Name: German Nut Stollen Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour; ¼ cup (50g) sugar; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast; ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (divided); 2 cups (200g) walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds, toasted and ground; ⅓ cup (70g) sugar; ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts); 2 tbsp melted butter; Powdered sugar, for dusting

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

German Nut Stollen is a traditional festive bread filled with rich nuts and warm spices. This moist, nutty loaf is perfect for sharing during the holidays or as a special treat any time of year.

The image shows a loaf of rolled pastry placed on a white plate with delicate patterns. The pastry has multiple thick layers, alternating between a light golden dough and a darker, nutty filling, all tightly swirled to form a spiral pattern. The top of the loaf is dusted evenly with powdered sugar, adding a soft white contrast to the warm brown tones. In the background, blurred white and neutral colors add a gentle touch without drawing attention. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50g) sugar
½ tsp salt
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
¾ cup (180ml) warm milk, divided
2 cups (200g) walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds, toasted and ground
⅓ cup (70g) sugar
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts)
2 tbsp melted butter
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with half of the warm milk (about ⅜ cup). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, activated yeast mixture, and the remaining warm milk. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
Step 3: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Toast the 2 cups of nuts and grind them roughly. In a bowl, mix the ground nuts with the sugar, heavy cream, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 4: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12 x 16 inches.
Step 5: Spread the nut filling evenly over two-thirds of the dough. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the filling. Carefully fold the dough to cover the filling and shape it into a log or oval.
Step 6: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before baking.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the stollen until golden brown, approximately 35-40 minutes.
Step 8: Remove from oven and immediately brush the loaf with melted butter. Let it cool slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, soak the nuts in a tablespoon of rum or brandy for an hour before mixing into the filling.
You can add dried fruits like raisins or candied citrus peel for extra texture and sweetness.
Use a mix of different nuts to customize the flavor to your liking.
Brush the baked stollen with melted butter while warm to help the powdered sugar stick and add moisture.

Storage

Store the stollen tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat slightly in the oven if desired.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a rolled pastry with several visible layers of thin, light golden-brown dough swirling around a dark brown filling that looks like cinnamon or chocolate spread, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar. The pastry rests on a white plate with ornate textures, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, a white blurred cloth and a small bowl with nuts add subtle details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment makes kneading easier and faster. Mix on medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Is it necessary to toast the nuts?

Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and crunch, making the filling more delicious. However, if short on time, you can skip toasting but expect a milder nutty taste.