Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that spreads holiday cheer, you’ve found it with these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins! These muffins are soft, delicious, and packed with festive flavors that will make your kitchen smell like a winter wonderland. They’re perfect for cozy family gatherings or as a sweet surprise during busy weeknights when you’re looking to brighten up your day.

What I love most about these muffins is how easy they are to whip up. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. They also make for a wonderful dessert or a lovely breakfast treat, ensuring that every moment feels festive!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Whip these muffins up in just 35 minutes! Perfect for when you’re short on time.
• Festive Flavors: The blend of spices and dried fruits brings the holiday spirit right into your home.
• Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will adore these moist muffins. They’re great for everyone!
• Make Ahead: Bake them in advance and store them for quick snacks or desserts throughout the season.
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature; they taste great either way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll gather:

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 greatest things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily mix things up to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Change the Fruit: Substitute raisins or cranberries for the fruitcake blend to switch up the flavor.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with gingerbread spice mix instead of holiday spice for a unique twist.
• Make It Vegan: Replace the egg with flaxseed meal and use plant-based yogurt instead of buttermilk.

How to Make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even baking. While your oven heats up, you can prepare your muffin batter.

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 helps ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout your muffins.

Step 3: Mix in Sugar and Fruits

Next, add in the white sugar, fruitcake fruit blend, and candied mixed peel. Stir these ingredients together until they’re well combined. This step adds sweetness and texture to each bite.

Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients Together

In another bowl, whisk together the large egg, buttermilk (or yogurt), and melted butter (6 tablespoons). Making sure these wet ingredients are well mixed helps create that lovely moist texture we all crave in muffins!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined—don’t over-mix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. Over-mixing can lead to tough muffins instead of delightfully moist ones.

Step 6: Bake Those Muffins!

Spoon the batter evenly into a greased muffin tin. Bake for about 20 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your home will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Once baked, let your muffins cool in the pan 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 sharing these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins with family and friends—they’re bound to become a new holiday favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Making these muffins is a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh spices – Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your muffins, making them more aromatic and inviting. Check your spice cabinet for freshness before using them!

• Don’t overmix the batter – To maintain that tender texture, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, and nobody wants that!

• Let them cool in the pan briefly – Allowing your muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes helps them set and makes them easier to remove without falling apart.

• Experiment with add-ins – Feel free to switch up the dried fruits or even add nuts for a crunchier texture. Just remember to keep the total weight similar to ensure proper moisture balance.

• Store correctly – Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for later enjoyment. This helps maintain their moistness!

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

These muffins are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can elevate your festive gatherings.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a charming touch and gives a snowy appearance that is perfect for the holiday season.

• Citrus zest – Grating some lemon or orange zest over the muffins just before serving adds a fresh burst of flavor that complements the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Warm spiced apple cider – This comforting drink pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the stollen muffins, creating a cozy ambiance.

• Creamy vanilla yogurt – A dollop of yogurt on the side provides a creamy contrast while keeping things light and refreshing.

• Mixed green salad with vinaigrette – A crisp salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette offers a nice balance to the sweetness of the muffins, making it a delightful addition to your spread.

• Herbed roasted vegetables – Savory roasted veggies add heartiness to your meal, providing a colorful and nutritious complement to these sweet treats.

Now get ready to enjoy some scrumptious Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins this holiday season! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the holiday season. Below are some practical tips for storing, freezing, and reheating your delightful muffins.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent excess moisture.

Freezing

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference!

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes.
• If reheating from the fridge, you can warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

I know you might have some questions about these delicious muffins, so let’s dive in!

Can I make these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that it includes xanthan gum or add a bit separately to maintain texture.

How can I adjust the sweetness in Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins?

If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to reduce the sugar by up to half. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey (if not avoiding animal products).

What if I don’t have candied mixed peel?

You can easily swap it out with additional dried fruit or nuts of your choice. This recipe is versatile—feel free to customize it!

Can I use non-dairy alternatives in this recipe?

Yes! You can replace buttermilk with any plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter as well.

Final Thoughts

Making these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins is not just about baking; it’s about creating festive memories filled with warmth and joy! I hope you enjoy making this delightful treat as much as I do. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them solo, these muffins are sure to bring cheer to your holiday season. Happy baking!