Stollen Christmas Fruit Bread

Few things evoke the spirit of Christmas quite like the warm aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house. Among the many beloved traditions of the holiday season, baking holds a special place as it brings families together in the kitchen to create delicious treats that will be enjoyed by all. Today, we bring you a classic German Christmas recipe that has been cherished for generations – Stollen Christmas Fruit Bread. This delightful sweet bread is rich in flavor, filled with a medley of dried fruits, nuts, and warming spices, making it a perfect festive addition to your holiday table.

**Stollen Christmas Fruit Bread**

**Ingredients:**
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 3/4 cup warm milk
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped mixed peel
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Zest of 1 lemon

**Instructions:**

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.

3. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Punch down the dough and knead in the almonds, raisins, dried cranberries, mixed peel, lemon zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

8. Shape the dough into a log shape, then fold one side over the other, slightly off-center, to create the traditional stollen shape.

9. Place the stollen on the prepared baking sheet, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

10. Bake the stollen in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

11. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

12. Dust the warm stollen with powdered sugar before serving. This will create a snowy effect reminiscent of the winter season.

13. Slice and enjoy this festive Stollen Christmas Fruit Bread with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced mulled wine for the ultimate holiday treat.

This Stollen Christmas Fruit Bread is not only a delicious addition to your festive spread but also a wonderful homemade gift to share with friends and family during the holiday season. The combination of sweet dried fruits, crunchy almonds, and fragrant spices captures the essence of Christmas in every bite. So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and bake up a batch of this traditional German delight to create lasting memories this holiday season.