Dutch Christmas Stollen: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss

Name: Dutch Christmas Stollen: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Dutch
Ingredients: 500g all-purpose flour; 200ml milk; 100g sugar; 100g butter; 2 eggs; 10g yeast; 200g mixed dried fruits; 100g marzipan; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt

July 28, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Ah, Dutch Christmas stollen! This delightful treat is a true holiday classic, steeped in rich tradition and bursting with flavor. Originating from the Netherlands, this sweet, yeasted bread is not just a dessert; it’s a symbol of celebration and togetherness during the festive season. Trust me, once you take a bite of this stollen, filled with marzipan and a medley of dried fruits, you’ll understand why it holds a special place at Christmas tables across the country.

dutch christmas stollen - detail 1

As I knead the dough and let it rise, the sweet aroma of spices fills my kitchen, instantly transporting me to cozy winter gatherings with family and friends. There’s something magical about slicing into that golden crust, revealing the luscious marzipan center and colorful bursts of fruit. It’s not just about taste, but the memories and warmth that come with sharing this beloved treat. So, let’s dive into making your very own Dutch Christmas stollen and create some new festive traditions!

Ingredients List

500g all-purpose flour
200ml milk (warm)
100g granulated sugar
100g unsalted butter (softened)
2 large eggs
10g active dry yeast
200g mixed dried fruits (chopped if large)
100g marzipan (cut into a log)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt

How to Prepare Dutch Christmas Stollen

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get our hands a little floury and make this delicious Dutch Christmas stollen! I promise, it’s easier than it looks, and the end result is so worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a festive masterpiece!

Warm the milk: Start by gently warming the milk in a small saucepan or microwave. You want it warm to the touch but not boiling, about 110°F (43°C) is perfect. This helps activate the yeast!
Dissolve the yeast: Sprinkle the active dry yeast into the warm milk and give it a gentle stir. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk it all together well. This step ensures that your spices and sugar are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Now, make a little well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix everything until it forms a sticky dough.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, don’t be afraid to sprinkle on a bit more flour. Just be careful not to add too much!
First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is the exciting part where the dough transforms!
Fold in dried fruits: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Now, fold in the mixed dried fruits. I find it helps to sprinkle them in a little at a time and fold gently to ensure they’re evenly distributed. Let the dough rise again for another 30 minutes.
Shape the stollen: After the second rise, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and take the marzipan log, placing it right in the center of the dough. Fold the dough over the marzipan, pinching the seams to seal it in. This is where the magic happens!
Bake it up: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place your shaped stollen on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Then pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool and slice: Once it’s out of the oven, let the stollen cool on a wire rack. Patience is key here—allow it to cool completely before slicing! The aroma will be tempting, but trust me, waiting is worth it for that perfect slice.

And there you have it! Each step brings you closer to that warm, festive goodness that is Dutch Christmas stollen. I can already smell the spices wafting through the air!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delightful taste: The combination of marzipan and dried fruits creates a heavenly flavor that’s both sweet and satisfying. Trust me, every bite is a taste of holiday magic!
Easy preparation: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, making Dutch Christmas stollen is a fun and fulfilling experience, even for novice bakers!
Festive appeal: This stollen isn’t just delicious; it’s a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table, adding that extra touch of tradition and charm.
Make-ahead option: You can prepare this stollen a week in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen. It’s a perfect stress-reliever during the busy holiday season!
Perfect for sharing: With generous servings, it’s ideal for gatherings, making it a wonderful treat to share with family and friends around the Christmas tree.

Tips for Success

Alright, my fellow bakers! Here are some of my best tips to ensure your Dutch Christmas stollen turns out perfectly every time. These little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your baking game!

Use fresh yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If it’s expired, your stollen may turn out dense and sad, and nobody wants that!
Room temperature ingredients: Let your eggs and butter sit out until they’re at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother dough and improves the overall texture.
Don’t rush the rises: Be patient and allow the dough to rise properly. If you’re in a chilly environment, try placing the bowl in a warm spot or even in your oven (turned off) with the light on to create a cozy atmosphere for the yeast.
Customize your fruits: Feel free to mix and match dried fruits based on your preference! I love adding candied citrus peels or even a handful of nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Check for doneness: When baking, tap the bottom of the stollen; if it sounds hollow, it’s ready! Also, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Powdered sugar finish: Once cooled, dust your stollen generously with powdered sugar for that picture-perfect finish. It not only looks festive but adds a delicious sweetness to each slice!

Implementing these tips will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. I can’t wait for you to taste the amazing results!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve baked your gorgeous Dutch Christmas stollen, let’s talk about how to elevate your serving game! There’s nothing quite like enjoying this festive bread with a few delicious accompaniments that enhance its flavors and make your holiday gathering even more special.

Hot beverages: A warm cup of spiced tea, rich hot chocolate, or even mulled wine pairs beautifully with stollen. The warmth of the drink complements the sweet, spiced bread perfectly.
Cheese platter: Serve slices of stollen alongside a selection of cheeses, like creamy brie or tangy goat cheese. The combination of sweet and savory will have everyone coming back for more!
Fruit preserves: A dollop of apricot or raspberry preserves can add a delightful fruity contrast to the stollen. Just spread a little on each slice for an extra burst of flavor.
Whipped cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream is a lovely addition, especially if you want to indulge a little. It adds a lightness that balances out the richness of stollen.
Nuts and dried fruits: Create a small bowl of mixed nuts and additional dried fruits for guests to enjoy alongside their stollen. It’s a lovely way to bring a variety of textures and flavors to the table.
Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh mint or rosemary not only looks beautiful but adds a refreshing touch to each slice. It’s all about those festive vibes!

These serving suggestions will turn your Dutch Christmas stollen into a delightful centerpiece for your holiday spread. Enjoy sharing this delicious treat with your loved ones, and watch how quickly it disappears!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk about how to store your delicious Dutch Christmas stollen so it stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite!

Once your stollen has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep the moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for up to 5 days, but if you want to keep it longer, I recommend popping it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For even longer storage, you can freeze your stollen! Just wrap it well in plastic wrap, then in foil, and toss it in the freezer. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.

As for reheating, I suggest slicing the stollen and gently warming each piece in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. You just want it warm, not hot! If you prefer, you can also pop slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes to get them toasty and slightly crisp on the outside. This little step brings back that freshly baked taste and aroma!

So, whether you’re enjoying it fresh or reheated, your Dutch Christmas stollen will continue to bring joy and festive cheer to your holiday season!

Nutritional Information

Before we dive into the delightful details, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The information provided here is an estimate and may not be precise for your particular batch of Dutch Christmas stollen.

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Enjoy your stollen as part of a balanced diet, and remember, it’s all about indulging and sharing joy during the festive season!

FAQ Section

Can I use different dried fruits in my stollen?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dried fruits based on your preferences. I love adding chopped apricots, cranberries, or even some candied ginger for a little zing. Just make sure whatever you choose balances well with the marzipan!

How do I know when my stollen is baked perfectly?

Great question! You’ll want to tap the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s done! Also, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it’s too soft, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Trust me, it’s worth the wait for that perfect golden crust!

Can I make Dutch Christmas stollen gluten-free?

You can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free blend. I recommend one that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Your stollen will still be delicious, but do keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.

What’s the best way to serve Dutch Christmas stollen?

Oh, there are so many delightful ways to serve it! A dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but I also love pairing it with a side of whipped cream or a warm beverage. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack with friends!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can definitely make a vegan version! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use plant-based milk and butter. The marzipan should also be checked for any non-vegan ingredients, but there are many great vegan marzipan options available!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.