Irresistible High Altitude Stollen: A Festive Delight

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by Amelia

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High Altitude Stollen (German Christmas Bread) is like a warm hug from your grandma on a chilly winter evening. Imagine biting into a soft, fragrant loaf studded with colorful dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of spice that dances on your tongue. cheddar and ham stuffed Christmas trees The aroma wafts through the house, drawing everyone to the kitchen like moths to a flame, promising that this holiday season will be filled with joyous memories. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Orange Custard Squares recipe.

High Altitude Stollen
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Every year during the holidays, my family gathers to make this delightful bread, each member adding their secret touch. The laughter, the baking mishaps, and the delicious results make it an occasion worth celebrating. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this High Altitude Stollen guarantees satisfaction and smiles all around. For more inspiration, check out this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This festive bread is surprisingly easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with loved ones
  • Its rich flavors blend beautifully, creating an unforgettable taste experience
  • Visually stunning with its colorful ingredients, it’s sure to impress your guests
  • Enjoy it fresh or toasted; it’s versatile enough for breakfast or dessert!

When I first made this recipe, my friends couldn’t stop complimenting me—one even declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; choose unbleached flour for better flavor and texture.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Look for fresh yeast; it’s key for that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
  • Milk: Use whole milk for richness; warm it slightly to activate the yeast.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter adds flavor; melt it gently so it doesn’t cool down too much.
  • Sugar: Just regular granulated sugar works wonders in balancing flavors. Grinch sugar cookies.
  • Dried Fruits (raisins, currants): Choose your favorites; they should be plump and juicy for best results.
  • Nuts (almonds or walnuts): Toast them before adding for an extra depth of flavor.
  • Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg): Freshly ground spices give an aromatic kick; don’t skimp on these!
  • Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top after baking—because who doesn’t love a sugar shower?

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

High Altitude Stollen

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare the Dough: Start by warming the milk until it’s lukewarm but not hot—think comfy bath temperature. In a bowl, combine yeast with warm milk and let it sit until frothy.

Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture followed by melted butter.

Knead Like You Mean It: Mix until combined and then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Your arms might get tired but trust me; it’s worth every muscle ache!

Let It Rise!: Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled—about 1-2 hours. Perfect time to binge-watch your favorite show.

Add Fruits & Nuts: Once risen, punch down that dough like you mean business! Fold in dried fruits and nuts gently using your hands—this is where you can feel like an artisan baker.

Shape & Second Rise: Shape the dough into an oval loaf or two smaller ones if you’re feeling generous. Place them on parchment paper-lined baking sheets and let them rise again until puffy—around 30-40 minutes.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and smelling heavenly! A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Cool & Dust with Sugar: Let your Stollen cool completely on wire racks before giving it a generous dusting of powdered sugar—like snow falling on Christmas morning!

Enjoy the delightful experience of making High Altitude Stollen with friends or family as you create delicious memories this holiday season!

You Must Know

  • High Altitude Stollen requires careful ingredient adjustments to ensure the perfect rise and texture
  • Baking at higher elevations can be tricky, but with a few tweaks, you’ll enjoy that authentic German Christmas spirit right at home
  • The delightful aroma of spices and fruits will fill your kitchen, making it feel festive

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your dry ingredients first. Then, incorporate wet ingredients and knead until smooth for best results. This method ensures everything blends perfectly.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding candied citrus peel or swapping out raisins for dried cranberries for a unique flavor twist. Personalizing your stollen makes it special.

Storing & Reheating

Store your High Altitude Stollen wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use high-quality yeast for better rise; fresh yeast can make all the difference in texture
  • Don’t skip soaking the dried fruits overnight—it enhances their flavor and moisture content significantly
  • Lastly, avoid over-kneading to prevent a tough loaf

Baking this stollen always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with laughter and the smell of spices as we prepared for Christmas together. Christmas fruitcake cookies.

FAQ

What is High Altitude Stollen?

High Altitude Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread adjusted for elevated regions. easy Christmas cheese ball.

How do I adjust baking times for high altitude?

Increase baking time slightly; start checking doneness five minutes earlier than usual.

Can I freeze High Altitude Stollen?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months without losing quality.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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High Altitude Stollen

High Altitude Stollen


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Description

High Altitude Stollen is a delightful German Christmas bread, perfect for celebrating the holiday season. This festive loaf is rich with flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, making every bite a joyful experience. Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering or enjoying it by the fire, this stollen will fill your home with comforting aromas and create cherished memories.


Ingredients

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  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup whole milk (warm)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants)
  • 1/2 cup toasted nuts (almonds or walnuts)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk until lukewarm and combine with yeast; let sit until frothy.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make a well in the center and add yeast mixture and melted butter.
  3. Mix until combined; knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled.
  5. Gently fold in dried fruits and nuts. Shape into an oval loaf or two smaller loaves.
  6. Let rise again on lined baking sheets for 30–40 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Cool completely on wire racks and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 215
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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