German Stollen Cookies

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg These dry ingredients form the base of our cookies. The all-purpose flour gives the cookies structure. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Salt enhances the flavors. The spices, cinnamon and nutmeg, add warmth and holiday cheer. - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup powdered sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract Using softened butter allows for better creaming with sugar. Powdered sugar gives a sweet taste and adds a nice texture. The egg binds everything together. Vanilla and almond extracts add a lovely aroma and flavor. - 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, candied orange peel) - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts) - 1/4 cup fresh lemon zest Mixed dried fruits bring sweetness and chewiness. Raisins and currants add flavor depth. Candied orange peel gives a burst of citrus. Chopped nuts add crunch, while lemon zest brightens the overall taste. These ingredients together create a delightful mix, perfect for holiday cheer. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick. 2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl: In a medium bowl, whisk together these dry items: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Mix until all is blended well. 3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer. Cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup powdered sugar. Beat this for about 2-3 minutes. The mix should look light and fluffy. 4. Incorporate eggs and extracts: Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract to the butter-sugar mix. Beat again until everything is smooth and well combined. 5. Fold in mix-ins, form and flatten cookies: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently with a spoon. Next, fold in: - 1 cup mixed dried fruits (like raisins, currants, and diced candied orange peel) - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts) - 1/4 cup fresh lemon zest Take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball about 1 inch wide. Place these balls on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand. 6. Bake and cool cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden. After baking, cool the cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with more powdered sugar for a festive finish. To bake German Stollen Cookies perfectly, follow these steps: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. - Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps cookies from sticking. - Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes. Aim for 1-inch balls. - Space each cookie about 2 inches apart. This allows for spreading during baking. - Flatten each ball slightly with your palm. This helps them bake evenly. Adding spices and zests can boost flavors: - Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. These spices add warmth. - Fresh lemon zest brightens the flavor profile. Use zest from one medium lemon. - Experiment with other nuts. Almonds and walnuts both work well in this recipe. Presentation elevates your cookies for the holidays: - Arrange cookies on a festive platter. A colorful plate makes them pop. - Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. This adds a lovely touch. - For added charm, place sprigs of evergreen or a cinnamon stick beside the cookies. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your dried fruits and nuts are fresh for the best flavor. Stale ingredients can diminish the taste and texture of your cookies. Chill the Dough: For a firmer dough that’s easier to handle, consider chilling it for 30 minutes before forming the cookies. This helps maintain their shape while baking. Bake in Batches: If you have multiple trays of cookies, bake them in batches to ensure even cooking. Rotate the trays halfway through for consistent baking results. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add more spices like cardamom or ginger to personalize the flavor profile of your Stollen cookies and make them your own. {{image_4}} German Stollen Cookies can change based on where you are. You can use many dried fruits. Try raisins, currants, or diced candied orange peel. Each option gives a unique taste. You can also mix different nuts. Almonds and walnuts are common, but pecans or hazelnuts work too. You can change the spices, too. Instead of cinnamon and nutmeg, try cardamom or ginger. These swaps can make your cookies special. Some people need different options. If you want gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend. This will help keep the texture right. If you need vegan cookies, swap the egg for a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, then let it sit. Replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. These changes still give you a tasty cookie. For a festive twist, add chocolate or peppermint. You can mix in chocolate chips or use peppermint extract. This adds a fun flavor for the holidays. You can also try fun sugaring techniques. After baking, roll the cookies in powdered sugar. This gives a snowy look. You can also mix in colored sugar for a bright touch. These ideas make your Stollen Cookies perfect for any holiday gathering. To keep your German Stollen cookies fresh, use a container with a tight seal. This helps keep air out. A glass jar or a plastic container works great. You can also use a cookie tin for a fun look. Store cookies at room temperature. They stay soft and tasty this way. Avoid putting them in the fridge, as it can dry them out. You can freeze Stollen cookies for later. To do this, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. If you want to freeze the dough, shape it into balls first. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap before placing them in a bag. When you’re ready to bake, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To thaw cookies, leave them at room temperature for a few hours. This helps keep the texture nice. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes for a fresh-baked taste. German Stollen cookies can last about one week at room temperature. Look for signs of spoilage, like a hard texture or off smell. If they feel dry or crumbly, it’s time to toss them. When you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Check for freezer burn, which looks like white spots. If you see this, the cookies may not taste good. Always enjoy your cookies while they are fresh for the best flavor! Stollen cookies are a fun twist on the classic German Stollen bread. Stollen has a rich history dating back to the 14th century in Germany. This bread often includes fruits, nuts, and spices, making it a festive treat. Stollen is usually shaped like a loaf, resembling a swaddled baby, representing the Christ child. Over time, bakers turned this festive bread into cookies, making it easier to share and enjoy during the holidays. To make your Stollen cookies soft, use room temperature butter. Softened butter blends better with sugar. This step helps create a lighter texture. Don't overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Also, adding fresh lemon zest adds moisture and flavor. Lastly, try baking them just until they are set and lightly golden. This keeps them tender and delicious. Yes, you can make Stollen cookies ahead of time! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to two days. This allows the flavors to meld. You can also freeze the dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store them in a container. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. For already baked cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. In this article, we explored the vital ingredients and steps to bake delicious Stollen Cookies. We covered essential dry and wet ingredients, flavorful additions, and tips for perfect baking. Remember to adjust flavors based on your taste and use proper storage methods for freshness. Stollen Cookies can bring joy to any season, whether for holidays or family gatherings. Baking is fun, so experiment with your favorite mix-ins and variations. Enjoy making your own tasty treats and impressing friends and family with your skills!$

Festive cookies filled with dried fruits and nuts, perfect for the holiday season.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine German

Servings 24

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.25 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
0.75 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and diced candied orange peel)
0.5 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
0.25 cup fresh lemon zest (approximately 1 medium lemon)
0.25 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the large egg, pure vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until smooth.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, and fresh lemon zest until evenly distributed.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll portions of dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each.
Gently flatten each cookie ball with the palm of your hand to create a disc shape.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, dust the cookies with additional powdered sugar for a festive presentation.

Notes

For a festive touch, sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top and garnish with evergreen sprigs.

Keyword cookies, dessert, holiday