When the first hint of winter sets in and holiday lights start twinkling, there’s a certain joy in bringing festive flavors into the kitchen. That’s exactly how my journey with Stollen Muffins began, a happy marriage of traditional German holiday bread and the comfort of easy-to-make muffins. As soon as you start baking these little gems, the warm scents of cinnamon, almond, and dried fruit fill your home, wrapping you in a cozy embrace.
This recipe transforms the classic stollen into a delightful treat that’s perfect for both sharing and savoring with loved ones. With each bite, you’ll experience the richness of creamy marzipan and the pleasing chewiness of mixed dried fruits. Best of all, these muffins are a breeze to whip up, making them an ideal accompaniment for festive gatherings or a sweet indulgence during those chilly evenings. Join me in creating this easy yet indulgent holiday delight that will fill your heart and home with warmth and cheer!
Why are Stollen Muffins a must-bake?
Delightfully Festive: The Stollen Muffins seamlessly marry traditional flavors with modern convenience, bringing joy to your holiday baking.
Aromatic Sensations: With hints of cinnamon and almond, these muffins fill your kitchen with inviting aromas that signal the start of the festive season.
Easy Preparation: Perfectly adaptable, you can quickly prepare these treats, leaving more time for family and fun during the holidays.
Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy them warm with tea or coffee, or package them for a thoughtful gift to share the seasonal cheer.
Unique Flavor Profile: Indulge in the chewy dried fruits and creamy marzipan that make each bite memorable and delightful.
Stollen Muffins Ingredients
Get ready to create blissful Stollen Muffins that will warm your home this holiday season!
For the Batter
- M&S Sponge Cake Mix – Provides structure and sweetness; you can substitute with homemade cake batter for a personal touch.
- M&S Remarksable Value Semi-Skimmed Milk – Adds moisture and richness; almond milk works well for a dairy-free option.
- M&S Remarksable Value Free-Range Mixed Size Eggs – Binds the ingredients and helps with leavening; use an egg substitute for vegan muffins.
- M&S Remarksable Value Unsalted British Butter (softened) – Enhances richness and flavor; margarine is a great dairy-free alternative.
- Ground Cinnamon – Infuses aromatic flavor; nutmeg makes a lovely substitute if you want to switch it up.
- M&S Mixed Dried Fruit – Contributes sweetness and texture; feel free to swap with fresh fruit or chocolate chips for a different vibe.
- Candied Mixed Peel – Adds a delightful citrus flavor and chewy texture; if unavailable, grated orange or lemon peel works beautifully.
- M&S Remarksable Value Lemon (zest only) – Brightens the flavors; lime zest makes for a refreshing alternative.
- M&S Golden Marzipan (cut into small pieces) – Delivers a sweet and nutty component; almond paste is a suitable substitute.
- M&S Moroccan Almond Extract – Boosts the almond flavor; vanilla extract can easily be used instead.
For Dusting
- Icing Sugar (for dusting) – Perfectly sweetens the muffin’s finish; it’s optional, so feel free to omit for a less sweet treat.
How to Make Stollen Muffins
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake cases to prepare for the batter.
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Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sponge cake mix, semi-skimmed milk, eggs, and softened butter. Whisk together for 1 minute until everything is smooth and well-blended.
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Fold Flavors: Gently fold in the ground cinnamon, mixed dried fruit, candied peel, lemon zest, diced marzipan, and almond extract. Ensure everything is evenly distributed for the best flavor.
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Fill Cases: Spoon the batter into the lined muffin cases, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
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Bake Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Dust: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. Dust with icing sugar before serving, if desired.
Optional: For extra elegance, drizzle a warm almond glaze over the muffins after dusting.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Stollen Muffins Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these Stollen Muffins by adding your unique touch or making dietary swaps!
- Dairy-Free: Replace semi-skimmed milk with almond milk for a creamy, dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy.
- Vegan Option: Use a flax or chia egg instead of the egg; simply mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water.
- Nutty Twist: Add in chopped walnuts or sliced almonds for a delightful crunch that complements the soft muffin texture beautifully.
- Spice Swap: Trade ground cinnamon for ground ginger or cardamom to give your Stollen Muffins an unexpected flavor kick that’s simply delightful.
- Chocolate Delight: Swap mixed dried fruit with chocolate chips or chunks for a rich, sweet treat that’s sure to please all ages.
