Mohnstollen

Looking to bring a taste of traditional German baking into your home? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Mohnstollen, a delicious and festive poppy seed-filled sweet bread. Perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of tea or coffee, Mohnstollen is a classic treat that will transport your taste buds to the cozy villages of Germany. Let’s get started on making this scrumptious baked good that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

**Mohnstollen**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
– ⅓ cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup poppy seeds
– ½ cup raisins
– ½ cup chopped almonds
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Beat one of the eggs and add it to the flour mixture along with the vanilla extract and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the poppy seeds, raisins, chopped almonds, and lemon zest.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
7. Spread the poppy seed filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Starting from one of the long sides, roll up the dough tightly to form a log.
9. Place the log on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, tucking the ends underneath to seal.
10. Cover the log with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of the stollen.
13. Bake the Mohnstollen in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
14. Remove the stollen from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
15. Once the stollen has cooled slightly, dust it with powdered sugar.
16. Slice and serve the Mohnstollen with a hot beverage for a cozy and delightful treat.

Enjoy this Mohnstollen with friends and family during the holiday season or as a special weekend brunch addition. The combination of the sweet, nutty filling and soft, buttery bread is sure to please your senses and leave you wanting more. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the homemade goodness of this traditional German treat.