Christmas stollen
Description
The recipe won't take much time. However, preparing stollen will take more than one day. In order to fully appreciate its flavor, the stollen needs to mature for two weeks after baking. That's why it's customary to prepare stollen in advance. You can confidently replace the suggested walnuts with almonds. For soaking the dried fruits, you may choose either a dessert table wine, brandy, or orange juice, in the amount specified. Follow the recipe carefully, and you will surely end up with delicious baked goods.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare the necessary ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
Chop the apricots and nuts finely and place them in a bowl, add the remaining dried fruits. Pour in the liqueur, mix well. Let it sit for at least 2 hours, ideally up to 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Step 3
In a bowl, mix 120 ml of warm milk, 3 tbsp of sugar, and yeast. Stir.
- 4
Step 4
Add 180 grams of flour through a sieve.
- 5
Step 5
Prepare the sponge. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, place a towel on top, and let it sit for 1 hour 20 minutes.
- 6
Step 6
Add orange zest to the prepared dried fruits, mix well.
- 7
Step 7
In a separate bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of milk, one egg, and 75 grams of sugar.
- 8
Step 8
Add the milk-egg mixture to the risen sponge. Add spices and flavoring to taste.
- 9
Step 9
Add the sifted flour and knead the dough. It will turn out stiff.
- 10
Step 10
Melt 150 grams of butter. Cool slightly (until it's bearable to the touch) and pour into the bowl with the dough.
- 11
Step 11
Incorporate the butter into the dough. Then knead for 2-3 minutes. Hit the dough against the work surface several times.
- 12
Step 12
Add dried fruits to the dough and mix them in thoroughly. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and a towel. Place in a warm spot for 2 hours.
- 13
Step 13
Dough after the proofing time has elapsed.
- 14
Step 14
Divide the dough into two parts. Take one part and roll it out into a rectangle.
- 15
Step 15
Transfer the dough onto a baking sheet lined with paper in the shape of an "accordion," placing each layer on top of the other.
- 16
Step 16
Cover the prepared stollen with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour and 30 minutes. After that, place it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees and bake for 50–70 minutes.
- 17
Step 17
Remove the baked goods from the oven and let cool.
- 18
Step 18
Generously coat the stollen with melted butter.
- 19
Step 19
Also generously dust with powdered sugar.
- 20
Step 20
Wrap in paper and store in a cool, dry place for at least 2 weeks.
- 21
Step 21
Before serving, the stollen is cut in half, then into pieces. Have a wonderful holiday!