Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Hey there, festive friends!

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your holiday season, I’ve got just the thing for you: Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins! These little gems are packed with warmth, joy, and all the wonderful flavors of Christmas. They make a fantastic addition to any gathering, whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a festive holiday party. The best part? They’re super easy to whip up and will have your kitchen smelling like a winter wonderland in no time!

These muffins are not only delicious but also wonderfully versatile. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later. Trust me, once you taste them, they’ll become a cherished recipe in your holiday repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy these muffins without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet flavors and delightful textures; they’re perfect for both kids and adults!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch over the weekend, and you’ll have tasty treats ready for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
• Deliciously Festive Flavor: The holiday spice mix and dried fruits create an irresistible combination that captures the essence of the season.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with different fruits or spices to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This recipe uses everyday items that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:

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

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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to match your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Try Different Fruits: Swap out the fruitcake blend for chopped apples or pears for a fresh twist.
• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch.
• Change Up the Spices: Experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture and use plant-based yogurt and butter alternatives.

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. While the oven warms up, grab your muffin tin and either grease it lightly or line it with paper liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, holiday spice mix, and sugar. Whisk them together until well blended. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.

Step 3: Add Fruits

Now it’s time to add our festive ingredients! Gently fold in the fruitcake blend and candied mixed peel into your dry mixture. These will provide bursts of sweetness in every bite.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk (or yogurt), and melted butter. Mixing these wet ingredients separately helps ensure that everything combines smoothly when added to the dry mixture.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly okay; they’ll bake out beautifully.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon your batter evenly into each muffin cup. Fill them about two-thirds full so they have room to rise without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake Your Muffins

Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. This is where patience pays off—your kitchen will be filled with an incredible aroma!

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove your muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with non-melting sugar or powdered sugar before serving for that extra festive touch!

Enjoy these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins warm with a cup of tea or coffee—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Baking should be a joyful experience, so let’s make sure your Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins turn out fabulous every time!

• Measure accurately: Using a kitchen scale for your flour and sugar can prevent over-measuring, which is key to retaining moisture in your muffins.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined will keep your muffins light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, which is not what we want!
• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg and buttermilk (or yogurt) to room temperature helps them incorporate better into the batter, resulting in a more uniform texture.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: Baking times can vary, so use a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready!
• Let them cool properly: Allow your muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess and maintains their delightful texture.

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

These delightful muffins are perfect for sharing during the holidays! Here are some fun ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a festive touch and enhances the visual appeal of your muffins.
• Citrus zest: Grating some lemon or orange zest on top provides a bright aroma and flavor contrast that complements the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple compote: This warm side dish pairs wonderfully with the muffins, adding sweetness and warmth that works perfectly with the holiday theme.
• Cinnamon-infused whipped cream: A dollop of this creamy goodness brings richness that balances the fruit flavors in the muffins.
• Herbed cream cheese spread: A savory option that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the stollen muffins; it’s great for brunch gatherings.
• Hot spiced tea: Offer a cup of comforting spiced tea alongside your muffins for an extra cozy experience during chilly winter months.

Enjoy making these festive treats, and may they bring joy to your table this holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the festive season. Here’s how to store and preserve their delightful taste.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw muffins overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have while making these delicious treats!

Can I make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or applesauce (1/4 cup) for a similar binding effect.

What dried fruits work best for Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins?

You can use any dried fruits you enjoy! Raisins, cranberries, apricots, or even cherries work wonderfully. Just ensure they’re chopped into small pieces for even distribution.

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

Make sure not to overbake your muffins—keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time. The buttermilk or yogurt also helps keep them deliciously moist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins—there’s something truly special about baking during the holiday season! They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in during cozy evenings at home. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to make some extra for later. Happy baking!