Tasty Dutch Christmas Stollen

Dutch Christmas Stollen (Kerststol) is a festive holiday bread traditionally enjoyed during Christmas in the Netherlands. It’s a rich, yeasted loaf filled with dried fruits, nuts, and often a marzipan center. Dusted with powdered sugar and beautifully spiced, it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stollen is soft, slightly sweet, and aromatic with hints of citrus and warm spices. The fruity, nutty filling makes each slice flavorful and satisfying, while the marzipan center offers a delightful surprise. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or served alongside a warm drink during the holiday season.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Instant yeast
• Whole milk (warm)
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Eggs
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
• Grated lemon or orange zest

For the Filling:

• Raisins or sultanas
• Chopped dried apricots or cranberries
• Chopped almonds or hazelnuts
• Candied citrus peel
• Marzipan or almond paste (rolled into a log)

For Topping:

• Melted butter
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

directions

1. Soak the Fruit: In a bowl, combine dried fruits and peel with warm water or a bit of rum. Let soak for at least 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, spices, and citrus zest. Add warm milk, eggs, and butter. Mix to form a soft dough, then knead until smooth.
3. First Rise: Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Add Fruit & Nuts: Gently knead soaked fruit and chopped nuts into the dough.
5. Shape the Loaf: Roll the dough into an oval. Place the marzipan log in the center and fold the dough over it, sealing the edges.
6. Second Rise: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the stollen for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Finish: Brush hot stollen with melted butter, then dust generously with powdered sugar once cooled.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 slices
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours
Bake Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Use rum or orange juice to soak the fruit for deeper flavor.
• Add cardamom or cloves for a spicier touch.
• Use pistachios or walnuts instead of almonds.
• Make mini stollens for gifting.
• Skip marzipan for a lighter version, or add a cream cheese filling instead.

storage/reheating

Wrap stollen tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully—wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat slices in the oven or toaster before serving.

FAQs

What is the difference between Dutch and German stollen?

Dutch stollen (kerststol) often includes marzipan and is sometimes less dense than its German counterpart.

Do I have to use marzipan?

No, it’s traditional but optional. You can omit it or use almond paste instead.

Can I use a bread machine for the dough?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in a bread machine, then shape and bake it traditionally.

How do I know when the stollen is fully baked?

It should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Internal temp should be around 190°F.

What can I serve with stollen?

Enjoy with coffee, tea, or mulled wine. It’s also great with butter or soft cheese.

Can I use fresh fruit?

No, dried or candied fruit is best to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

Is it supposed to be sweet?

It’s mildly sweet, with a balance of fruit and marzipan. The powdered sugar topping adds extra sweetness.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, but results may vary. Use a gluten-free blend designed for yeast breads.

Can I toast slices of stollen?

Yes! Toasting brings out the flavors and adds a slight crispness.

Should I refrigerate it?

No need—store at room temperature unless you’re keeping it longer than 5 days.

Conclusion

Tasty Dutch Christmas Stollen is a festive, flavorful bread that brings warmth and tradition to your holiday table. With its sweet, spiced dough, rich fruit-and-nut filling, and luscious marzipan center, it’s a treat that feels both nostalgic and celebratory. Whether you’re baking it for family, friends, or simply to enjoy with your morning coffee, it’s a holiday essential worth savoring.

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