Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are a delightful twist on the traditional German Christmas stollen, light, buttery, and packed with festive flavors of candied fruit, almonds, citrus zest, and a touch of warm spice. These muffins capture all the magic of the holiday classic but in a soft, portable, and easy-to-make form.
Perfect for Christmas mornings, brunch spreads, or edible gifts, these muffins are infused with hints of rum or orange juice and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-like touch. They’re moist, aromatic, and taste just like Christmas, making them an instant holiday favorite for your family and guests.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup milk (or orange juice for extra flavor)
- ½ cup mixed candied fruit or chopped dried fruit (such as raisins, cherries, or apricots)
- ¼ cup chopped almonds or pecans
- Zest of 1 orange or lemon
- 1 tablespoon rum or brandy (optional, for authentic flavor)
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease with butter.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla, almond extract, and citrus zest.
- Add sour cream (or yogurt) and milk; mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in chopped fruit, nuts, and rum (if using).
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups
- Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling about ¾ full.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 7: Brush and Dust
- While still warm, brush muffin tops with melted butter.
- Generously dust with powdered sugar for that classic stollen finish.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Version: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Glazed Option: Drizzle with a lemon glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp lemon juice).
- Fruit Swap: Use dried cranberries and chopped dried apricots for a bright holiday flavor.
- Mini Muffins: Bake in a mini muffin tin for 12–14 minutes for bite-sized treats.
Cooking Notes
- Use high-quality butter for rich flavor, stollen is all about buttery goodness.
- Toss dried fruit in a little flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking.
- Don’t overmix, this keeps the muffins tender and soft.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter or a light dusting of extra powdered sugar.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or hot spiced cider for a cozy breakfast treat.
- Arrange in a basket lined with a festive napkin for a beautiful Christmas brunch centerpiece.
Tips
- Soak dried fruit in rum or orange juice for 30 minutes before baking for deeper flavor.
- These muffins taste even better the next day once the flavors meld together.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Warm slightly before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per muffin, 12 servings)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
Q1: What is Christmas stollen?
- Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread filled with fruit, nuts, and warm spices, often dusted with powdered sugar.
Q2: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
- Yes! They stay moist for several days and actually taste even better after sitting overnight.
Q3: Can I skip the rum?
- Absolutely. Replace it with orange juice or milk for a kid-friendly version.
Q4: Can I add marzipan like traditional stollen?
- Yes, place a small piece of marzipan in the center of each muffin before baking for an authentic touch.
Q5: How do I store them?
- Keep at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for long-term storage.
Conclusion
Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins bring all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of traditional stollen into a soft, easy-to-make muffin form. With buttery richness, festive fruits, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, these muffins are the perfect holiday breakfast or sweet treat. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or given as edible gifts, they’ll fill your kitchen with the warmth and aroma of Christmas.