Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

If you’re looking for a festive treat that fills your kitchen with warmth and joy, these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are just the ticket! They bring all the delightful flavors of traditional stollen into a cozy muffin form. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these muffins make everyone feel special—whether you enjoy them as a sweet breakfast or a comforting dessert.

What makes this recipe truly special is its blend of spices and fruits that evoke the holiday spirit. The lovely combination of candied peel, dried fruits, and warm spices creates an inviting aroma that will have your loved ones flocking to the kitchen. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up that you can enjoy fresh muffins any time during the holiday season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, these muffins are perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves muffins! These tasty bites are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the batter in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and dried fruit creates a mouthwatering taste that screams holiday cheer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful muffins! You probably already have most of them in your pantry, making this an easy recipe to dive into.

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 parts about these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins is how flexible they are! Feel free to switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Change the Fruit: Use different dried fruits such as apricots or cranberries for a unique twist.
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds can add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
• Spice it Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an even more aromatic experience.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based yogurt for a vegan version.

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. While the oven heats up, you can prepare your muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and holiday spice mix. Whisk them together until they are well combined. This is important because mixing these ingredients evenly helps ensure that every muffin has consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, buttermilk (or yogurt), and melted butter. Make sure everything is blended smoothly. This mixture adds moisture to our muffins while also incorporating sweetness.

Step 4: Fold It Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay; this will keep your muffins light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Fruits and Peels

Now it’s time to fold in your fruitcake fruit blend and candied mixed peel. This step adds bursts of flavor throughout each muffin. Distributing them evenly ensures everyone gets that delicious fruity goodness in every bite!

Step 6: Bake Your Muffins

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

Step 7: Cool & Dust

Once baked, let your muffins cool in the tin for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Dust with non-melting sugar or powdered sugar before serving—this adds an extra festive touch!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins! Enjoy them warm with friends and family during this joyful season!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Creating the perfect batch of Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins is all about those little details. Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your muffins turn out wonderfully every time!

• Measure flour accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing, which can lead to dense muffins.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your egg and buttermilk (or yogurt) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.

• Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins; you want them fluffy and light!

• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re done! This prevents overbaking, which can dry them out.

• Store properly for freshness: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. This keeps them moist and delicious whenever you crave a festive treat!

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Serving your Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins can be as delightful as baking them! With just a few touches, you can elevate this festive treat into a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives a snowy appearance that adds to the festive feel.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or almonds on top for a crunchy contrast that complements the muffin’s soft texture.

Side Dishes

• Cream cheese spread: A creamy, tangy spread pairs beautifully with the sweet flavors of the muffins—perfect for brunch gatherings.
• Fresh fruit salad: The brightness of seasonal fruits like oranges and pomegranates offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the muffins.
• Hot spiced tea: Serve alongside warm spiced tea infused with cinnamon and cloves for a cozy experience that complements the holiday spices in your muffins.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer some plain yogurt with granola and fruit for a light side that provides balance while keeping things festive.

Enjoy your baking adventure, and may these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins bring joy to your holiday celebrations!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time, making your holiday gatherings even more enjoyable without the last-minute rush.

Storing Leftovers

• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow muffins to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making these delightful muffins!

Can I make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option.

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

To keep your muffins moist, avoid overmixing the batter and make sure not to bake them too long. Adding yogurt or buttermilk also contributes to their tenderness!

Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried ones in the recipe?

While dried fruits provide a traditional flavor, you can experiment with fresh fruits. Just remember that fresh fruits may add moisture and alter baking times slightly.

What is the best way to enjoy Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins?

These muffins are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. You might also try enjoying them warmed and dusted with powdered sugar!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they’re a sprinkle of festive cheer that brings family and friends together. Enjoy every bite, share them with loved ones, and make wonderful memories this holiday season. Happy baking!