Indulge in the Holidays with a Delicious Recipe for Stollen in a Bread Machine

#### Description:As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that brings families and……

#### Description:

As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that brings families and friends together. One of the most cherished recipes during this time is the traditional German stollen, a rich, fruit-filled bread that embodies the spirit of Christmas. In this article, we present an easy and delightful recipe for stollen in a bread machine, allowing you to enjoy this festive treat without the hassle of manual kneading and rising.

Stollen, with its dense texture and sweet flavor, is often studded with candied fruits, nuts, and a hint of spices, making it a true indulgence. The best part? Using a bread machine simplifies the process, ensuring that you can focus on what truly matters during the holidays—spending time with loved ones.

#### Ingredients for Your Stollen:

To create this festive bread, you will need the following ingredients:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon instant yeast

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/2 cup milk, warmed

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 2 large eggs

- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel)

- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Powdered sugar for dusting

#### Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Bread Machine**: Begin by assembling your bread machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that the bread pan is clean and properly fitted.

2. **Combine the Dry Ingredients**: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will create the foundation for your stollen, providing both flavor and structure.

3. **Mix the Wet Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended, creating a rich and creamy mixture that will add moisture to your bread.

4. **Combine and Knead**: Pour the wet ingredients into the bread machine pan followed by the dry ingredients. Select the dough setting on your bread machine and start the cycle. This will knead the dough to perfection, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated.

5. **Add the Fruits and Nuts**: Once the dough has risen and is ready, add the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts during the kneading phase. This will evenly distribute the flavors throughout the stollen.

6. **Shape and Second Rise**: After the dough is ready, remove it from the bread machine and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow it to rise for about 30 minutes, covered with a clean kitchen towel.

7. **Bake**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the stollen for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C) when done.

8. **Cool and Dust**: Once baked, remove the stollen from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar for that classic stollen look.

#### Enjoying Your Stollen:

Your homemade stollen, crafted with love using this recipe for stollen in a bread machine, is now ready to be enjoyed! Slice it up and serve it with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. This festive bread not only makes for a delightful treat but also serves as a perfect gift for friends and family during the holiday season.

With its rich flavors and tender texture, this stollen recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home, bringing joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations. So, roll up your sleeves, fire up your bread machine, and get ready to indulge in the delightful flavors of this classic German treat!