11 Must-Bake Breads for Winter Celebrations and Beyond

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Stollen

Stollen is a traditional German holiday bread that’s as festive as it is delicious. This sweet and aromatic loaf is studded with dried fruits, nuts, and a rich marzipan core, all encased in a soft, buttery dough. Finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, Stollen looks like it belongs inside of a snowglobe. Serve it sliced with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy holiday treat that’s steeped in tradition.

Ingredients (for 1 large loaf):

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed (110°F/43°C)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup golden raisins
• ½ cup chopped dried fruit (e.g., apricots, cherries, or cranberries)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans)
• 1 small log (about 7 oz) marzipan
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 min. until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 min., gradually incorporating the dried fruits and nuts. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 9x12 inches. Roll the marzipan into a log slightly shorter than the length of the dough. Place the marzipan along the center of the rectangle and fold the dough over it, pinching the edges to seal. Shape into a loaf.
6. Transfer the loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise for another 30 min.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Stollen for 35-40 min., or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Remove the Stollen from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter. Generously dust with powdered sugar while warm, then let it cool completely. Dust again with powdered sugar before serving for an extra snowy look.