Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holidays, you’ve found it! These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are a festive twist on the traditional stollen bread. They are perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or even as a sweet surprise for friends. The combination of spices and dried fruits makes them wonderfully aromatic and delicious.

What I love most about this recipe is its warmth and comfort. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly winter day. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up! You can enjoy these muffins with your morning coffee or serve them as a delightful dessert after dinner. Trust me, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your holiday baking lineup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these treats ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves muffins! These are perfect for both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead option: Bake a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of holiday spices and dried fruits creates a mouthwatering taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These muffins are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this festive treat!

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)

Mix-ins

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins is how adaptable they are! You can easily customize them to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Change the fruits: Swap out the fruitcake blend for your favorite dried fruits like cranberries or apricots.
• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to create unique flavors.
• Make it vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based yogurt for a vegan version.

How to Make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when you place your muffins in, they’ll bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, holiday spice mix, and sugar. Whisk them together until well blended. This step is essential as it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Add Mix-ins

Gently fold in the fruitcake fruit blend and candied mixed peel into the dry mixture. This adds bursts of sweetness and flavor to every bite!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk (or yogurt), and melted butter (6 tablespoons). Mixing wet ingredients separately helps ensure that everything is evenly incorporated without overmixing.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps! This keeps your muffins tender and moist.

Step 6: Bake Your Muffins

Spoon the batter into muffin cups lined with paper liners or greased well. Fill each cup about three-quarters full for perfect rising. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with non-melting sugar or powdered sugar while still warm for that lovely finishing touch!

Enjoy these delightful Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins with friends and family—they’re sure to bring joy this festive season!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Making these muffins is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Measure your flour accurately: Proper measurement of flour is crucial. Too much flour can lead to dense muffins. Use the spoon-and-level method—spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

• Don’t overmix the batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can create tough muffins rather than light and fluffy ones.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your egg and buttermilk to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter that bakes evenly.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your muffins a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

• Cool before storing: Let your muffins cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture buildup, keeping them fresh longer!

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Presentation is everything when it comes to enjoying these festive muffins! Here are some ideas on how to serve them beautifully and make your holiday table shine.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting adds a beautiful snowy finish that’s perfect for the holiday season.
• Sprinkle with chopped nuts: Chopped almonds or hazelnuts provide a lovely crunch and enhance the flavor profile of the muffins.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple compote: A warm spiced apple compote made with cinnamon and nutmeg pairs wonderfully with these muffins, adding a sweet and tangy contrast.
• Citrus salad: A refreshing citrus salad with oranges, grapefruits, and pomegranate seeds provides a burst of color and brightness that complements the rich flavors of the muffins.
• Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt parfaits with granola and seasonal fruits offer a creamy, crunchy contrast that balances the sweetness of the stollen muffins.
• Hot cocoa or herbal tea: Serving these muffins alongside a comforting mug of hot cocoa or herbal tea will create a cozy atmosphere perfect for holiday gatherings.

Enjoy crafting your festive spread, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and joy as you celebrate this season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the festive season. Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last for about a week.

Freezing

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen muffins to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful muffins!

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

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the fruitcake blend with your favorite dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or raisins for a personalized touch.

How do I make my Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins even more festive?

You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a splash of orange juice to enhance the flavors and make these muffins feel extra special during the holidays!

Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?

Yes! You can replace buttermilk with plain yogurt or a mix of milk and vinegar (1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar), letting it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

How long do Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins last?

When stored properly at room temperature, they will stay fresh for about three days. If refrigerated, they can last up to a week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins! They’re not just delicious but also bring that warm, cozy feeling of holiday spirit right into your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or sharing them with loved ones, I’m sure they’ll be a hit. Happy baking, and may your festivities be filled with sweetness!