Christmas Stollen Recipe
Germany's iconic Christmas bread
By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026
Rich yeasted bread with dried fruits, almonds, and a hidden marzipan center, butter-glazed and sugar-dusted.
About This Recipe
"Christmas Stollen" is a Dessert recipe that brings flour, butter, softened, mixed dried fruit, raisins (rum-soaked) and almonds together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Hard and ready in about 100 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 16 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The German inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit
- 1/2 cup raisins (rum-soaked)
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 7 oz marzipan log
Instructions
- 1
Make yeast dough with flour, butter, eggs, milk. Knead in fruits. Rise 1.5 hours.
- 2
Roll oval. Place marzipan in center and fold over. Rise 30 minutes.
- 3
Bake at 170°C for 50-60 minutes.
- 4
Brush warm with melted butter. Dust thickly with powdered sugar.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Flour is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Oven and stovetop work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"Christmas Stollen" is a versatile Dessert dish that pairs beautifully with freshly brewed coffee or espresso, lightly sweetened whipped cream, vanilla ice cream and classic German sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store Christmas Stollen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or at room temperature for 1–2 days if it does not contain dairy or custard. Cover loosely so the texture stays fresh. For the best flavor, bring to room temperature before serving or warm briefly in the oven.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make Christmas Stollen?
This recipe takes about 40 minutes of prep and 60 minutes of cooking, for a total of roughly 100 minutes. It serves 16 and is rated Hard.
How do I store leftover Christmas Stollen?
Store leftover Christmas Stollen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
Can I make Christmas Stollen ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Christmas Stollen in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to preserve the best texture and flavor.
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