Description
Soft, buttery rolls inspired by traditional German stollen, filled with mixed dried fruit and almonds, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet holiday treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 1 egg
- 3 cups flour
- ½ tsp salt
Filling
- ½ cup mixed dried fruit
- ¼ cup chopped almonds
- 1 tbsp orange zest
Finish
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk and let it rest for 5 minutes to become frothy, ensuring the yeast is active for the dough to rise properly.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, softened butter, egg, flour, and salt with the yeast mixture. Stir until the ingredients come together to form a dough.
- Knead and First Rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Add Filling: Gently fold the mixed dried fruit, chopped almonds, and orange zest into the risen dough, evenly distributing the filling without deflating the dough too much.
- Shape Rolls: Divide the dough into 10 to 12 equal pieces and shape each into a roll. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced apart to allow expansion.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffy and slightly risen.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Finish with Butter and Sugar: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter to keep them moist and add richness. Once slightly cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for a classic stollen finish.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, soak the mixed dried fruit in rum or fruit juice overnight before folding into the dough.
- Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness.
- These rolls freeze well; thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 mins (+1 hr 30 mins rise time)
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Bread / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-Inspired
