Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a treat that perfectly captures the warmth and festive spirit of the season, look no further than these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins. Bursting with holiday spices, luscious dried fruits, and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, these muffins are like mini Christmas cakes wrapped up in a cozy, easy-to-make package. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors that will instantly become a favorite for your winter gatherings or a special morning surprise. Trust me, once you try these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins, they will become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet absolutely essential for creating the unique flavor and texture of Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins. Every component plays a part, from the blend of warm holiday spices that infuse the batter with festive cheer to the fruitcake fruit blend and candied peel, which provide joyful bursts of sweetness and chewiness. The buttermilk (or yogurt) adds that coveted moistness while the touch of melted butter ensures richness throughout.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups / 270g): The foundation for tender crumb structure, making your muffins soft yet substantial.
• Baking powder (2 tsp): The key leavening agent that helps your muffins rise to fluffy perfection.
• Baking soda (1/4 tsp): A little boost for rise and texture when combined with the acidic buttermilk.
• Fine table salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the holiday flavors.
• Holiday spice mix (2 tbsp / 14g): A magical blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices for that unmistakably festive aroma.
• White sugar (1/3 cup / 67g): Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering other flavors.
• Fruitcake fruit blend (1 cup / 120g): Traditional dried fruits that bring bursts of juicy sweetness and chewy texture.
• Candied mixed peel (1/2 cup / 85g): Adds color, zing, and that classic stollen character.
• Large egg (1): Helps bind ingredients and adds richness to the batter.
• Buttermilk or plain yogurt (1 cup / 227g): Adds moisture and a subtle tang, keeping the muffins delectably tender.
• Melted butter (3/8 cup / 113g; divided): Provides richness and a soft crumb; some added on top for a luscious finish.
• Non-melting sugar or powdered sugar (for dusting): The sweet finishing touch that keeps your muffins looking festive and inviting.

How to Make Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan

First things first: set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prep everything else. Grab your muffin pan — whether it’s standard size or lined with paper liners, make sure it’s greased lightly on all sides. If you’re using paper liners, a quick brush of grease will keep those muffins coming out smoothly without any sticking drama.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, holiday spice mix, sugar, and all the festive dried fruits along with the candied peel. This step is all about evenly distributing those goodies so that each muffin gets a perfectly balanced sprinkle of flavor and texture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the egg, buttermilk (or yogurt), and 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Whisk these together until everything is smooth and well blended. This luscious liquid mixture is going to keep your muffins wonderfully moist and rich.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now gently fold the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry components. Use a spoon or a spatula and mix quickly but carefully, just until everything comes together. The batter will be thick and stiff, which is exactly what you want. Resist the urge to over-mix—this keeps your muffins tender and prevents toughness.

Step 5: Fill and Bake the Muffins

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for roughly 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester in the center—it should come out clean once fully baked and ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Cool and Finish the Muffins

When your muffins are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to settle. Then transfer them to a wire rack. While they are still warm, brush the tops with the remaining melted butter and dust generously with your choice of non-melting sugar or powdered sugar. This finishing touch adds sweetness and that classic stollen sparkle.

How to Serve Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins

Garnishes

For a festive look and an extra hit of sweetness, sprinkle your muffins with powdered sugar or a dusting of coarse sugar crystals just before serving. You can also add a small dollop of whipped cream or a smear of butter for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels truly indulgent.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of mulled cider or spiced tea, enhancing their warm spice notes. You could also serve them alongside a simple cream cheese spread or even a citrus-flavored butter to highlight the candied peel flavors within.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests during holiday brunch? Arrange your Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins on a festive platter layered with fresh holly, cranberries, or evergreen sprigs for a rustic-chic holiday vibe. Wrap individual muffins in decorative paper and tie with a ribbon to give as edible gifts or party favors that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and believe me, that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack during the festive week.

Freezing

For longer storage, these muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a holiday treat.

Reheating

To bring back the fresh-from-the-oven feels, pop a thawed muffin in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm it briefly in a preheated oven around 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget a quick brush of butter after warming for that irresistible shine and softness.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of buttermilk?

Absolutely! Plain yogurt works perfectly as a substitute for buttermilk, just avoid using Greek-style yogurt as it’s thicker and may affect the batter’s moisture and texture.

What if I don’t have candied mixed peel?

You can substitute with extra dried fruit like chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or even orange zest to keep that festive citrus twist. The muffins will still be wonderfully flavorful.

How do I make the holiday spice mix?

Typically, a holiday spice mix includes cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Feel free to mix your favorite warming spices to create your perfect blend—just make sure it totals about 2 tablespoons for this recipe.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can try substituting with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, and you may need to adjust the moisture content.

Will these muffins keep well for gifting?

Definitely! These Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins hold up well for a few days, making them ideal for gift-giving. Just package them in airtight containers or wrap them individually for freshness and presentation.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about sharing warm, spiced treats during the holiday season, and these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins capture that magic perfectly. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these muffins bring comfort, joy, and delicious festive flavor in every bite. I warmly encourage you to try this recipe and create your own holiday memories filled with sweet aromas and happy moments.

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