Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to add some warmth to your holiday season, these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are just the thing! They encapsulate all the festive flavors we adore, and they’re perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. I love how easy they are to whip up, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones rather than slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, their moist texture and rich flavor make them a holiday favorite that everyone will be excited to dig into.

Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or bringing something special to a potluck, these muffins will surely spread joy. So let’s dive into why this recipe is so beloved!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep, these muffins come together in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a sweet muffin, and this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: Prepare them in advance and enjoy throughout the week—perfect for busy mornings.
• Festive Flavor: Packed with spices and dried fruits, each bite bursts with holiday cheer!
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast delight or a cozy afternoon snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients makes baking such a joy! Here’s what you need for these scrumptious Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins:

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)

Topping

• Dust with non-melting sugar or powdered sugar

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Change the Dried Fruit: Swap out the fruitcake blend for your favorites like cranberries, cherries, or raisins.
• Go Nutty: Add some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch!
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture and use plant-based yogurt!

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 your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, holiday spice mix, and sugar. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the leaveners evenly throughout the flour.

Step 3: Mix in Fruit and Peel

Gently fold in your chosen dried fruit blend and candied mixed peel into the dry mixture. This adds bursts of flavor that will make every bite enjoyable!

Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk (or yogurt). Then add the melted butter. Mixing these wet ingredients separately allows for better incorporation later on.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your muffins light and fluffy.

Step 6: Bake Your Muffins

Scoop batter into muffin tins lined with paper cups or greased lightly. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let them cool slightly before dusting with non-melting sugar or powdered sugar. Serve warm for an extra touch of coziness during your festive celebrations!

Enjoy making these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins! They’re sure to become a beloved tradition in your home just as they have in mine. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Making these muffins can be a delightful experience, and a few tips can help you achieve the perfect bake!

• Use fresh dried fruits: Fresh dried fruits enhance the flavor and texture of your muffins. They release moisture during baking, making the muffins extra moist and flavorful.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to ensure a tender crumb.

• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary significantly in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure yours is accurate, which will help your muffins bake evenly.

• Cool before dusting: Allow the muffins to cool completely before dusting with sugar. This prevents the sugar from melting into the warm muffins, keeping that beautiful powdered coat intact.

• Store properly: To keep your muffins moist longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family breakfasts. With a little creativity in presentation, you can elevate this delightful treat even further!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a festive touch and enhances the visual appeal.
• Candied citrus peel: A few pieces placed on top not only look beautiful but also add a burst of flavor that complements the muffins beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider harmonize perfectly with the flavors of the stollen muffins, making it a great drink pairing for breakfast or brunch.
• Cream cheese spread: A dollop of cream cheese spread adds a rich, creamy element that pairs wonderfully with these fruity muffins.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the muffins while adding a burst of color to your presentation.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and mixed berries for a delightful contrast in texture that complements the moistness of your stollen muffins.

Enjoy making and serving these delightful Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins! They’re sure to bring joy and warmth to your festive celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy festive flavors throughout the week. You can store them, freeze them, or reheat them in no time!

Storing Leftovers

• Place the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Ensure the muffins are completely cooled before freezing.
• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw muffins overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave for 20-30 seconds on low heat, but be cautious not to overheat.

FAQs

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

Can I use other types of dried fruit in Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins?

Absolutely! You can substitute the fruitcake fruit blend with any dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots according to your taste.

How do I ensure my Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins stay fluffy?

To keep your muffins fluffy, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix just until combined and avoid compacting the mixture.

Can I make these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these muffins gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins as much as I do! They’re not just delicious; they bring warmth and joy that fills your kitchen with holiday spirit. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these muffins are sure to brighten your festive season. Happy baking!