Stollen is a classic German holiday bread known for its rich, fruity flavor and tender crumb. Our Cream Cheese Stollen recipe adds a delightful twist by incorporating cream cheese into the dough, making it even more moist and flavorful. This version balances traditional spices and dried fruits with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
To create our decadent Cream Cheese Stollen, we carefully select a blend of classic and rich ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver a soft, flavorful holiday treat. Below are the essential components broken down for ease of preparation.
Dough Ingredients
We begin with traditional dough ingredients enhanced by cream cheese for added moisture and richness:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, chopped dried apricots)
- ½ cup chopped toasted almonds
- Zest of 1 lemon
Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients
Our signature cream cheese filling complements the dough with a smooth, creamy texture:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 8 ounces (227 g) | Softened |
| ¼ cup granulated sugar | 50 grams | For balancing tanginess |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | — | Adds aromatic depth |
| 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour | — | Helps stabilize filling |
Topping Ingredients
The topping seals in flavor and adds to the traditional finish for Cream Cheese Stollen:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
With these well-measured ingredients, we ensure our Cream Cheese Stollen achieves the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy indulgence every time.
Equipment Needed
To make our Cream Cheese Stollen with precision and ease, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool helps us execute the recipe steps efficiently, ensuring the perfect texture and flavor.
Essential Tools for Mixing and Kneading
- Large mixing bowl: For combining dough ingredients thoroughly.
- Hand mixer with dough hooks or stand mixer: Speeds up kneading, giving the dough the right elasticity.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accuracy for flour, sugar, yeast, spices, and cream cheese.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding cream cheese mixture smoothly into the dough.
Baking and Preparation Equipment
- Baking sheet or roasting pan: Provides the surface to bake the stollen properly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
- Cooling rack: Allows the stollen to cool completely, preserving its soft crumb.
Additional Helpful Tools
- Kitchen scale (optional): To measure ingredients by weight for consistent results.
- Pastry brush: For brushing melted butter on the baked stollen before sprinkling powdered sugar.
- Sharp knife or bench scraper: To shape and score the dough before baking.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | Mixing dough ingredients |
| Hand/stand mixer | Kneading dough efficiently |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement |
| Rubber spatula | Folding cream cheese filling |
| Baking sheet/roasting pan | Baking the stollen evenly |
| Parchment paper/silicone mat | Preventing sticking, promoting even baking |
| Cooling rack | Cooling the baked stollen |
| Kitchen scale (optional) | Precision measurement |
| Pastry brush | Applying melted butter |
| Sharp knife/bench scraper | Shaping and scoring dough |
This set of equipment ensures we handle our Cream Cheese Stollen with care from dough creation through to its golden crust finish. Having these tools ready allows us to focus on crafting a delicious, moist, and perfectly spiced holiday bread.
Instructions
Follow these precise steps to craft our delightful Cream Cheese Stollen—a holiday bread bursting with flavor and a moist, creamy texture.
Preparing the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast in ½ cup of warm milk (110°F). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground cardamom.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the yeast mixture, 1 cup softened unsalted butter (cut into pieces), 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough: Using a stand mixer with dough hook or by hand, knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if too sticky or a splash of milk if too dry.
- First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 ½ to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
- Prepare filling ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together 8 ounces softened cream cheese, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Set aside: Cover and chill the filling until ready to assemble. The chilled filling will help maintain shape during baking.
Assembling the Stollen
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- Roll out dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll into a rough rectangle about 12×10 inches.
- Spread cream cheese filling: Using a rubber spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the lower two-thirds of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along edges.
- Add dried fruits: Sprinkle 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and chopped candied citrus peel) evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Fold and shape: Fold the top third of dough over the filling, then fold the bottom third over that, forming a thick layered rectangle. Gently press the edges to seal and shape into the traditional stollen oval form.
- Second rise: Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet, cover loosely with a towel, and let rise for an additional 45-60 minutes until puffed.
Baking the Stollen
- Bake: Insert the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 190°F for a fully baked stollen.
- Check doneness: Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. It should come out clean without wet dough.
Adding the Finishing Touches
- Butter coating: As soon as the stollen is out of the oven, brush generously with ½ cup melted unsalted butter, ensuring every surface is coated.
- Dust with powdered sugar: While still warm, sift ½ cup powdered sugar evenly over the top to create the iconic snow-dusted look.
- Cool completely: Place the stollen on a cooling rack to cool before slicing. For best flavor, wrap in foil and let rest for 24-48 hours.
| Step | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yeast activation | 110°F (warm milk) | 5-10 minutes |
| First dough rise | Room temperature | 1 ½ to 2 hours |
| Second rise | Room temperature | 45-60 minutes |
| Baking | 350°F (175°C) | 40-45 minutes |
| Internal temperature | – | 190°F (fully baked stollen) |
“The secret to a perfect Cream Cheese Stollen lies in careful rising and thorough baking.” Our method ensures a moist tender crumb inside with a golden, flavorful crust outside.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To keep our Cream Cheese Stollen fresh and flavorful, following proper make-ahead and storage guidelines is essential. Here, we share effective tips to maximize the stollen’s taste and texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare in advance: You can bake the Cream Cheese Stollen up to 3 days before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dough to soften further.
