Go Back
To make these tasty cookies, you need a few key ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (like apricots, cherries, or raisins) - 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (almonds or hazelnuts) - 1/4 cup orange zest - 1/4 cup almond meal (or finely ground almonds) - Powdered sugar for dusting These ingredients create a rich flavor. They blend together for a soft, chewy cookie. You can make your Stollen Cookies unique with some optional ingredients: - Additional spices like ginger or cloves for extra warmth - Dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist - Lemon zest instead of orange zest for a bright flavor - Different dried fruits like figs or dates for variety These variations can make your cookies stand out during the holidays. If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a nutty taste - Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option - Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor - Substitute egg with a flax egg for a vegan version These substitutions keep the cookies tasty while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy the process of making them! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are mixed well. Next, in a separate large bowl, take 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a good texture. Now, add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mix. Beat everything until well combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients from the first bowl. Stir until the dough is fully mixed. Then, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruits, like apricots, cherries, and raisins. Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, and 1/4 cup of orange zest for a bright flavor. Lastly, add in 1/4 cup of almond meal or finely ground almonds. Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This space allows them to spread while baking. Gently press down on each cookie to slightly flatten them. This step helps them bake evenly. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges turn lightly golden. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set before moving them. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are cool, take a dusting of powdered sugar and sprinkle it over them. This adds a nice festive touch and makes them look special. Enjoy making these flavorful holiday treats! To make the best German Stollen Cookies, follow these tips: - Measure ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision. - Use room temperature butter. It mixes better with sugar and gives a fluffy texture. - Don’t skip the spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to flavor. - Mix gently. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. Combine until just mixed. When baking, avoid these common mistakes: - Using cold butter. It won’t blend well and affects texture. - Skipping the resting phase. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet. It helps them set and prevents breakage. - Not spacing cookies properly. Leave enough space to avoid spreading together. - Underbaking. Ensure they are lightly golden at the edges for the best texture. To elevate your Stollen Cookies, consider these ideas: - Try different dried fruits. Apricots, cherries, and raisins give unique tastes and textures. - Add zest. Orange zest brightens the cookies and adds freshness. - Incorporate nuts. Almonds and hazelnuts add crunch and richness. - Dust with powdered sugar. It adds a sweet finish and enhances presentation. By following these tips and tricks, you can create delightful Stollen Cookies that will impress your friends and family this holiday season! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For a firmer texture and easier handling, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. Mix and Match Dried Fruits: Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits like figs or cranberries for varied flavors. Nut Options: Use a combination of nuts for added crunch, such as walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios. Storage Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer freshness. {{image_2}} You can change the dried fruits in your Stollen cookies. While I love apricots, cherries, and raisins, there are many choices. Try using cranberries for a tart twist. Diced figs add a sweet touch, too. Each fruit brings its own flavor. This lets you make a cookie that suits your taste. Nuts add a nice crunch to Stollen cookies. Almonds and hazelnuts are my favorites. However, you can swap in walnuts or pecans for a different taste. Cashews give a softer bite, which some people enjoy. Just remember to chop them finely so they mix well into the dough. Spices and extracts can change the flavor of your Stollen cookies. Besides cinnamon and nutmeg, consider adding ginger or cardamom for warmth. A splash of almond extract can enhance the nutty notes, too. If you want a citrus kick, try lemon zest instead of orange zest. These small changes can make a big difference. To keep your Stollen cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps retain their soft texture and rich flavor. You can layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. If you want to save some cookies for later, freezing works well. Let the cookies cool completely before freezing. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Stollen cookies will stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. For the best taste and texture, enjoy them within a week of baking. If you notice any signs of mold or an off smell, it's best to discard them. German Stollen Cookies come from a long tradition in Germany. Stollen dates back to the 14th century. It was made as a bread-like fruitcake for Christmas. The cookies are a smaller, easier version of this festive treat. They keep the same flavors, like dried fruit and nuts. These cookies capture the spirit of the holiday season with every bite. Enjoying them warms the heart and brings back memories of family gatherings. Yes, you can make Stollen Cookies in advance. They store well and taste great even days later. Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container. If you want, freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just remember to dust with powdered sugar after thawing. This way, you can serve them fresh and delicious at any time. Serve Stollen Cookies on a festive platter. They look great with a dusting of powdered sugar. You can add whole nuts and dried fruit around them for a charming touch. Pair them with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. They also make lovely gifts for friends or family during the holidays. Remember, the joy of sharing these cookies is part of the fun! German Stollen cookies are a delightful treat. We discussed needed ingredients, steps to bake them, and storage tips. You can personalize them with various fruits and nuts for extra flavor. Remember, avoid common mistakes to ensure the best cookies. Storing them correctly helps keep them fresh longer. Enjoy making these cookies for any occasion. You’ll impress your friends and family with your baking skills. Dive in and create your own tasty version!

Festive German Stollen Cookies

Delicious cookies inspired by traditional German stollen, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine German
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup chopped dried fruit
  • 0.5 cup finely chopped nuts
  • 0.25 cup orange zest
  • 0.25 cup almond meal
  • to taste powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk everything together until evenly mixed.
  • In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
  • Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
  • Stir in the chopped dried fruit, nuts, orange zest, and almond meal until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Gently press each cookie to slightly flatten them.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Notes

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter for a charming holiday display.
Keyword cookies, dessert, German, holiday