The Art of Making a Classic German Stollen with Dried Fruit and Nuts

Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that has been baked for centuries. With its rich, fruity filling, spiced dough, and powdered sugar coating, it’s a festive treat beloved across Germany and in many other countries. The classic version of Stollen includes dried fruits, nuts, and sometimes marzipan, which blend harmoniously into the soft, yeasted dough. Learning how to make a German Stollen from scratch is not only rewarding but will fill your home with the warm, comforting aromas of holiday baking. Below is the process to create a beautiful, delicious, and authentic German Stollen with dried fruit and nuts.

Ingredients for Classic German Stollen

For the Dough:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, lukewarm
• 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 g) full-fat sour cream or quark
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of one lemon

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (150 g) dried mixed fruit (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas)
• 1/2 cup (80 g) dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup (40 g) chopped dried figs (optional)
• 1/2 cup (60 g) candied citrus peel (orange or lemon)
• 1/2 cup (75 g) almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup (75 g) hazelnuts, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup (75 g) pistachios (optional)

For the Marzipan Filling (Optional):

• 1/2 cup (120 g) marzipan

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Preparation of Classic German Stollen

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: Begin by warming the milk in a small saucepan until it is lukewarm, but not hot. Stir in the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the surface. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

3. Add the wet ingredients: To the dry ingredients, add the softened butter, sour cream or quark, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and begin mixing until a sticky dough forms.

4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, but avoid adding too much as it will make the bread dense.

5. Let the dough rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the dried fruit and nuts. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried fruits, candied citrus peel, almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios. Set aside.

Step 3: Shape the Stollen

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to deflate it. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 12 inches by 16 inches (30 cm by 40 cm).

3. Add the filling: Evenly distribute the dried fruit and nut mixture over the dough. If you are using marzipan, roll it into a log and place it in the center of the dough, as this is a traditional element in the stollen. You can also skip the marzipan if you prefer a more classic version.

4. Fold and shape: Fold one side of the dough over the filling, leaving a slight overlap. Gently press down the edge, then fold the other side over the top to partially encase the filling, leaving part of the filling exposed along the top. This shape mimics the traditional Stollen’s loaf-like appearance.

5. Let it rise: Carefully transfer the shaped stollen to the prepared baking sheet. Cover it with a towel and allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Stollen

Place the risen stollen in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Be sure to check the bread towards the end of baking to avoid overbaking, as ovens can vary in temperature.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Brush with butter: Once the stollen is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately brush it with the melted butter. This step helps seal in moisture and creates a beautiful golden sheen on the bread.

2. Powder with sugar: After the butter has been absorbed, generously dust the Stollen with powdered sugar. You can repeat this step for a more decadent, snowy effect.

3. Cool and slice: Allow the Stollen to cool completely before slicing. While it’s tempting to dig in immediately, letting it rest for at least a few hours—or better yet, overnight—will allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Storing Your German Stollen

Stollen keeps remarkably well. Once cooled, wrap it in wax paper or plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dry place. It can stay fresh for up to two weeks, and like many baked goods, it improves in flavor as it ages. If you want to preserve it longer, Stollen freezes very well. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Tips for the Perfect German Stollen

• Use high-quality dried fruits: Choose plump and flavorful dried fruits. If possible, soak them in rum or fruit juice for an hour before mixing them into the dough to enhance their flavor.
• Balance the spices: While cinnamon is the primary spice, a touch of nutmeg and cloves will bring extra warmth to the bread. Feel free to adjust the amounts according to your taste.
• Marzipan is optional: While not everyone loves marzipan, it’s a classic addition to Stollen and gives it a rich flavor. If you prefer a simpler Stollen, feel free to skip it.

Conclusion

Making a classic German Stollen with dried fruit and nuts is a perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit. The rich flavors of the dough, combined with the sweet, chewy dried fruits and the crunch of nuts, create a harmonious and indulgent bread. Whether you bake it for a Christmas celebration or just as a treat for yourself, this traditional German stollen will surely become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy it with a hot cup of tea or coffee and share it with friends and family for a memorable holiday experience.