollen on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the stollen for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the stollen from the oven, and let it cool on a wire rack. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of the Marzipan Schoko Stollen with loved ones during this magical time of year. It’s a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering, and the perfect treat to share as a heartfelt gift. Embrace the joy of baking and let the sweet scents of the season fill your home with warmth and love. Cheers to a merry and delicious holiday season!