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As the holidays approach, there’s a unique warmth that fills the air, often ushered in by delightful baking scents. I found myself reminiscing about my childhood as I whipped up a batch of these Moist Christmas Stollen Muffins. The enticing blend of spiced dried fruits and the joyful crunch of candied peel brought the festive spirit flooding back into my kitchen. Perfectly portable yet equally comforting, these muffins embody the essence of traditional stollen in a bite-sized treat.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy breakfast or surprising guests with a sweet holiday snack, these muffins fit the bill. And, for those with dietary preferences, I’ve included gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan variations, ensuring that everyone can indulge. Get ready to fill your home with the cheer of the season and enjoy a holiday treat that’s as versatile as it is delicious!

Why will you love these Christmas Stollen Muffins?

Versatile Options: These muffins cater to everyone, featuring gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan choices.

Delightful Aroma: As they bake, their warm spice notes fill your home with the comforting essence of the holidays.

Festive Flavor: Packed with sweet dried fruits and zesty candied peel, each bite bursts with seasonal cheer.

Convenience: They’re easy to whip up and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or festive gatherings, making them a crowd-pleaser.

Moist & Fluffy: Enjoy muffins that are irresistibly tender, striking the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

For additional inspiration, check out my guide on the best holiday baked goods.

Christmas Stollen Muffin Ingredients

Discover all you need to create these festive delights!

For the Batter
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the muffins; substitute with a gluten-free blend for gluten-free Christmas Stollen Muffins.
• Baking Powder – Leavens the muffins, ensuring a light and airy texture.
• Baking Soda – Works alongside baking powder for extra lift.
• Salt – Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients beautifully.
• Stollen Spice (e.g., cinnamon, nutmeg) – Infuses warm, festive flavors that evoke holiday cheer.
• Sugar – Sweetens the muffins to perfection.
• Dried Fruits (e.g., raisins, currants) – Offers delightful sweetness and texture in each bite.
• Candied Peel – Adds a lovely citrusy flavor; you can use additional dried fruit as a substitute.

For Binding
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together; for a vegan version, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

For Moisture
• Buttermilk or Yogurt – Provides moisture and the needed acidity for leavening; for dairy-free, try non-dairy milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds rich flavor; swap for melted coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

With these simple ingredients at your fingertips, you’re just moments away from baking a batch of unforgettable Christmas Stollen Muffins!

How to Make Christmas Stollen Muffins

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin pan or line it with paper liners to ensure easy removal later.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, stollen spice, sugar, dried fruits, and candied peel in a medium bowl to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, mix the egg, buttermilk or yogurt, and melted butter until smooth. This creates a delicious binding mixture for the batter.
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Combine until just incorporated—this will keep your muffins tender and fluffy, so avoid over-mixing!
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This allows space for the muffins to rise beautifully while baking.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when they’re ready.
Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their texture while cooling down.
Brush the warm muffins with melted butter and dust with sugar to finish. This final touch adds a delightful shine and sweetness to your scrumptious treats!

Optional: Try sprinkling crushed nuts on top for added crunch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Christmas Stollen Muffins

Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy warm Christmas Stollen Muffins, reheat in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or microwave for a quick treat!

Christmas Stollen Muffins Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor these muffins to fit your personal taste or dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Dairy-Free: Swap buttermilk for non-dairy milk mixed with lemon juice for a creamy, delicious dairy-free option.
Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) to keep your muffins plant-based.
Nutty Boost: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and extra flavor. The added nuttiness complements the spices beautifully!
Chocolate Delight: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet twist that’ll make these muffins irresistible for chocolate lovers. The rich chocolate offers a delightful contrast to the spiced batter.
Spiced Variations: Enhance with a teaspoon of ginger or cloves for an unexpected yet delightful depth of flavor in your muffins. This adds an aromatic touch that evokes cozy holiday vibes!
Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon to brighten the flavors of your muffins with a refreshing twist that complements the dried fruits.
Fruity Explosion: Substitute a mix of dried fruits for fresh or frozen berries for a deliciously different taste. The berries will add a fabulous burst of color and juiciness in each bite!

Expert Tips for Christmas Stollen Muffins

Avoid Over-Mixing: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to create tender muffins. Over-mixing can lead to dense, tough textures that detract from the intended fluffiness.
Rotate Your Muffin Pan: For even baking, rotate the muffin pan halfway through the baking time. This ensures all muffins are perfectly golden brown and cooked through.
Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the muffins are done; it should come out clean. This prevents undercooked centers and ensures a delightful eating experience with your Christmas Stollen Muffins.
Storage Secrets: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for a future sweet treat!
Customize with Fruits: Feel free to mix in your favorite dried fruits or nuts to create personalized flavors in your muffins. This variety adds a delightful surprise in each bite!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Stollen Muffins are a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you precious time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, stollen spice, sugar, dried fruits, and candied peel) up to 3 days in advance; just store them in an airtight container to keep everything fresh. Additionally, you can mix the wet ingredients (egg, buttermilk or yogurt, and melted butter) and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the wet and dry mixtures as instructed, fill the muffin cups, and bake. This method ensures your muffins come out just as delicious and moist, giving you a delightful treat with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Christmas Stollen Muffins?

Nothing completes the holiday spirit quite like a well-rounded meal filled with warmth and cheer.

Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy, chocolatey goodness of hot cocoa pairs perfectly, enhancing the festive flavors without overpowering them.
Spiced Chai Latte: Infused with aromatic spices, this drink brings a cozy touch that complements the muffins’ warm spices beautifully.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet, spiced muffins—perfect for a balanced breakfast.
Savory Cheese Platter: Featuring soft cheeses and hearty bread, this pairing makes for a delightful snack alongside your sweet muffins. The contrast of flavors is simply divine.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the muffins right before serving boosts their sweetness and holiday spirit.
Whipped Cream Topping: Light and fluffy, a dollop of whipped cream serves as a decadent addition that balances the flavors and enhances texture.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve warm muffins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—an unforgettable way to end a holiday meal.
Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink embodies the holiday season, making it a festive and fitting beverage alongside your muffins.

With these delightful pairings, your Christmas Stollen Muffins will shine in any holiday gathering!

Christmas Stollen Muffins Recipe FAQs

What kind of flour is best for Christmas Stollen Muffins?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for the best structure and texture in these muffins. If you’re making gluten-free Christmas Stollen Muffins, opt for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum to replace the structure typically provided by gluten.

How can I store the muffins, and how long do they last?
Store your Christmas Stollen Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and delicious. For long-term storage, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag to freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze Christmas Stollen Muffins, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Christmas Stollen Muffins, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a quick treat warmed through!

What if my muffins come out dense?
If your muffins turn out dense, it might be due to over-mixing the batter, which can break down the ingredients and lead to a compact texture. For fluffier muffins, fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones gently, just until combined. Also, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as expired leavening agents can prevent the muffins from rising properly.

Do these muffins contain common allergens?
These Christmas Stollen Muffins can be modified for different dietary needs. They can easily be made dairy-free and gluten-free, as I’ve provided substitutions in the recipe. As for egg allergies, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) to keep the muffins binding together in a delicious way.

Are there alternatives for the dried fruits or candied peel?
Of course! If you want to switch out the dried fruits or candied peel in your Christmas Stollen Muffins, you can use other dried fruits such as apricots or cherries, or even add chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Experimenting with these substitutions can bring delightful surprises to your holiday treats!