- Cool completely: After baking, let the stollen cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to prevent condensation and sogginess during storage.
- Wrap tightly: Wrap the cooled stollen in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to lock in moisture and protect it from drying out.
- Rest for optimal flavor: For best results, allow the wrapped stollen to rest at room temperature for 24 hours before slicing and serving. The resting period enhances the buttery and spiced notes.
Storage Guidelines
| Storage Method | Duration | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrapped at room temperature | Up to 3 days | 68-72°F (20-22°C) | Keep away from direct sunlight and heat |
| Refrigerated (wrapped) | Up to 1 week | 35-40°F (2-4°C) | May slightly firm the texture; restore by warming gently |
| Frozen (well wrapped) | Up to 3 months | 0°F (-18°C) | Thaw overnight in fridge; reheat if desired |
Reheating and Serving Tips
- Before serving refrigerated or frozen stollen, bring it to room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- For a warm, fresh-baked flavor, reheat the slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10 minutes wrapped in foil.
- Optionally, brush the warmed stollen again with melted butter and sift a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to revive its classic finish.
Serving Suggestions
To fully enjoy our Cream Cheese Stollen, consider these serving ideas that highlight its rich flavor and tender texture.
- Slice the stollen into 1-inch thick pieces for easy serving. This thickness balances the creamy filling with the bread’s fluffy crumb.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat slices in a toaster oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. This softens the cream cheese and amplifies the spice aroma.
- Pair with a hot beverage such as spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. The warmth and spice notes will complement the stollen’s rich, buttery sweetness.
- Add a light spread of softened butter or fruit preserves for an extra layer of indulgence without overpowering the cream cheese filling.
- For festive occasions, dust the stollen slices with additional powdered sugar just before serving. This enhances its classic holiday appearance and adds a delicate sweetness.
| Serving Aspect | Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slice Thickness | 1 inch | Ensures balance of filling and crumb |
| Temperature | Warm (300°F, 5–7 minutes) or room temp | Warmth intensifies flavors |
| Beverage Pairings | Spiced chai, coffee, mulled wine | Complements spices and creaminess |
| Accompaniments | Butter, fruit preserves | Add flavor without masking stollen taste |
| Presentation | Powdered sugar dusting | Classic, festive look |
“A perfectly sliced and lightly warmed Cream Cheese Stollen is not just a treat for the palate, but a celebration of holiday tradition on your plate.”
We find that these serving suggestions elevate the experience and make every bite a moment to savor.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Stollen recipe brings a fresh twist to a beloved holiday classic. Its moist texture and rich flavors make it a standout on any festive table. With the right ingredients and careful preparation, it’s easy to create a bread that feels both traditional and indulgent.
We’re confident this recipe will become a favorite for your holiday celebrations. Whether shared with family or gifted to friends, it captures the spirit of the season in every bite. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth and joy it brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cream Cheese Stollen?
Cream Cheese Stollen is a traditional German holiday bread enriched with a creamy filling made from softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. It combines classic spices and dried fruits with a soft, moist texture for a festive treat.
What ingredients are needed to make Cream Cheese Stollen?
You need all-purpose flour, sugar, active dry yeast, spices, dried fruits, cream cheese, vanilla extract, melted butter, and powdered sugar for the topping.
What equipment is essential for making Cream Cheese Stollen?
Key tools include a large mixing bowl, hand or stand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, rubber spatula, baking sheet, parchment paper, cooling rack, kitchen scale, pastry brush, and a sharp knife or bench scraper.
How do I prepare Cream Cheese Stollen?
Start by activating yeast and mixing dry ingredients, knead the dough, let it rise, prepare the cream cheese filling, assemble with fruits, shape the stollen, bake until done, and finish with melted butter and powdered sugar.
Can I make Cream Cheese Stollen ahead of time?
Yes, bake the stollen up to three days in advance. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and let rest at room temperature for 24 hours before serving to enhance flavor.
How should Cream Cheese Stollen be stored?
Store at room temperature in a tightly wrapped container for up to a few days, refrigerate for longer freshness, or freeze for extended storage. Reheat gently to restore freshness.
What are the best serving suggestions for Cream Cheese Stollen?
Serve in 1-inch slices, warm or at room temperature. Pair with spiced chai tea or coffee, add a light spread of butter or fruit preserves, and dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
How do I know when the Cream Cheese Stollen is fully baked?
Bake until the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C) and the crust is golden brown, ensuring a moist, tender crumb inside.