Christmas is a time for warmth, joy, and of course, delicious treats. One of my favorite holiday traditions is baking Stollen, but the process can be time-consuming. Enter Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins! These delightful muffins encapsulate the festive flavor of traditional German Stollen but are simplified for weekend cooks and busy families. With a golden-brown exterior, a soft, spiced interior, and bursts of fruity goodness, these muffins are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy snack with your morning coffee.
Why you’ll love this dish
If you’re looking for the ideal holiday treat that screams festive cheer, look no further. These Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins are not only quick to prepare but are also a hit with both kids and adults. Full of spices, mixed dried fruits, and chopped nuts, they bring the traditional flavors of Stollen to the muffin format—making them fun to eat and easy to share.
"I made these muffins for my family’s Christmas brunch, and they were gone in minutes! The flavor is incredible, and they make such a lovely presentation dusted with powdered sugar!"
Perfect for holiday breakfasts, cozy teas, or as a sweet treat on a chilly day, these muffins are versatile enough to fit any festive occasion. They’re budget-friendly too, allowing you to whip up a batch without breaking the bank while still impressing your guests with homemade charm.
How this recipe comes together
Creating Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins might sound intimidating, but the process is quite straightforward! You start by mixing dry ingredients, then combine them with your wet ingredients. After a swift blend, you’ll fold in those delightful dried fruits and nuts. Spoon the batter into your muffin tin, pop it in the oven, and just like that, you’ll have a batch of warm, spiced muffins ready to greet your family and friends with holiday cheer.
What you’ll need
Here’s a friendly rundown of what you’ll need for this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (like raisins, cranberries, and apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional, but recommended!)
You can easily customize some ingredients. For example, use plant-based milk and butter for a dairy-free option, or switch out the mixed dried fruits for your favorites.
Directions to follow
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t over-mix!
- Fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts carefully to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the muffins in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to add a special touch.
Best ways to enjoy it
These muffins are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving game! Consider serving them warm with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of cream cheese spread. They make a lovely pairing with spiced tea or rich hot chocolate during your holiday festivities. Plus, for an extra festive touch, you can even incorporate a sprinkle of cinnamon or sugar on top right out of the oven.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Pro chef tips
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfect every time:
- Avoid over-mixing the batter; this helps keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- For added moisture, include a tablespoon of yogurt or applesauce into the wet mixture.
- Experiment with flavors by adding a splash of orange zest or a hint of almond extract for a unique twist.
Creative twists
Once you’re comfy with the basics, try some creative variations to change things up:
- Flavor swaps: Use lemon zest and blueberries for a refreshing summer version.
- Dietary adjustments: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour for gluten-free muffins.
- Different layers: Add chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in the middle!
Your questions answered
How long does preparation take?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking will take another 18-20 minutes. In less than an hour, you’ll have fresh muffins ready to serve!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh the next morning.
What if I don’t have mixed dried fruits?
You can easily substitute with any dried fruits you prefer—raisins, cranberries, or even chunks of dried apricots would be wonderful alternatives.
Are there any tips for ensuring they rise nicely?
Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old leavening agents can result in flat muffins, so check the expiration dates before you start baking!
With the right ingredients and a sprinkle of holiday spirit, your Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins are sure to be a hit this festive season. Enjoy the warmth and flavors they bring to the table; happy baking!
Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk Can be substituted with plant-based milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits Such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts Walnuts or pecans work great
- to taste powdered sugar for dusting Optional, but recommended!
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t over-mix!
- Fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts carefully to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
Baking
- Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the muffins in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to add a special touch.