Stollen
Stollen
A traditional German bread made during the Christmas season, stollen will be a festive addition to any holiday meal and also makes a great edible gift.This recipe is courtesy of Imperial Sugar.
Prep Time
45
minutes
Cook Time
4
hours
Servings
12
Total time: 4 hours, 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoon yeast
- 1 cup bread flour (do not use all-purpose flour)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 3 tablespoon sugar, preferably imperial sugar extra fine granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoon unsalted butter, soft
- 1/3 cup dried cherries or dried cranberries
- 1 1/4 cup raisins
- 3 tablespoon brandy or rum
- 1/2 cup unsalted pistachios (if salted rinse under water)
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped in 6-8 pieces
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces or hazelnuts
- 7 ounce almond paste (not marzipan)- optional
Directions
- In a mixing bowl (preferably a stand mixer) large enough to hold all ingredients, combine water and first listed yeast, using a firm whisk or by hand.
- Add first listed flour and mix smooth.
- Cover with plastic food wrap and set aside in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Meanwhile pour brandy onto raisins to rehydrate and set aside.
- Add egg, combine second listed yeast with milk and add to above, add sugar, vanilla, flour and salt.
- Mix using a dough hook for 6 minutes on medium speed. Scape when necessary.
- Add butter in 3 increments waiting for previous added amount to be fully incorporated before adding next.
- Add fruits and nuts excluding almond paste and mix until combined.
- Cover with plastic food wrap and set aside in a warm area until doubled in volume, about 45-60 minutes.
- Roll almond paste into a 9-inch tube using flour if it sticks. Set aside.
- Divide dough in 2 equal halves and shape round. Cover with plastic and rest for 5 minutes.
- Gently press each dough into a football shape, about 9-10 inches long.
- Place almond paste tube in the middle and fold dough over almond paste. Press dough right next to almond tube a bit more flat.
- Place on parchment lined cookie sheets and cover with plastic until loaves have gained 30-40% in volume. Do not let it double! Stollen is a dense but soft bread.
- Meanwhile preheat oven at 350°F.
- Bake for 43 minutes. If loaves are getting too dark place a buttered sheet of aluminum foil over bread during baking.
- Upon removal from oven you can optionally brush the loaves with melted butter prior to sprinkling with powdered sugar.