Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season, these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are just the treat! They combine the festive flavors of dried fruits and warm spices, making them perfect for cozy family gatherings or as a sweet snack during those busy weeknights. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up a batch while filling your kitchen with that wonderful, inviting aroma of baking. They’re not just delicious; they also bring a sense of joy and warmth to any occasion!

These muffins are a great addition to your holiday dessert table or even as a special breakfast treat. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later, my friends always rave about how moist and flavorful they are. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love making these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these tasty muffins ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone will enjoy these muffins, from kids to grandparents—they’re perfect for all ages!
• Make-ahead goodness: Bake them in advance and store them for easy snacking throughout the week.
• Festive flavors: The combination of spices and dried fruits creates a rich flavor that’s synonymous with holiday cheer.
• Versatile treat: Enjoy them at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even at your festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy ingredients for these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins—just simple, wholesome items you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Muffins

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

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Change up the fruits: Swap out the fruitcake blend for other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots.
• Add nuts: For some crunch, toss in chopped walnuts or almonds into the batter.
• Switch up the spices: Experiment with different spice blends—think gingerbread spices for a cozy twist!
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute buttermilk with a plant-based yogurt to suit dietary preferences.

How to Make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential because a hot oven helps create those lovely rising muffins.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine table salt, holiday spice mix, and white sugar. This ensures even distribution of all those yummy flavors throughout your muffins.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the egg, buttermilk (or yogurt), and melted butter. It’s important to mix these well until smooth since they will help keep our muffins moist and tender!

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps; it helps keep the muffins light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Fruits and Peels

Gently fold in your choice of dried fruit blend and candied mixed peel. This adds that signature stollen flavor while giving each bite a delightful surprise.

Step 6: Bake Your Muffins

Spoon the batter into greased muffin tins and fill each cup about three-quarters full. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Once baked, allow your muffins to cool slightly before dusting with non-melting sugar or powdered sugar. This final touch adds an elegant finish that makes them look as wonderful as they taste!

And there you have it! A batch of Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins ready to steal the spotlight at any gathering. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Getting the texture and flavor just right can make all the difference in your baking adventure! Here are some tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly moist and delicious.

• Measure Flour Accurately: To avoid dense muffins, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents overpacking, giving you the light and fluffy texture we all crave.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins; a few lumps are perfectly fine!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your egg and buttermilk (or yogurt) to room temperature before mixing helps them blend more easily. This can improve the overall rise and texture of your muffins.

• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary significantly in temperature. Start checking your muffins a few minutes before the recommended bake time by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!

• Cool Properly: Allow your muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and retain moisture.

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

These festive muffins are not only delightful on their own but also shine when presented with some thoughtful accompaniments. Here are some serving ideas that will make your Christmas Stollen Muffins even more special!

Garnishes

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes these muffins look extra festive.

• Add Fresh Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest on top for a pop of freshness that balances the richness of the muffins beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Cinnamon Spiced Apples: Sauté sliced apples in cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg for a warm, comforting side that complements the holiday flavors of the muffins.

• Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes paired with a little maple syrup creates an inviting side dish that pairs wonderfully with these muffins.

• Green Salad with Pomegranate Seeds: A fresh salad topped with pomegranate seeds adds crunch and brightness, making it a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of stollen.

• Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits creates a lovely breakfast option alongside your stollen muffins, perfect for holiday gatherings!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins that are not only delightful to eat but also beautiful to present at any festive occasion! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the festive season. Here’s how to store and preserve these delightful treats.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply remove the desired number of muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
• For a warm treat, microwave on low power for 15-20 seconds or pop them into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about these delicious muffins, you’re in the right place!

Can I make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will keep your muffins moist and fluffy!

How do I ensure my Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins stay fresh longer?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. For extended freshness, consider refrigerating or freezing them as detailed above.

What can I use instead of buttermilk in Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Are there any alternatives to candied mixed peel for my Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins?

Absolutely! You can use chopped dried fruits such as apricots, cranberries, or raisins if you prefer. They’ll add great flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings a sprinkle of joy to your holiday season! The Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy creating these delightful treats; I can’t wait to hear how they turned out for you! Happy baking!