- Fruit Variations: Use fresh apples or pears in place of dried fruits for a juicy texture and fruity freshness in every bite.
- Citrus Burst: Replace lemon zest with lime or grapefruit zest for a refreshing, zesty flavor that brightens these festive muffins.
- Additional Glaze: Drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and almond extract on top for an extra layer of sweetness and almond goodness.
Mix and match based on your preferences, and let each baking session be an adventure filled with heartwarming flavors!
What to Serve with Stollen Muffins?
Experience the warmth of the holidays by creating a delightful spread to accompany your freshly baked muffins.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The rich, aromatic flavors of spiced chai enhance the cozy essence of the muffins, making each sip a comforting delight.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of tangy cranberry sauce adds a burst of flavor, balancing the sweetness of the muffins beautifully.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: An optional creamy layer on top lends a velvety texture that complements the fruity and nutty notes of the muffins.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing, a medley of seasonal fruits creates a light contrast to the rich muffins, adding a pop of color.
- Nutty Granola: Serve a small bowl beside the muffins for a crunchy element that enhances the chewy textures, making your breakfast feel hearty and seasonal.
- Mulled Wine: A glass of spiced mulled wine brings out the festive spirit, pairing perfectly with the warm spices in your muffins.
- Roasted Nuts: A bowl of assorted roasted nuts provides a delightful crunch and salty contrast to the sweet and chewy muffins.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Add a festive touch with these spiced treats; their iconic flavors complement the holiday vibes of the muffins.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top brings a creamy richness to the experience, elevating each bite.
How to Store and Freeze Stollen Muffins
Airtight Container: Store your Stollen Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful freshness.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week; just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezing: You can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To enjoy, thaw the muffins at room temperature for a few hours, or heat them in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds for a cozy treat.
Expert Tips for Stollen Muffins
- Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is fully softened for easier mixing; cold butter can lead to a lumpy batter.
- Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the Stollen Muffins light and fluffy; gentle folds are key!
- Muffin Cases: Only fill your muffin cases 2/3 full to allow for proper rising; overflowing batter can create a mess.
- Check Doneness: Ovens vary, so always check muffins a couple of minutes before the minimum baking time; a toothpick should come out clean.
- Cooling Time: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin to prevent them from becoming soggy; too long could lead to sticking.
Make Ahead Options
These Stollen Muffins are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts who want to save time during the bustling holiday season! You can mix the dry ingredients (sponge cake mix, ground cinnamon, and dried fruit) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the batter (after adding wet ingredients) and refrigerate it up to 3 days ahead. When ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled batter into the muffin cases and bake as directed. By preparing ahead, you ensure that these festive muffins are just as delicious while freeing up your holiday schedule for more joyful moments.
Stollen Muffins Recipe FAQs
What type of dried fruit is best for Stollen Muffins?
Absolutely! I recommend using a mix of raisins, cranberries, and sultanas for a delightful flavor. If you want a fresher twist, you could use chopped fresh apples or pears instead. Just remember that fresh fruit may affect the muffins’ texture slightly, so add a small amount.
How should I store leftover Stollen Muffins?
Very simple! Store your Stollen Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can last up to a week in the refrigerator, just ensure they’re wrapped properly to prevent dryness.
Can I freeze Stollen Muffins?
Absolutely! To freeze your muffins, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop one in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds for a warm treat.
What should I do if my muffins are dense?
If you find your Stollen Muffins are dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. I recommend mixing just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined for a fluffy texture. Also, make sure your baking powder or leavening agent is fresh; expired leavening can lead to flat muffins.
Can my pets eat Stollen Muffins?
Not at all! While your furry friends may be interested in them, ingredients like chocolate and certain dried fruits can be harmful to pets. It’s best to keep these festive muffins for human consumption only.
Is there a dairy-free option for these muffins?
Very much so! To make them dairy-free, you can replace the semi-skimmed milk with almond milk and use margarine instead of butter. Additionally, ensure your marzipan and cake mix options align with your dietary needs, and you’ll have a delightful treat for everyone!
Irresistible Stollen Muffins for a Cozy Holiday Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4) and line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake cases.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sponge cake mix, semi-skimmed milk, eggs, and softened butter. Whisk for 1 minute until smooth.
- Gently fold in ground cinnamon, mixed dried fruit, candied peel, lemon zest, diced marzipan, and almond extract.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cases, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the tin for a few minutes. Dust with icing sugar before serving.