Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the cozy spirit of the holidays right into your kitchen, then these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are just what you need! This recipe is a cherished favorite in my home, especially during the festive season. The combination of spices, dried fruits, and a touch of sweetness creates a warm and inviting aroma that fills the air as they bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these muffins are simple to whip up and sure to please everyone at the table.

What makes these muffins truly special is not just their incredible flavor but also their versatility. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack with tea, or even as a dessert after dinner, they fit seamlessly into any occasion. Plus, they make fantastic gifts when wrapped up in festive paper!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these muffins baking in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love the sweet and spicy flavors that remind us all of holiday cheer.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready.
• Deliciously moist: Thanks to the buttermilk and melted butter, every bite is soft and scrumptious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this delightful holiday treat!

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)

Mix-ins

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

Wet Ingredients

• 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)

For Dusting

• 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 how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with different ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Use different fruits: Swap out the fruitcake blend for your favorite dried fruits like cranberries or apricots.
• Add nuts: Include chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Experiment with spices: Try different spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if you need a gluten-free option.

How to Make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully. A hot oven creates that perfect dome shape we all love!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, holiday spice mix, and sugar until well combined. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the egg before adding in the buttermilk and melted butter (the 6 tablespoons portion). Whisk until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and richness to our muffins!

Step 4: Fold Everything Together

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are some lumps! Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of fluffy ones.

Step 5: Add Fruits and Peel

Now it’s time to fold in your chosen dried fruits and candied mixed peel. These additions provide bursts of flavor that complement those warm spices perfectly.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter into greased muffin tins, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing—no one wants muffin tops spilling over!

Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown

Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. The smell will be heavenly!

Step 8: Cool and Dust

Once baked, allow your muffins to cool slightly before dusting them with non-melting sugar or powdered sugar for that festive touch. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature—either way, they’ll be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Making these muffins can be an absolute joy, especially with a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices pack a punch of flavor and aroma, making your stollen muffins taste even more delightful and festive.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps to keep the muffins tender and moist. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, which we definitely want to avoid!
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, 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 to come out!
• Let them cool properly: Allowing the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack ensures they maintain their perfect shape and texture.
• Experiment with fruits: Feel free to mix up the dried fruits you use! Dried apricots, cranberries, or cherries can add unique flavors and colors to your stollen muffins.

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some fun ideas to make them shine on your holiday table.

Garnishes

• Dust with non-melting sugar: A light dusting of this sugar adds a beautiful snowy effect that enhances the festive look.
• Add a drizzle of icing: A simple icing made from powdered sugar and water can give your muffins an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Vegan Yogurt: A dollop of plain yogurt serves as a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the muffins, adding creaminess without overpowering them.
• Spiced Warm Apple Cider: This warm drink complements the spices in the muffins beautifully, creating an inviting atmosphere around your table.
• Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds and citrus slices adds brightness and balances out the richness of the stollen muffins.
• Herbed Tea: Pair these muffins with a fragrant herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet moments by the fire.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins with loved ones this season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time and have them ready to enjoy throughout the festive season.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week.
• Always ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

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.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, unwrap the muffins and place them on a microwave-safe plate.
• Heat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
• For a crispy exterior, pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I use other fruits instead of candied mixed peel?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots. Just ensure they are chopped into small pieces for even distribution.

How can I make these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins without dairy?

You can replace buttermilk with almond milk or soy yogurt. Use a dairy-free butter alternative to keep the recipe completely dairy-free and just as delicious!

Are Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins suitable for gift giving?

Yes! These muffins make a delightful homemade gift. Just package them nicely in a festive box or tin, and share the joy of baking with friends and family!

What should I do if my muffins turn out dry?

If your muffins come out dry, try reducing the baking time slightly. Every oven is different, so check for doneness about 2-3 minutes early. Also, consider adding a bit more fruit or yogurt next time for extra moisture!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins as I am! They bring warmth and comfort during the holiday season and are sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy sharing them with loved ones or savoring them yourself – either way, they’re bound to spread joy. Happy baking!