Quick & Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins You’ll Love
Christmas is a time for traditions, and for many, that includes the rich, spiced flavors of Stollen. But let’s be honest, sometimes we want that cozy Christmas food experience in a more manageable, individual serving. Enter: Christmas Stollen Muffins! These delightful Stollen Cupcakes offer all the traditional flavors of Christmas Stollen in a perfectly portioned, easy-to-make treat. This Stollen Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the taste of Christmas Bread without the fuss of a large loaf. These Stollen Muffins are perfect for holiday brunches, festive gatherings, or simply a cozy afternoon treat. They are also one of the easiest Christmas Recipes you’ll find, making them ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Get ready to embrace the Christmas Baking Recipes season with this delightful twist on a classic!
Christmas Stollen Muffins
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine lukewarm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cardamom, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in cranberries, raisins, and candied orange peel.
- Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full. Press one marzipan cube into the center of each muffin.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30–45 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While still warm, brush tops with melted butter.
- Generously dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Ingredients List
This recipe is all about capturing the essence of Christmas Stollen in a convenient muffin form. Let’s break down the ingredients and why they’re essential for achieving that authentic flavor.
Detailed description of ingredients and exact quantities
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Christmas Stollen Muffins:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g). Provides the structure for the muffins.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g). Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Instant Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g). Essential for leavening the dough and creating a light, airy texture. Make sure it’s instant yeast, also called rapid-rise yeast, for the best results.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors and controls the yeast activity.
- Ground Cardamom: 1/2 teaspoon. A key spice in Stollen, adding a warm, aromatic note.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon. Another classic Christmas spice that complements the cardamom.
- Milk: 1 cup (240ml), lukewarm. Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g), melted. Adds richness and flavor to the muffins.
- Egg: 1 large. Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup (75g). Adds a tart and chewy element.
- Raisins: 1/2 cup (75g). Provides sweetness and a classic Stollen flavor.
- Candied Orange Peel: 1/4 cup (40g), finely chopped. Adds a citrusy aroma and flavor.
- Marzipan: 4 oz (113g), cut into 12 small cubes. The signature Stollen ingredient, adding a sweet almond paste center.
For the Topping:
- Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons. For brushing the muffins.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting.
Nutritional benefits of key ingredients
While these are a treat, some ingredients offer nutritional benefits:
- Dried Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants and fiber, contributing to overall health.
- Raisins: A good source of potassium and iron, providing energy and supporting healthy blood cells.
- Milk: Provides calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health.
- Cardamom & Cinnamon: These spices have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid digestion.
Healthy or alternative ingredient options
Want to make these muffins a bit healthier? Here are some swaps:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. This will change the texture slightly, making them denser.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Replace half of the melted butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content. This will also add moisture.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Use maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetener. Adjust the liquid accordingly.
- Sugar-Free Dried Cranberries/Raisins: Opt for sugar-free versions of dried fruits to reduce sugar intake.
- Almond Milk: Substitute regular milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Preparation Instructions
Now for the fun part: bringing these Christmas Stollen Muffins to life! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results.
Pre-preparation guidelines
Before you start baking, make sure to:
- Measure all ingredients: Having everything prepped and measured will streamline the baking process.
- Soften the butter: Ensure the butter is melted but not hot. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the mixture.
- Chop the candied orange peel: Finely chop the candied orange peel to ensure even distribution throughout the muffins.
- Prepare the muffin tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- Cube the marzipan: Cut the marzipan into 12 equal-sized cubes.
Step-by-step cooking process
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine lukewarm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cardamom, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Dried Fruits: Gently fold in the dried cranberries, raisins, and candied orange peel.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full.
- Add Marzipan: Gently press one cube of marzipan into the center of each muffin.
- Rise: Cover the muffin tin with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until the muffins have slightly increased in size.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Brush with Butter: While the muffins are still warm, brush them with melted butter.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Generously dust the muffins with powdered sugar.
Tips for avoiding common errors and enhancing flavor
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will provide the best flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will dry out the muffins. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Warm Milk: Make sure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, as hot milk can kill the yeast.
- Soak Dried Fruits: For extra plump and juicy dried fruits, soak them in warm water or rum for 30 minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Add Almond Extract: A few drops of almond extract can enhance the marzipan flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Nutritional Info
These Christmas Stollen Muffins are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience.
Innovative plating and presentation ideas
- Dust with extra powdered sugar: Create a snowy effect by dusting the muffins generously with powdered sugar right before serving.
- Arrange on a festive platter: Arrange the muffins on a decorative platter with sprigs of rosemary or cranberries for a festive touch.
- Serve in individual ramekins: Place each muffin in a small ramekin and drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Tie with ribbon: Tie a festive ribbon around each muffin for a charming presentation, perfect for gifting.
Suitable side dishes and pairings
- Warm Spiced Cider: The warm spices in the cider complement the flavors of the Stollen muffins perfectly.
- Eggnog: A classic Christmas beverage that pairs well with the richness of the muffins.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like oranges, cranberries, and pomegranate adds a light and healthy contrast.
- Whipped Cream or Mascarpone: A dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese adds a touch of indulgence.
Nutritional facts and health benefits
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Per muffin (approximate):
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Cholesterol: 40-50mg
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-4g
These Stollen Muffins provide energy from carbohydrates and fats, as well as some vitamins and minerals from the dried fruits and spices. Remember to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the muffins a day ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Brush with butter and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze these muffins?
A: Absolutely! Allow the muffins to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: I don’t have marzipan. Can I still make these muffins?
A: Yes, you can omit the marzipan. The muffins will still be delicious, but they won’t have that signature Stollen center. You could also substitute with almond paste or a small dollop of almond butter.
Q: Can I use different dried fruits?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like apricots, cherries, or figs. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces.
Q: My muffins are browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: If your muffins are browning too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Conclusion
These Christmas Stollen Muffins are a delightful and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of Stollen in a convenient, individual serving. Whether you’re looking for a festive treat for a holiday brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or a unique Christmas gift, these muffins are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of Christmas baking. This Stollen Recipe is a keeper! Embrace the spirit of the season and create some Stollen Cupcakes to share with loved ones. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!
