The aroma of freshly baked High Altitude Stollen fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm hug of spices, candied fruits, and nuts. This German Christmas bread is not just a treat; it’s a festive experience that brings back memories of family gatherings and cheerful holiday cheer. For more inspiration, check out this Irish soda bread recipe recipe.

Every bite of this stollen reveals a delightful blend of textures, from the soft bread to the crunchy almonds and chewy dried fruits. colorful fruit parfaits It’s perfect for holiday mornings or cozy evenings with loved ones, promising joy and nostalgia in each slice.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This High Altitude Stollen is easy to prepare, even for novice bakers
- Its rich flavors will have everyone asking for seconds, making it a seasonal favorite
- The visual appeal will dazzle your guests with its festive colors and textures
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed as breakfast or dessert, it fits any occasion beautifully
I remember the first time I made High Altitude Stollen; my friends devoured it in minutes and begged for the recipe! quick and easy cookie recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a light and airy texture that holds everything together nicely.
- Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh to ensure your bread rises beautifully; check the expiration date.
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness; warm it slightly to help activate the yeast. rich cocoa espresso cookies.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar helps feed the yeast and gives your stollen a lovely sweetness.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels; it contributes to that rich flavor.
- Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding and enriching the dough; they also add color.
- Dried Fruits (Raisins, Currants): Soak them in rum or juice beforehand for extra moisture and flavor.
- Nuts (Almonds or Walnuts): Chopped nuts add crunch; toast them lightly for an enhanced flavor profile.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg): Freshly grated spices provide warmth and depth; they evoke that cozy holiday feeling.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting at the end, ensuring your stollen looks festive and appealing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. creative stuffed peppers recipe.

Let’s Make it together
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy—this usually takes about 5 minutes.
Melt the Butter: While waiting for the yeast to activate, melt your butter gently over low heat until just melted but not bubbling.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, and melted butter. Create a well in the center and add activated yeast mixture.
Knead Away: Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth—about 10 minutes. The dough should be elastic but not sticky.
Add Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in soaked dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough—this adds bursts of flavor with every bite.
First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl; cover with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size—this takes about 1-2 hours depending on temperature.
Shape Your Stollen: Punch down risen dough gently. Shape into an oval loaf or traditional stollen form by folding one side over slightly.
Bake It Up: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Add Final Touches: Once cooled slightly, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving—it adds that beautiful snowy finish perfect for Christmas!
Enjoy slicing through your homemade High Altitude Stollen! Each piece carries with it warmth from your kitchen straight to heartwarming holiday memories shared around your table.
You Must Know
- High Altitude Stollen is not just a recipe; it’s a festive journey
- The rich aroma of spices and nuts fills your home, inviting everyone to gather
- This German Christmas bread embodies warmth, tradition, and a sprinkle of holiday magic that brings smiles to faces
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To master High Altitude Stollen, start by mixing dry ingredients first. Then, gradually combine with wet ingredients while kneading to create a smooth dough.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite dried fruits or nuts to make this High Altitude Stollen uniquely yours. A dash of orange zest can also add delightful flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your High Altitude Stollen wrapped in plastic and foil at room temperature for up to two weeks. Reheat gently in the oven for about 10 minutes before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always weigh your flour for accuracy, especially at high altitudes where measurements can vary significantly
- Soak dried fruits beforehand for extra moisture and flavor; this will enhance the overall taste of your stollen
- Don’t rush the rising time; patience is key for fluffy bread!
Sharing this recipe reminds me of my first attempt when I accidentally added double the cinnamon. My family declared it “Christmas in a loaf” and now it’s a cherished holiday tradition!
FAQ
What makes High Altitude Stollen different from regular stollen?
High Altitude Stollen requires adjustments due to lower air pressure affecting baking.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
Fresh fruit isn’t ideal as it adds too much moisture, affecting the dough’s texture.
How should I serve High Altitude Stollen?
Serve slices with butter and jam for an extra touch of deliciousness during breakfast or brunch.

High Altitude Stollen
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- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
High Altitude Stollen is a delightful German Christmas bread that envelops your senses with its warm spices and rich flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this festive treat combines soft bread with crunchy almonds and chewy dried fruits, evoking cherished memories of family traditions. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or dessert, each slice promises nostalgia and joy, making it a must-have during the festive season.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- 1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
- 2. Melt the Butter: Gently melt butter over low heat until just melted.
- 3. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, melted butter, and activated yeast mixture.
- 4. Knead: Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 10 minutes).
- 5. Add Fruits and Nuts: Fold in soaked dried fruits and nuts until evenly mixed.
- 6. First Rise: Place in a greased bowl; cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in size (1-2 hours).
- 7. Shape the Stollen: Punch down risen dough and shape into an oval loaf.
- 8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- 9. Final Touches: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg






