Warm holiday wishes! It’s always a joy to bring the warm scents and flavors of Christmas into our homes, and what better way to do so than with a delicious baking project? Today, we’re going to dive into the delightful world of German Christmas baking with a recipe for Schoko Kräuter Stollen – a decadent Chocolate Herb Stollen that promises to fill your home with the festive spirit and delight your taste buds with each bite.
Schoko Kräuter Stollen – Chocolate Herb Stollen
Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate
– 1/4 cup mixed dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and sage)
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/3 cup raisins, soaked in rum
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm milk and melted butter. Crack the eggs into the well as well, and using a wooden spoon, gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry until a rough dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
4. Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and knead in the chopped dark chocolate, mixed herbs, orange zest, and soaked raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it again with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Stollen for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Remove the Stollen from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This Chocolate Herb Stollen can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a festive mulled wine.
9. Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before enjoying.
Indulge in the essence of the holiday season with this aromatic and flavorful Schoko Kräuter Stollen – a unique twist on the classic Christmas Stollen that will surely become a favorite at your festive gatherings. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of baking fill your home with joy and warmth. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!
