Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your festive season, you’ve come to the right place! These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are a wonderful blend of flavors that capture the spirit of the holidays. They’re not just for Christmas; they make a lovely addition to any gathering or cozy evening at home. The best part? They are super easy to whip up, so even on those busy weeknights, you can have a sweet surprise ready in no time.

This recipe is special to me because it combines traditional holiday flavors with the convenience of muffins. Each bite is like a warm hug from an old friend, filled with dried fruits and spices that evoke memories of joyful celebrations. Whether you’re serving them at a family brunch or enjoying one with your morning coffee, these muffins are sure to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these muffins baking away in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves muffins! These moist treats are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the batter ahead of time, pop them in the oven when you’re ready, and enjoy fresh muffins without the fuss.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spices and fruits creates a festive taste that feels like a celebration in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins is a breeze with these simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely have some of them in your pantry already!

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)

Fruit & Egg

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

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt (227g, avoid greek-style)
• 3/8 cup melted butter (113g total; divided into 6 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons)

For Dusting

• Non-melting sugar or powdered sugar for dusting

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

Variations

One of the best things about these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative with ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the dried fruits: Use your favorite combination of dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a unique twist.
• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch that complements the soft texture.
• Try different spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg if you want to add more warmth to the flavor profile.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those who need it.

How to Make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together all your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, holiday spice mix, and sugar. This step is crucial as it ensures even distribution of leavening agents for perfectly risen muffins!

Step 2: Mix in the Fruits and Egg

Next, gently fold in your chosen dried fruits and candied mixed peel into the dry mixture. Then, create a well in the center and crack in that large egg. Mixing in these elements adds moisture and texture that makes every bite delightful.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the buttermilk (or yogurt) along with melted butter—remember to reserve two tablespoons for later! Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this could make your muffins tough.

Step 4: Bake Them Up!

Spoon the batter into muffin tins lined with paper cups or greased well. Sprinkle a little non-melting sugar on top before placing them into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 5: Cool and Dust

Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar once they are cool enough to handle—this adds that lovely finishing touch!

Enjoy your homemade Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself during those quiet moments by the tree! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Baking is all about joy and creativity, so here are some tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly every time!

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you have the right proportions. Accurate measurements lead to consistent results, ensuring moist and fluffy muffins.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of the light and airy texture we want.

• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your muffins a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Ovens can vary, so this helps prevent overbaking and keeps your muffins moist.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and spices are fresh. This enhances flavor and ensures proper leavening, resulting in delightful muffins.

• Let Them Cool Properly: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain moisture while preventing sogginess.

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

These festive muffins are perfect for brightening up any gathering! Here’s how you can present them beautifully and enhance their deliciousness.

Garnishes

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a festive touch and a hint of sweetness.
• Add Fresh Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of orange or lemon zest elevates the flavor profile, adding freshness that complements the spices in the muffins.

Side Dishes

• Hot Chocolate: The rich creaminess of hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with these muffins, making for a cozy treat.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the stollen muffins.
• Spiced Tea: A warm spiced tea complements the holiday flavors while providing a comforting beverage option.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fresh fruits offers a delightful contrast in textures, making for an inviting brunch spread.

Enjoy these delightful Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins at your next holiday gathering, and let the festive spirit shine through every bite! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy them throughout the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply treating yourself, these muffins are easy to store and reheat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, although they may become slightly denser.
• For best flavor, let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating muffins stored at room temperature, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a fresher taste, consider reheating in an oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave.

FAQs

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

Can I make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins without dairy?

Absolutely! You can substitute buttermilk with a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity.

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

To keep these muffins moist, avoid overmixing the batter and make sure not to bake them too long. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean but not dry.

What can I use instead of candied mixed peel?

You can replace candied mixed peel with additional dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries if you prefer! This will still give your muffins that festive touch while catering to your personal taste.

How long do Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins last?

When stored properly at room temperature, these muffins can last up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them as mentioned above!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins as much as I do! They bring together festive flavors and cozy vibes that are perfect for any holiday gathering—or just a sweet treat for yourself. Remember, baking is all about joy and creativity, so have fun with it! Happy baking!