Hey there, holiday lovers!
Are you excited for some festive baking? I’ve got a treat that’s going to make your holiday season even sweeter!
Today, I’m sharing a recipe for Christmas stollen cookies. They’re packed with all the warm, cozy flavors we love this time of year—think nuts, dried fruit, and a hint of spice.
These cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
Let’s spread some holiday cheer and get baking!
Ingredient Substitutions
Butter can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, maintaining richness while adding a subtle coconut flavor. Use the same amount of coconut oil, but ensure it’s at room temperature for proper creaming. Cream cheese can be substituted with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy for a vegan version. These alternatives typically have a similar texture and tanginess. For the dry fruits, consider using a mix of raisins, dried cranberries, and candied citrus peel to replicate traditional stollen flavors. Adjust the quantity of each fruit to personal preference while maintaining the total amount. If nut allergies are a concern, replace crushed nuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and nutritional profile. Use the same quantity as specified for nuts.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-50 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1600-1800
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 100-110 g
- Carbohydrates: 180-200 g
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1/3 cup crushed nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 orange, zested
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 1/3 cup dried fruits (like cranberries, raisins, or candied peel)
- 1 large egg
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter (I like Kerrygold for baking)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for best flavor)
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
For dusting:
- Powdered sugar
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 8 tablespoons (113g) of softened butter and 1/2 cup (130g) of softened cream cheese.
Mix these together until smooth and well combined.
Then, add 1/3 cup (80g) of sugar, 1 egg, and the zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange.
Mix again until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cup (260g) of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and any mixed spices of your choice.
This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before combining with the wet mixture.
Step 4: Form the Cookie Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined and a dough forms.
Once the dough comes together, gently fold in 1 1/3 cup (200g) of any dry fruits and 1/3 cup (50g) of any crushed nuts of your choice.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Shape the dough into small cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and set.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the cookies are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
Dust the warm cookies with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and a festive finish.
Enjoy your delicious homemade cookies!
