Are you ready to bake up some holiday cheer? This Stollen with Marzipan recipe is perfect for adding a touch of magic to your Christmas baking. This traditional German bread, filled with a luscious marzipan core and studded with dried fruits and nuts, is a delicious and impressive centerpiece for any festive gathering. While it might seem intimidating, this recipe breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, making it achievable for even beginner bakers. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of spices and sweet bread – let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Marzipan Filling:
- 1 cup (170g) almond paste
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam, melted (optional, for extra stickiness)
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries (or a mix!)
- ¼ cup chopped candied peel
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Making the Marzipan Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the almond paste and powdered sugar. Knead until smooth and pliable. If using, add the melted apricot jam for extra stickiness.
Assembling and Baking the Stollen:
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
- Add the Filling: Spread the marzipan evenly over the dough.
- Roll and Shape: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Add the Topping: Brush the top of the log with melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining granulated sugar, raisins, cranberries (or cherries), candied peel, and nuts.
- Second Rise: Place the Stollen seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Stollen for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Dust: Let the Stollen cool completely on a wire rack before dusting generously with powdered sugar.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of butter and milk for the dough.
- Get creative with the fruit: Experiment with other dried fruits like figs, apricots, or even chopped dates.
- Add some zest: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest enhances the flavor beautifully.
- Make it ahead: Stollen tastes even better after a few days! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Protein: 5-7g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your homemade Stollen! This delicious treat is a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking and a great addition to your list of easy recipes and healthy meals (relatively speaking!). Happy baking!