Stollen (German Christmas Bread) Recipe

Name: Stollen (German Christmas Bread)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cup water, lukewarm; 4 packages yeast; 10 cups flour, all-purpose; 1 tablespoon salt; 2 1/2 cups butter, melted & cooled; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon rind, grated; 5 egg yolks; 2 ounces brandy; 1 lb raisins, chopped; 1 lb citron, chopped (optional); 1 lb pecans, chopped or hickory nuts; 1/2 lb glace cherries, chopped; 1 lb dates, chopped; 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Servings: persons

3 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup water, lukewarm
4 packages yeast
10 cups flour, all-purpose
1 tablespoon salt
2 1/2 cups butter, melted & cooled
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon rind, grated
5 egg yolks
2 ounces brandy
1 lb raisins, chopped
1 lb citron, chopped (optional)
1 lb pecans, chopped or hickory nuts
1/2 lb glace cherries, chopped
1 lb dates, chopped
1/2 cup powdered sugar

1
Scald milk and cool to lukewarm.
2
Dissolve yeast in water for 10 minutes; add to milk.
3
Add 6 cups flour sifted with salt to make a soft batter.
4
Let raise until double in bulk.
5
Add 1 1/2 cups butter, sugar, egg yolks, lemon rind and brandy; mix thoroughly.
6
Add 4 cups flour slowly, working in until the mixture loosens from the bowl.
7
Now knead in the fruits and nuts, working in well.
8
Divide mixture in five parts.
9
Shape into loaves and place in greased pans.
10
Make two rows of slashes across top of loaves.
11
Let rise to double length in size.
12
Bake 1 hour in 350 degree oven.
13
After removing bread from oven and it has partially cooled, spoon over 1 cup melted butter, let it soak into the bread.
14
Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
15
Put in cool storage for 2 or 3 days to mellow.

3551

kcal

Calories

218

Fat

348

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 1/2 cups milk, 1/2 cup water, lukewarm, 4 packages yeast, 10 cups flour, all-purpose, and more.

Yes, Stollen (German Christmas Bread) falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Stollen (German Christmas Bread)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions