Christmas stolen is a traditional German fruitcake that is popular all around the world. This Christmas stollen is the best one because it includes the most delicious combination of ingredients. Just perfect for the holiday season! You can serve it along with a cup of tea, coffee, Christmas cocktail, or spritz. Here is the recipe:
Ingredients (for 3 stollens):
Dough:
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 large egg
- 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mace
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
Fruit:
- 1/3 cup rum or orange juice
- 3 cups fruitcake fruit blend
Filling:
- 3/4 cup marzipan
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
- Frist, prepare the fruit: mix the fruits and rum/orange juice, then cover, and leave aside at room temperature for up to twelve hours.
- To prepare the dough: Use a stand mixer to mix and knead all of the dough ingredients together (except the almonds) until you get a smooth and soft dough.
- Next, cover the dough and allow to rise until puffy, around 60-90 minutes.
- To prepare the filling: Split the marzipan into 3 pieces; shape each one into a flattened 7-inch log.
- To assemble the Christmas stollen: Add the almonds and fruit into the dough and knead to incorporate. Turn it onto a lightly greased surface, split it into 3 pieces, and shape each one into an 8 by 6-inch
- Apply 1 piece of marzipan down the longer center of every oval; fold dough over it lengthwise, letting the top edge of the dough to just shy of the bottom edge. Firmly press the top edge to seal it to the dough below.
- Arrange the loaves on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Cover, and allow them to rise for 45-60 minutes, or until puffy.
- Once the stollen is rising, preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4, with a rack in the upper third.
- Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or just until golden brown.
- Remove the desserts from the oven, brush them with some melted butter. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, and dust with icing sugar.
- Transfer to a rack to cool completely. You can wrap airtight and store at room temperature for up to two weeks. And you can freeze the dessert for longer storage.
Enjoy!
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!
