Alsatian Christmas Stollen is a festive, yeasted bread that has become a beloved holiday tradition in the Alsace region of France. This sweet, spiced bread is typically filled with dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan, and is often dusted with powdered sugar to give it a snow-like finish. Inspired by the traditional German Stollen, the Alsatian version adds a unique touch with its rich, buttery texture and aromatic flavors, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, festive treat!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 500g all-purpose flour (about 4 cups)
- 100g unsalted butter, softened (about 1/2 cup)
- 100g sugar (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk (about 120ml)
- 2 large eggs
- 100g marzipan, chopped into small pieces
- 200g mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, and dried apricots are typical)
- 100g chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze and Topping:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp rum or water (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a small saucepan, warm the milk until it’s just lukewarm (not hot). Sprinkle the yeast into the warm milk, stir, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Add the lemon zest, vanilla extract, dried fruits, chopped nuts, and marzipan pieces to the dough. Knead until everything is well incorporated.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Stollen
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into an oval shape, about 1 inch thick.
- Fold one side of the dough over to create a half-moon shape, leaving one side exposed to create the traditional “Stollen” look.
- Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise again for about 30–45 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Stollen
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the Stollen for 35–40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If the Stollen starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish
- While the Stollen is still warm, brush it with the melted butter and rum (or water) for a shiny, flavorful finish.
- Generously dust the Stollen with powdered sugar to give it a snowy appearance.
- Let the Stollen cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Marzipan: Marzipan is a key element of Alsatian Stollen, adding both flavor and texture. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with almond paste, but the taste might be slightly different.
- Dried fruits: Use a mixture of dried fruits for varied texture and flavor. Raisins, currants, dried apricots, and dried cranberries are all excellent choices.
- Storage: The Stollen improves in flavor after a day or two, as the spices and fruits have time to meld. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dry place for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Alsatian Christmas Stollen is more than just a cake; it’s a holiday tradition that brings warmth and joy to your home. Its sweet, buttery crumb, combined with aromatic spices, dried fruits, and marzipan, makes it a perfect treat for the festive season. Whether served as a dessert after a holiday meal or enjoyed with a cup of tea, this Stollen will fill your home with the magic of Christmas.
Give this classic Alsatian recipe a try and treat your friends and family to the taste of the holidays!