Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins Recipe

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Nothing captures the cozy spirit of the holiday season quite like the Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins Recipe. These delightful muffins are packed with fruity surprises and festive spices, delivering a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfect for sharing around the Christmas table or gifting to loved ones, this recipe brings all the classic warmth of traditional stollen into an easy-to-make, individual treat that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the unique texture and flavor that make these muffins so special. From the spices that give a seasonal aroma to the dried fruits that add bursts of sweetness, these ingredients work in harmony to deliver an unforgettable taste.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the perfect base for a soft but sturdy muffin.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): The key leavening agent that ensures a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Helps with rise and adds tenderness.
• Fine table salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Holiday spice mix (2 tablespoons): A magical blend that infuses the batter with warm festive notes.
• White sugar (1/3 cup): Adds a gentle sweetness without overpowering the spices or fruit.
• Fruitcake fruit blend (1 cup): The classic dried fruit mix brings bursts of chewiness and holiday character to every bite.
• Candied mixed peel (1/2 cup): Delivers zesty citrus brightness and a lovely texture contrast.
• Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds richness.
• Buttermilk or plain yogurt (1 cup): Keeps the muffins wonderfully moist and tender.
• Melted butter (3/8 cup, divided): Adds a silky richness, enhancing flavor and crumb.
• Non-melting sugar or powdered sugar (for dusting): A sweet finishing touch that captures the festive look of stollen.

How to Make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your batter is ready. Lightly grease a standard muffin tin or line it with paper liners greased as well to avoid any sticking. This simple step ensures your muffins come out looking perfect and intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, your holiday spice mix, sugar, fruitcake blend, and candied mixed peel. Make sure all these beautiful dry ingredients are thoroughly combined so every muffin has that consistent flavor and texture we’re aiming for.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk (or plain yogurt), and 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Blend until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This creates a luscious wet base that will keep your muffins moist and tender.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Carefully pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold everything together with a spoon or spatula. The batter will feel pretty stiff and that’s exactly what you want—don’t over-mix or you risk a tough muffin. Just combine until no dry streaks remain.

Step 5: Fill and Bake the Muffins

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for roughly 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this point is pure holiday magic.

Step 6: Cool and Finish the Muffins

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack. While still warm, brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and dust generously with non-melting sugar or powdered sugar. This final touch gives a sweet, sparkling finish reminiscent of traditional stollen.

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of sugar is classic, but you can get creative! Try a light drizzle of honey or a smear of spiced butter to add a luscious layer of flavor. Fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can also bring a festive crunch that makes each bite even more exciting.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a hot cup of mulled cider or your favorite holiday tea. For a heartier spread, serve alongside a creamy mascarpone or ricotta cheese spread with a hint of orange zest for an indulgent treat full of holiday cheer.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual muffins in festive parchment paper tied with a ribbon for charming edible gifts. For gatherings, place them on a tiered cake stand surrounded by pine sprigs and cinnamon sticks to create a stunning centerpiece that invites guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins Recipe treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, freeze the cooled muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Reheating

To enjoy that freshly-baked warmth, reheat muffins for about 15–20 seconds in the microwave or for 5–7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) in the oven. Then, brush with a little melted butter and add a fresh dusting of sugar if desired for the perfect revival.

FAQs

Can I substitute the dried fruits used in the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the fruitcake fruit blend and candied peel for your favorite dried fruits like raisins, dried cherries, or apricots. Just be sure to chop larger pieces so they distribute well in the batter.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk or can I use regular milk?

Buttermilk or plain yogurt helps tenderize the muffins and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness and spices. If you don’t have either, you can use regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a quick substitute.

How do I prevent the muffins from becoming dry?

The key is to avoid over-mixing and to bake them just until done. Also, using buttermilk or yogurt keeps the crumb moist. Following the recipe’s exact baking time and cooling instructions will ensure perfectly moist muffins every time.

Can I make these muffins vegan or dairy-free?

You can try substituting the egg with a flax or chia egg and use dairy-free yogurt or plant milk mixed with a little vinegar. Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of melted butter. Just note that texture and flavor may vary slightly.

What spice blend works best for this recipe?

A warm holiday spice mix with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves works beautifully. You can buy a pre-made “holiday blend” or create your own to suit your taste preferences. This spice combo truly makes the muffins feel seasonal and festive.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try the Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins Recipe, it will become a must-have in your holiday baking list. There’s something so special about the tender crumb, the rich burst of fruit, and the warm spices that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly winter day. Don’t wait—bake a batch, share the joy, and create delicious memories this Christmas season!

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