Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your holiday season, these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are just the thing! They capture all the warmth of traditional stollen but in a convenient muffin form. When the weather outside turns chilly, there’s something so cozy about baking these little wonders. They’re perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive family gatherings, making them a cherished go-to in my kitchen.

Every bite is packed with flavor and festive cheer, making these muffins a lovely addition to your holiday spread. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up on a whim! Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as part of your breakfast spread, you’ll find that this recipe has quickly become a favorite in many households.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these muffins ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fruity flavors and soft texture, making them an ideal snack for everyone.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch and store them for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
• Deliciously Festive Flavor: The combination of spices and dried fruits truly captures the essence of Christmas.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful muffins. Don’t worry; they use simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have at home!

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Change Up the Fruit: Substitute dried cranberries or cherries for the fruitcake blend for a different flavor profile.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Make It Vegan: Swap the egg for a flax egg and use plant-based yogurt and butter alternatives.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the festive flavor!

How to Make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully. While that’s happening, line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, holiday spice mix, and sugar. Mixing these first helps distribute leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Mix in Fruits and Peels

Next, gently fold in your choice of dried fruit and candied mixed peel. This step is important because it adds bursts of sweetness and texture to each muffin. Make sure every piece is coated with flour so they don’t sink to the bottom during baking!

Step 4: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the egg and buttermilk (or yogurt). Then stir in melted butter—remember to reserve two tablespoons for later! Mixing wet ingredients separately helps ensure they combine smoothly without overmixing.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Now it’s time to combine! Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; some lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins—nobody wants that!

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into prepared muffin cups until they’re about two-thirds full. This allows room for rising while keeping those lovely domes we all adore!

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma! A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they’re done.

Step 8: Cool and Dust

Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before removing from the pan. Dust them with non-melting sugar or powdered sugar just before serving for that festive touch!

Enjoy these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins as part of your holiday traditions—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Baking is all about joy and creativity, so here are some tips to ensure your Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins turn out wonderfully every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensuring your baking powder and spices are fresh will enhance the flavors and texture of your muffins. Fresh ingredients lead to better rising and a more vibrant taste.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until the dry ingredients are incorporated keeps your muffins tender and light. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so a gentle hand is key!

• Customize the fruit blend: Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits like apricots or cranberries, or even add nuts for a delightful crunch. This personalization makes each batch uniquely yours!

• Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary greatly, so start checking your muffins a few minutes before the timer goes off. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

• Cool completely before dusting with sugar: Letting your muffins cool ensures the powdered sugar doesn’t melt into the muffins, making for a beautiful presentation that’s perfect for festive gatherings.

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Serving these delightful muffins is where you can really let your creativity shine! Whether it’s for breakfast or dessert, they’ll be sure to impress.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch that also enhances that festive look.
• Citrus zest: Grating some fresh lemon or orange zest on top brings brightness and complements the spice flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Creamy yogurt: Serve alongside plain yogurt for a creamy contrast that balances out the sweetness of the muffins.
• Festive fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranates, pears, and citrus adds freshness and color to your plate.
• Hot spiced cider: This warm drink pairs perfectly with your muffins, enhancing the holiday spirit with its aromatic spices.
• Nuts and seeds platter: Offer a variety of nuts and seeds as a crunchy side that complements the soft texture of the muffins while adding health benefits.

Enjoy creating these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins! They’re sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors without all the fuss during the holiday season. You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and savor them at your leisure.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness for longer.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the muffins cool completely, then wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat frozen muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• If using a microwave, heat each muffin on medium power for about 30 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins!

Can I make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will help you achieve similar textures without gluten.

How can I customize my Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins?

Feel free to add nuts like almonds or walnuts, or swap dried fruits based on your preference. Just ensure that they are chopped into small pieces for even distribution!

What can I use instead of buttermilk or yogurt?

You can create a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for a few minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and warmth to your holiday gatherings! These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are not just delightful treats; they carry the spirit of festivity and comfort with every bite. Enjoy making them and sharing with family and friends—it’s truly rewarding! Happy baking!