When it comes to holiday baking, nothing quite adds to the festive spirit like the aroma of freshly baked treats filling your home. One delightful German Christmas tradition is making a decadent Schokoladen Frucht Stollen, also known as Chocolate Fruit Stollen. This rich and indulgent sweet bread, filled with a mix of chocolate, dried fruits, and nuts, is a true holiday delight that is perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying alongside a cozy cup of cocoa by the fireplace.
**Schokoladen Frucht Stollen (Chocolate Fruit Stollen)**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup sugar
– 1 tsp instant yeast
– ½ tsp salt
– ½ cup warm milk
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ cup dark chocolate chips
– ½ cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots)
– ½ cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well to combine.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while stirring continuously until a sticky dough forms.
4. Add the chocolate chips, dried fruits, and chopped nuts to the dough. Mix until evenly distributed.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough 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.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to deflate. Shape it into a log and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake the stollen in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
11. Once cooled, dust the stollen with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
12. Slice and enjoy this Chocolate Fruit Stollen with a warm drink or package it up in pretty wrapping for a thoughtful holiday gift.
Indulge in the rich flavors of dark chocolate, sweet dried fruits, and crunchy nuts all nestled within the soft, buttery bread. This Chocolate Fruit Stollen is a delicious addition to your holiday baking repertoire, sure to impress guests and bring a touch of German Christmas tradition to your home. So, gather your ingredients, enjoy the process of baking this delightful treat, and savor every bite of this festive creation. Happy baking and happy holidays!
