It’s that time of year again – the festive season is upon us, and with it comes a plethora of delicious treats to indulge in. One classic Christmas tradition that never goes out of style is the humble stollen. This sweet bread has been a staple of German Christmas celebrations for centuries, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.
In fact, there are countless ways to give your stollen a unique twist, from adding citrus glaze to soaking raisins in rum. Whether you’re looking for a traditional recipe or something new and exciting, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 irresistible festive Christmas stollen recipes.
Traditional German Christmas Stollen
Start a festive holiday season with this classic German Christmas treat, packed with nuts, dried fruit, and spices. This traditional stollen recipe is a staple of German Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup (60ml) lukewarm milk
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup (120g) candied citron, diced
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup (30g) currants
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
2. Add yeast to lukewarm milk; let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, add softened butter, egg, candied citron, almonds, currants, cinnamon, and cardamom. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Shape into a log, wrap in plastic wrap or beeswax, and refrigerate overnight (or up to 2 weeks).
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Unwrap stollen, place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Almond Marzipan Stollen
This recipe combines the traditional flavors of stollen with the sweetness of marzipan and the crunch of almonds, creating a delicious and festive holiday treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) confectioner’s sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup (60g) marzipan, crumbled
– 1/2 cup (60g) sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, confectioner’s sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Fold in crumbled marzipan, sliced almonds, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
4. Beat in the egg until well combined.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. Cut into desired shapes or leave as is.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow to cool before dusting with confectioner’s sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Citrus Glazed Christmas Stollen
A sweet and citrusy twist on the classic German stollen, this recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the brightness of orange and lemon. Perfect for a festive holiday treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) candied citrus peel, finely chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and spices.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Fold in chopped citrus peel and orange juice.
5. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. While warm, drizzle with lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rum-Soaked Fruit Stollen
This recipe puts a twist on the traditional German stollen by adding a splash of rum to soak the fruit, giving it a deep, fruity flavor. Perfect for a holiday treat or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup candied fruit (orange, lemon, and citron)
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/4 cup rum (or other liquor of your choice)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg, beaten
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine candied fruit, raisins, brown sugar, rum, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
2. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until it forms a crumbly mixture.
4. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
7. Shape into a log and wrap in plastic wrap or wax paper.
8. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: None needed – this stollen is best served at room temperature, sliced thin.
Chocolate Chip Christmas Stollen
This Chocolate Chip Christmas Stollen recipe combines the traditional German bread with the richness of chocolate chips and festive spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) active dry yeast
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup (50g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup (120g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup (30g) chopped candied citron or orange peel (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, confectioners’ sugar, butter, granulated sugar, eggs, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt; mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and fold in chocolate chips and candied fruit (if using).
6. Form into a log shape and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Gluten-Free Christmas Stollen
Warm up your holiday season with this traditional German-inspired stollen recipe, now adapted for gluten-free diets! This sweet bread is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, making it a perfect treat for your loved ones.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, cranberries, almonds, and raisins to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Vegan Christmas Stollen
Stollen is a classic German bread that’s traditionally made with butter, eggs, and dried fruits. This vegan version replaces those ingredients with plant-based alternatives to create a delicious and moist treat that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup almond milk
– 1/4 cup canola oil
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine almond milk, canola oil, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Fold in dried fruits and walnuts.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, shape into a log, and let it rise for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cinnamon Spiced Stollen
Traditional German Christmas cookies, stollen are a sweet treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon and the comfort of buttery dough. This recipe brings together the classic flavors with a hint of spice to create a delightful holiday cookie.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped candied citrus peel (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add yeast, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt; mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Shape into a log or oblong shape; place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Orange and Cranberry Stollen
This sweet bread is a twist on the classic German Christmas treat, featuring dried cranberries and orange zest for added flavor and texture. Perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, and yeast.
3. Add butter, brown sugar, eggs, cranberries, orange zest, and pecans (if using). Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet and shape into a log.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pistachio and Cherry Stollen
This sweet bread is a twist on the traditional German Christmas stollen, featuring the addition of pistachios and cherries for added flavor and texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cherries
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Fold in chopped cherries and pistachios.
5. Beat in egg and orange liqueur (if using).
6. Knead dough on floured surface for 2-3 minutes.
7. Shape into a log and place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Honey Glazed Christmas Stollen
Celebrate the festive season with this sweet and fragrant Honey Glazed Christmas Stollen, infused with the warmth of honey and spices. This traditional German bread is perfect for gift-giving or enjoying during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon rum extract (optional)
– Candied citrus peel and chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and honey until smooth. Beat in egg and rum extract (if using).
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 5 minutes. Shape into a log and place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before glazing with honey.
7. Garnish with candied citrus peel and chopped nuts.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cardamom Infused Stollen
Experience the warm, aromatic flavors of German Christmas tradition with this unique twist on a classic stollen recipe. This sweet bread is infused with the distinctive, sweet-spicy flavor of cardamom, adding depth and complexity to this traditional holiday treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup candied citrus peel (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, confectioners’ sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. Add cardamom, raisins, and candied citrus peel (if using). Fold into the dough until well combined.
4. Shape the dough into a log, approximately 12 inches long.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple and Walnut Stollen
Celebrate the flavors of autumn with this traditional German bread, infused with the sweetness of apples and the crunch of walnuts. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh apple (such as Granny Smith)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, confectioner’s sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, apple, and walnuts. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let cool on wire rack before dusting with confectioner’s sugar.
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Raspberry and White Chocolate Stollen
This festive bread is a delicious twist on the traditional German stollen, featuring sweet raspberries and creamy white chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat anytime.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon rum extract (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, egg, and rum extract (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Fold in fresh raspberries and white chocolate chips.
5. Shape into a log and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Eggnog Flavored Stollen
Get ready to delight your senses with this unique twist on the classic German Christmas bread, Stollen. This Eggnog Flavored Stollen is a perfect treat for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup eggnog
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup candied citrus peel (orange and lemon)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, salt, and cardamom.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and eggnog until smooth. Beat in egg and orange zest.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Fold in raisins and candied citrus peel.
6. Divide dough into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a log about 12 inches long.
7. Place logs on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cherry and Almond Stollen
This traditional German bread-like dessert, Stollen, is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. With the addition of cherries and almonds, this recipe adds an extra layer of delight to this classic treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup (120g) candied cherries, chopped
– 1/2 cup (60g) sliced almonds
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in cherries and almonds.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Christmas Stollen
Celebrate the holiday season with this unique twist on traditional German stollen, infused with the warmth of pumpkin spice and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for gift-giving or serving at your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice blend
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon milk
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice blend, egg, and milk. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
5. Form into a log shape and place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool before glazing with powdered sugar and heavy cream mixture.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Poppy Seed Stollen
This recipe puts a bright and citrusy spin on the traditional German stollen, adding the warmth of lemon zest and the crunch of poppy seeds. Perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup (100g) confectioners’ sugar
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup (30g) lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup (15g) poppy seeds
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
4. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and poppy seeds.
5. Beat in the egg until well combined.
6. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead 2-3 times.
7. Shape into a log and place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a sweet holiday treat with these 18 festive Christmas stollen recipes! From traditional German flavors to unique twists like rum-soaked fruit and citrus glazed, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for gluten-free, vegan, or chocolate chip options, this collection of recipes has got you covered. With flavors ranging from cinnamon-spiced to honey-glazed, you’ll find the perfect stollen recipe to make your holiday season merry and bright.