Christmas stollen is a traditional German sweet bread that contains dried fruit, similar to fruitcake. As the name suggests, it is generally enjoyed around the holidays and is a common food given as a gift. To learn more about preparing this classic treat, read on to find out how to make Christmas stollen.

While traditional Christmas stollen does take some time and skill to prepare, the delicious end result makes the bread worth the effort. In this guide, we discuss the ingredients, preparation method and variations of making Christmas stollen.

• 1/2 cup raisins or dates, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup currants
• 1/2 cup candied cherries, quartered
• 1/4 cup rum
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 2/3 cup warm water
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 tbsp. salt
• 2 1/2 cups bread flour

1. Combine the raisins or dates, apricots, currants, cherries and rum in a large bowl. Cover and allow to soak overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Mix the yeast and warm water in a large bowl and let sit until frothy.
3. Add the egg, sugar, butter and salt to the frothy yeast, stirring well.
4. Gradually add in the bread flour, one-half cup at a time until a soft dough forms.
5. Fold in the rum and fruit mixture and knead the dough until smooth, about 10 minutes.
6. Place the dough in a large oiled bowl. Cover and allow to rise for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
8. Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface to create a 12-inch by six-inch rectangle.
9. Roll the dough in a jelly-roll fashion, then place on a greased baking sheet and allow to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Remove from baking sheet and allow to cool on a wire rack.

• Before rolling the dough, insert a marizpan filling.
• Top the cooked and warm bread with preserves, apricot preserves work well.
• Brush the cooked bread with melted butter and powdered sugar
• Add one-half cup of chopped walnuts or almonds if desired.