Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

180 grams (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter
a pinch of salt
140 grams (0.75 cups) sugar
2 eggs
180 grams (0.75 cups) cottage cheese (9%)
430 grams (3.5 cups) all-purpose flour
10 grams (2 teaspoons) baking powder
3 grams (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
2 grams (0.5 teaspoon) ground ginger
We recommend:

Optional Ingredients

80 grams (0.5 cups) marzipan per stollen (optional)
80 grams (0.5 cups) melted unsalted butter
150 grams (1.5 cups) powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Dough

Begin by melting 180 grams of unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, a pinch of salt, and 140 grams of sugar. Stir until well mixed.

Next, add 2 eggs and 180 grams of cottage cheese to the mixture, whisking until smooth.

In another bowl, sift together 430 grams of flour, 10 grams of baking powder, 3 grams of cinnamon, and 2 grams of ground ginger.

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.

Step 2

Add Fillings

Prepare your fillings by mixing 100 grams of chopped walnuts and 300 grams of dried fruits in a separate bowl. Mix in the zest and juice of 2 oranges and 40 grams of dark rum.

Fold the fruit and walnut mixture into the dough generously, ensuring an even distribution throughout.

Step 3

Shape the Stollen

Divide the dough into four equal parts and shape each piece into a loaf. If desired, take 80 grams of marzipan for each loaf and roll it into a cylinder to place in the center of each stollen.

Seal the dough around the marzipan and flatten slightly to create an oval shape, reminiscent of a traditional stollen.

Step 4

Bake the Stollen

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Place the shaped stollen on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool on a wire rack once done.

Step 5

Finishing Touches

Once cooled, brush each loaf with 80 grams of melted butter and dust generously with 150 grams of powdered sugar to create a sweet, snowy finish.

Wrap the warm stollen securely in plastic wrap and parchment paper to preserve their moisture.

Store them in a cool place, and enjoy at their best after a few days, as they develop wonderful flavors. They can be kept for up to a week!

Servings

Serving Suggestions: 🍽️ Imagine serving these delicious cheesecake stollens at your next gathering! They pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or freshly brewed coffee. You can slice them up and present with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Don't forget to garnish the platter with some extra dried fruits and nuts to create a visually stunning centerpiece!
Another great idea is to pack them as festive gifts. Just wrap each stollen in colorful wax paper and tie a pretty ribbon around them. They make charming gifts for friends or family, who will surely appreciate both the taste and the personal touch. Plus, these stollens taste even better a few days after baking, making them perfect for your Christmas or Thanksgiving feast! 🎉

Equipment

Variations

Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations: 🌾✨ If you're looking for a gluten-free version, replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in equal measures. Just be sure to add a binding agent, like 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
For a vegan friendship, substitute the butter with coconut or vegan margarine, and use flax or chia seeds in place of eggs (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). You won’t be missing out on that delicious texture and flavor!

Faq

  • Why did my stollen not rise properly?

    Ensure your baking powder is fresh and that you don’t overmix your dough. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to become too elastic, leading to a dense loaf.

  • How can I tell when my stollen is done?

    Your stollen should be golden brown on top and when you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean. If it's still sticky, pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes.

  • Can I substitute the dried fruits?

    Absolutely! Feel free to get creative! You can use apricots, figs, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist!

  • What’s the best way to store my stollen?

    Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to keep them fresh. They can last up to a week if stored in a cool, dry place.

  • How much marzipan should I use if I want to add it?

    For each stollen, use about 80 grams of marzipan to create a lovely surprise in the center. Just roll it into a cylinder before wrapping the dough around it!

  • Can I freeze my stollen?

    Yes! Stollen freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Nutrition facts

Delicious Sweet Cheese Stollen Recipe for Everyone
Recipe Yield:4 servings
Calories:Approximately 400 to 500 calories per serving.
Calories (Min - Max):400 - 500
Total Fat:25g
Saturated Fat:15g
Protein:6g
Total Carbohydrate:45g
Total Sugars:20g