Traditional German Christmas Stollen with Rum-Soaked Raisins

Name: Traditional German Christmas Stollen with Rum-Soaked Raisins
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk, warmed; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Zest of 1 lemon; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cup raisins, soaked in rum; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; 1/2 cup marzipan, cut into small pieces; 1/4 cup candied citrus peel; Powdered sugar for dusting; Additional butter for brushing

Highlighted under: Festive Holiday Recipes

Enjoy the festive flavors of this Traditional German Christmas Stollen, enriched with rum-soaked raisins and a delightful mix of spices.

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-04T20:57:51.726Z

Stollen is a beloved German Christmas bread that has its origins in the 15th century. Traditionally enjoyed during the festive season, this recipe features a rich dough filled with rum-soaked raisins, marzipan, and a hint of citrus zest, offering a taste of holiday joy in every slice.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Richly spiced with a delightful blend of flavors
Moist and tender texture that lasts for days
A beautiful centerpiece for any holiday gathering

      

The History of Stollen

Stollen has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century in Germany. Originally, it was a simple bread made with flour and water, without any of the festive ingredients we associate with it today. Over the centuries, bakers began to incorporate ingredients like nuts, fruits, and spices, transforming Stollen into the delightful treat we enjoy during the Christmas season.

The traditional Stollen we know today is often associated with the city of Dresden, where it has been officially recognized as a protected specialty since 1994. The unique shape of Stollen is said to represent the Christ Child wrapped in swaddling clothes, making it a meaningful addition to holiday celebrations.

The Importance of Rum-Soaked Raisins

Rum-soaked raisins are a crucial component of this Traditional German Christmas Stollen, adding depth and a hint of warmth to the flavor profile. The process of soaking the raisins in rum not only plumps them up but also infuses them with rich, aromatic notes that complement the spices in the dough beautifully.

Using high-quality rum is essential for achieving the best results. The rum enhances the overall taste of the Stollen, offering a delightful contrast to the sweet and zesty elements of the candied citrus peel and the marzipan filling.

Tips for Perfect Stollen

To achieve the perfect texture in your Stollen, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps the dough rise better and results in a tender loaf. Additionally, kneading the dough thoroughly is key to developing gluten, which contributes to the Stollen's structure and moisture retention.

Be mindful of the rising times; a warm environment will help the dough rise effectively. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to create an ideal rising environment.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Stollen:

For the Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup milk, warmed
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange

For the Filling

1 cup raisins, soaked in rum
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup marzipan, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup candied citrus peel

For Topping

Powdered sugar for dusting
Additional butter for brushing

Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Stollen:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and zests.

Mix until the dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Add Fillings

Once risen, punch down the dough and knead in the soaked raisins, walnuts, marzipan, and candied citrus peel until evenly distributed.

Shape the Stollen

Shape the dough into an oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Stollen

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Stollen for 60 minutes or until golden brown. Brush warm Stollen with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar.

Let the Stollen cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture.

Storing Your Stollen

Once baked, allow the Stollen to cool completely on a wire rack. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, and the flavors will continue to develop over time. For longer storage, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, which will keep it fresh for up to three months in the freezer.

To enjoy your Stollen at its best, simply thaw it at room temperature before serving. You can also refresh it by warming it in the oven for a few minutes, enhancing its aroma and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Stollen is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your presentation by serving it with a side of whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch that complements the holiday spirit.

Pair your Stollen with a warm cup of spiced tea or mulled wine for a cozy treat. This combination not only enhances the flavors of the Stollen but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for your holiday gatherings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of dried fruit?

Yes, you can substitute dried cherries or cranberries for a different flavor profile.

→ How long does Stollen last?

Stollen can last up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze Stollen?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with Stollen?

Stollen is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or mulled wine.