Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your holiday season, you’re going to love these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins! They are warm, comforting, and bursting with festive flavors. This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my home, making its way to our table during family gatherings and cozy evenings. The best part? They are quick and easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or as a sweet surprise for guests.

These muffins not only taste amazing but also fill your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of spices and baked goodness. Plus, they’re adaptable enough to fit any occasion—whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply treating yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious muffins ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults loves these sweet treats; they’re perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake them fresh when needed.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of dried fruits and holiday spices makes each bite a celebration.
• Perfectly Portable: Great for breakfast on the go or as a sweet snack during the day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will make your Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins truly special. Don’t worry; you probably have most of these in your pantry already!

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

One of the great things about these muffins is how flexible they can be! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love.

• Swap the Dried Fruit: Use cranberries, raisins, or even chopped apples for a different flavor profile.
• Change Up the Spice Blend: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding cardamom or nutmeg alongside your holiday spices.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture and use plant-based yogurt instead of dairy.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or almonds for an extra layer of texture.

How to Make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Pan

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven helps your muffins rise beautifully. While that’s warming up, line your muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease them. This will ensure that your muffins come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and holiday spice mix. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout the batter.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, buttermilk (or yogurt), and melted butter (reserve two tablespoons for later). This mixture adds moisture and richness to your muffins. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined—be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine; this will help keep your muffins tender.

Step 5: Add Fruits and Candied Peel

Now it’s time to add in those festive flavors! Gently fold in the fruitcake fruit blend and candied mixed peel until evenly distributed throughout the batter. These ingredients bring both sweetness and texture that’s characteristic of traditional stollen.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Pan & Bake

Spoon the batter into each muffin cup until they are about three-quarters full. This allows room for rising without overflowing. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool & Dust with Sugar

Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with non-melting sugar or powdered sugar while they’re still warm for that extra touch of sweetness!

And there you have it! Your kitchen will smell divine as you savor each bite of these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins. Enjoy sharing them with loved ones during this magical season!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Making these festive muffins is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they’re incredibly moist and bursting with flavor!

• Choose Fresh Dried Fruits: Using fresh dried fruits or a fruitcake blend ensures maximum moisture and sweetness in your muffins. Stale fruit can lead to dry muffins, so always check the freshness!

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined keeps the muffins light and fluffy. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make them dense and tough.

• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start checking your muffins a few minutes before the recommended time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean; this way, you avoid overbaking.

• Cool in the Pan Briefly: Allowing your muffins to cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps prevent them from becoming soggy while they finish setting.

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some fun ways to present them during your festive gatherings.

Garnishes

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances that holiday feel.
• Top with Candied Citrus Peel: Adding strips of candied citrus peel on top provides a burst of color and additional flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Side Dishes

• Warm Spiced Apple Cider: This comforting drink complements the flavors of your stollen muffins perfectly and adds warmth to your festive table.
• Cinnamon Roasted Nuts: A mix of cinnamon-roasted almonds or walnuts offers a crunchy contrast that balances the softness of the muffins.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds and clementine segments adds brightness and freshness to the meal.
• Herbal Tea: Serve these muffins alongside a fragrant herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, for a cozy afternoon delight.

With these ideas in mind, you’re all set to create an inviting atmosphere where everyone can enjoy these delightful Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors throughout the holiday season. You can whip up a batch ahead of time and have them on hand for family gatherings or cozy mornings.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the muffins cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bags with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen muffins overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until heated.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious muffins!

Can I make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! These muffins can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container. They taste great even after being stored!

What makes these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins so special?

These muffins combine traditional stollen flavors with a moist, cake-like texture, making them a delightful treat that captures the essence of Christmas baking.

Can I use different dried fruits in my Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins?

Yes! Feel free to customize your muffins by using your favorite dried fruits or nut mixtures. Just make sure they are chopped into small pieces for even distribution.

How do I know when my Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are done baking?

You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, they are ready!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins as much as I do! They’re not just delicious; they bring warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or savoring one with your morning coffee, these muffins are sure to spread festive cheer. Happy baking!