Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Enjoy the festive season with these delightful Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins, a perfect blend of traditional flavors and modern convenience.
These Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins are inspired by the traditional German stollen, but in a quick and easy muffin format. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or as a sweet treat to share with friends and family!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with festive flavors of dried fruits and nuts
- Soft and fluffy texture that's perfect for sharing
- Quick and easy preparation, ideal for busy holiday mornings
The Essence of Christmas in a Muffin
Christmas Stollen Muffins capture the essence of the holiday season in every bite. Traditional stollen is a festive bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, often enjoyed during the winter months. By reimagining this classic into muffin form, you get a portable and easy-to-prepare treat that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy breakfast at home. These muffins not only bring the nostalgic flavors of stollen but also the warmth and joy associated with Christmas celebrations.
The combination of mixed dried fruits and crunchy nuts creates a delightful texture that pairs wonderfully with the soft, fluffy muffin base. Each muffin is a miniature celebration, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply want to indulge in a festive treat with your morning coffee, these muffins are sure to impress.
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings
One of the best aspects of these Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins is their versatility for holiday gatherings. They can be enjoyed as part of a festive breakfast spread or served alongside coffee and tea during afternoon get-togethers. Their delightful appearance and delicious flavors will surely make them a crowd favorite.
Consider presenting these muffins on a decorative platter, dusted with powdered sugar to resemble a snowy landscape. You can even add a few sprigs of holly or festive decorations for an extra touch. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also add a charming visual element to your holiday table, making your celebration even more special.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
If you're anticipating a busy holiday season, these muffins can easily be made ahead of time. Prepare the batter and bake the muffins a few days in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or freeze them for longer storage. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their fresh-baked taste.
Freezing muffins is a fantastic way to ensure you have delicious treats on hand for unexpected guests or last-minute holiday celebrations. Just remember to allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months, so you can enjoy the flavors of Christmas all season long!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful muffins:
Muffin Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your muffins:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Add Fruits and Nuts
Fold in the dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
Fill Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Dust
Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your freshly baked Christmas Stollen Muffins!
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with some tasty accompaniments. Consider serving them with a side of whipped cream cheese or a dollop of spiced butter for an added touch of indulgence. A warm beverage, such as spiced apple cider or festive eggnog, pairs perfectly with these muffins, enhancing the holiday spirit.
For an extra festive twist, you can also serve these muffins with a fruit preserve or a drizzle of warm icing. This added sweetness complements the flavors of the muffins beautifully and makes for a wonderful treat during your holiday celebrations.
Storing and Reheating
To maintain the freshness of your muffins, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you notice they are getting stale, reheating them in the microwave for a few seconds can help restore their softness. Alternatively, you can pop them back into the oven at a low temperature to warm them up without drying them out.
If you’ve frozen your muffins, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. For a quick reheating solution, you can place them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will make them taste freshly baked, ready to be enjoyed once again!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?
Fresh fruits may add too much moisture to the batter. It's best to stick with dried fruits for this recipe.
→ How do I store leftover muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze well. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
→ What can I substitute for milk?
You can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk if you're looking for a dairy-free option.
Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins
Enjoy the festive season with these delightful Easy Christmas Stollen Muffins, a perfect blend of traditional flavors and modern convenience.
Created by: Rowan Tate
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 muffins
What You'll Need
Muffin Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in the dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g