Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to fill your holiday season with warmth and joy, look no further than these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins. These little gems capture the essence of traditional stollen while being easy to whip up in muffin form. They are perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, bringing everyone together over a deliciously festive bite.

What makes this recipe truly special is its blend of spices and dried fruits, evoking memories of holiday cheer with every bite. Plus, they’re wonderfully versatile, making them ideal for breakfast, a sweet snack, or even dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these muffins ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Delight: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavors and soft texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These muffins store well, so you can bake them in advance and enjoy them all week long.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—be it a festive brunch or a cozy evening at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to create this festive delight!

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (270g)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine table salt
• 2 tablespoons holiday spice mix (14g)
• 1/3 cup white sugar (67g)

Fruity Goodness

• 1 cup fruitcake fruit blend or your choice of dried fruit (120g)
• 1/2 cup candied mixed peel (85g)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt (227g, avoid greek-style)
• 3/8 cup melted butter (113g total; divided into 6 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons)
• Dust with non-melting sugar or powdered sugar

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

One of the best things about these muffins is how flexible the recipe is! Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own.

• Change the Fruit: Use your favorite dried fruits like apricots or cherries instead of the fruit blend.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts for an extra crunch—walnuts or pecans work beautifully!
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.

How to Make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your muffins rise perfectly and develop that lovely golden color as they bake.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, holiday spice mix, and sugar. Mixing these dry ingredients well helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring fluffy muffins.

Step 3: Add Fruits

Now it’s time to fold in the fruitcake fruit blend and candied mixed peel. This adds bursts of sweetness and festive flavor throughout each muffin. Make sure they are evenly distributed for consistent deliciousness!

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the egg well before adding buttermilk (or yogurt) and melted butter. Mixing wet ingredients separately helps ensure that everything blends smoothly into the batter without clumps.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients bowl. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough muffins! Aim for a slightly lumpy batter—the lumps are okay!

Step 6: Bake

Scoop the batter into prepared muffin tins lined with paper cups or greased lightly. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

Step 7: Cool & Dust

Once baked, let your muffins cool slightly before dusting them with non-melting sugar or powdered sugar. This final touch not only adds sweetness but also gives them that festive look!

Enjoy sharing these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins with family and friends throughout this joyful season!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Baking these delightful muffins is a breeze, and with a few pro tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly moist and flavorful every time!

• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: This helps to aerate the flour and ensures a light texture, preventing any lumps from forming in your batter.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins that don’t rise as beautifully.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your egg and buttermilk (or yogurt) to room temperature before mixing can help create a smoother batter and improve the overall texture of your muffins.

• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your muffins a couple of minutes before the recommended cook time. Overbaking can lead to dryness, so aim for a toothpick that comes out clean but not overcooked.

• Cool Before Serving: Allow your muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and maintain their moistness.

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile in presentation! Here are some ideas to serve them up beautifully this festive season.

Garnishes

• Non-melting sugar: A light dusting of non-melting sugar or powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances the festive feel.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped almonds or pistachios on top for an added crunch and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Festive Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds, citrus slices, and kiwi adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the muffins.
• Spiced Hot Chocolate: Serve these muffins alongside a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate, perfect for cozy winter evenings.
• Herbal Tea: A fragrant herbal tea complements the spices in the muffins while providing a soothing beverage option.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer some yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a delightful side that adds creaminess and acidity, balancing out the sweetness of your muffins.

Enjoy preparing these wonderful Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins, and may they bring warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Here’s how to store them, freeze them, and reheat them for that fresh-baked taste.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator where they will last up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, let the muffins thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
• Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• If reheating from the fridge, you can pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Got questions? No worries! Here are some answers that might help you out.

Can I make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute one egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or use applesauce (1/4 cup) as an alternative.

How long do Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins stay fresh?

When stored properly, these muffins will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days or up to a week if refrigerated.

Can I use different dried fruits in my Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins?

Yes! Feel free to customize your muffins with your favorite dried fruits, such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots. Just make sure they equal around 1 cup in total!

What spices work well in these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins?

A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove is ideal for that festive flavor. You can also consider adding cardamom for an extra touch of warmth!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins! They are not just delightful treats but also evoke the warmth of holiday gatherings. Enjoy every bite and share them with your loved ones—there’s nothing like homemade goodies during this magical season. Happy baking!