Get ready to add a touch of German Christmas magic to your holiday baking with a delightful treat that is sure to impress your friends and family. Schoko Mohn Stollen, also known as Chocolate Poppy Seed Stollen, combines the rich flavors of chocolate and poppy seeds in a decadent and festive bread perfect for the holiday season.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup milk
– ½ cup sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– ½ cup poppy seeds
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– ½ cup chopped candied orange peel
– 1 cup chopped almonds
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it reaches about 110°F. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a rough dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Sprinkle the poppy seeds, chocolate chips, candied orange peel, and almonds over the dough.
6. Roll the dough up tightly to form a log shape, tucking in the edges as you go. Place the stollen on the prepared baking sheet, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Bake the stollen in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
8. Dust the warm stollen with powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Slice and serve warm with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a decadent holiday treat.
Prepare to delight in the heavenly combination of rich chocolate, nutty poppy seeds, and crunchy almonds all wrapped up in a tender, cinnamon-spiced loaf. This Schoko Mohn Stollen recipe is a delightful twist on the classic German Christmas treat that will surely become a new favorite on your holiday baking list. Enjoy the warmth and coziness of the season with each delicious bite of this festive bread. Happy baking and happy holidays!
