Christmas Stollen

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 25 min.

Makes

2 loaves

Updated: Sep. 14, 2022
I like to make and share this festive delight with family and friends. The candied fruit and nuts add holiday color to a rich bread. A slice really brightens a snowy winter day. —Sharon Hasty, New London, Missouri

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 3/4 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°)
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 5-1/4 to 5-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds
  • Confectioners' sugar

Directions

  1. Soak raisins and fruit in orange juice; set aside. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add milk, butter, sugar, eggs, orange and lemon zest, salt and 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add raisin mixture and almonds. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours.
  3. Punch dough down; let rest for 10 minutes. Divide in half; roll each half into a 10-in. x 7-in. oval. Fold one of the long sides over to within 1 in. of the opposite side; press edges lightly to seal. Place on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 1 hour.
  4. Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Just before serving, dust with confectioners' sugar.