Name: Stollen Butter Rolls: A Soft and Buttery Holiday German-Inspired Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: German-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; ¼ cup sugar; ¾ cup warm milk; ¼ cup melted butter; 1 large egg; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, candied citrus peel); ¼ cup chopped almonds; Powdered sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 39 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a holiday treat that wraps the warmth of Christmas in every bite, then you are going to fall head over heels for Stollen Butter Rolls: A Soft and Buttery Holiday German-Inspired Bread Recipe. These rolls take the traditional flavors of German stollen—rich, fruit-filled sweetness laced with nuts and fragrant spices—and turn them into perfect, individual buttery delights that are soft, tender, and utterly irresistible. Whether for your holiday brunch table or a cozy afternoon tea, these rolls bring a magical touch that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of cooking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. There is a large clear glass bowl filled with white flour at the top center. To the left, a smaller clear glass bowl contains dark brown raisins, and next to it is a small white bowl with white granulated sugar shaped in a spiral. Below the bowl of raisins, a small clear cup holds white milk beside a wrapped piece of unsalted butter in yellow paper. In the middle, there is a clear bowl filled with small pieces of colorful dried fruit including red, orange, and dark green. To the right of the dried fruit bowl, three whole white eggs are arranged in a small triangle. A metal measuring cup contains sliced almonds near the eggs with a small cup of white granulated sugar below it. Next to the cup is a sealed yellow packet of instant yeast. At the bottom center, a white bowl contains powdered white sugar, and to the right of this, a bright yellow lemon rests on the surface. The overall setting has a neat, organized feel with natural colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these Stollen Butter Rolls is all in the simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, softness, and that iconic holiday spirit. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the warmth of spices to the delightful texture of dried fruits and nuts.

3 cups flour: Provides structure and softness to the rolls, giving them that perfect chew.
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: The driving force behind the light, airy rise that makes these rolls so tender.
¼ cup sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the dried fruits without overpowering the buttery base.
¾ cup warm milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping to activate the yeast gently.
¼ cup melted butter: Infuses a smooth, buttery flavor that is signature to these rolls and keeps them moist.
1 egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to the rolls’ beautiful golden color and soft texture.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Introduces that classic warm spice note every holiday treat needs.
½ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and a hint of earthiness to complement the cinnamon.
½ cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, candied citrus): Brings bursts of tartness and sweetness, just like traditional stollen.
¼ cup chopped almonds: Contributes crunch and a slightly nutty flavor which contrasts wonderfully with the softness of the rolls.
Powdered sugar for dusting: The finishing touch that makes these rolls look as festive as they taste.

How to Make Stollen Butter Rolls: A Soft and Buttery Holiday German-Inspired Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate and Combine Wet Ingredients

Start by warming your milk to just the right temperature—not too hot, just warm enough to wake up your yeast and create a fluffy dough. Stir in the instant yeast along with sugar, melted butter, the egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This flavorful liquid base is where your dough’s magic begins, setting the stage for soft, pliable rolls bursting with holiday cheer.

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients, Including the Festive Add-ins

Now, gradually add the flour along with the dried fruits and chopped almonds. Mixing everything together forms a sticky dough bursting with texture from those delightful fruit pieces and nuts. It’s the perfect balance—cozy, rustic, but still refined. The fruits will soak up some moisture as the dough rises, staying tender and juicy inside every soft roll.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Let Rise

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until it’s smooth and elastic—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This step develops the gluten to give the rolls their characteristic bounce and lightness. Place the dough in a warm bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours. It should double in size, becoming wonderfully puffy and soft to the touch.

Step 4: Shape Rolls and Second Rise

Once your dough has doubled, gently deflate it and divide it into 12 even pieces. Shape each piece into a round, inviting roll and place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise a second time for about 30 minutes. This final rise allows the yeast to build lift and the rolls to develop a tender crumb.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop those beautifully risen rolls in and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until they turn a beautiful golden color and fill your kitchen with the tempting aromas of butter, spices, and toasted nuts. Once out of the oven and cooled slightly, dust them generously with powdered sugar to add a snowy, festive look and a hint of extra sweetness.

How to Serve Stollen Butter Rolls: A Soft and Buttery Holiday German-Inspired Bread Recipe

A loaf of powdered sugar-covered bread shown on a wooden board is sliced in three parts, revealing inside layers filled with nuts and dried fruits in a light beige dough, with a baked golden brown crust dusted thickly with white sugar. The texture outside looks soft but firm, while inside is moist and studded with small nuts and dark raisins. There is an extra wooden knife with a dark brown handle lying beside the bread. The background shows a white marbled surface with a beige cloth partially visible on the left photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These rolls are lovely on their own, but a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey right before serving can take them to the next level. For a traditional touch, spread a little softened butter or cream cheese on a warm roll. Adding thin slices of marzipan inside before baking also creates a classic stollen surprise that your guests will adore.

Side Dishes

Pair your Stollen Butter Rolls with a steaming cup of mulled wine, spiced cider, or rich hot chocolate for a cozy holiday vibe. They also go beautifully with fruit preserves or a bowl of fresh berries and whipped cream, balancing the richness of the rolls with bright, fresh flavors. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or smoked salmon for a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these rolls into a centerpiece by arranging them in a festive basket lined with a holiday-themed cloth. You can also create mini holiday sandwiches by slicing the rolls in half and filling them with sweet or savory spreads. For a party, decorate each roll with a tiny sprig of rosemary or a dusting of edible gold glitter to make them extra special and Instagram-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your Stollen Butter Rolls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for about two days, and their flavor often deepens, making leftovers just as delicious as fresh-baked ones.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge or leave at room temperature for a few hours to retain their moist texture.

Reheating

To refresh your Stollen Butter Rolls, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives their softness and brings back that wonderful freshly baked aroma. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture from becoming gummy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits in this recipe?

Fresh fruits contain more water and can change the dough’s texture and rise, so dried fruits are preferred for Stollen Butter Rolls: A Soft and Buttery Holiday German-Inspired Bread Recipe. If you want to experiment, chop fresh fruits finely and reduce other liquid ingredients slightly, but dried fruits remain the safest choice.

Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For the egg, flaxseed or chia egg substitutes work well. Keep in mind these swaps may subtly change the texture but the rolls will still be deliciously soft and buttery in feel.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and look noticeably puffed. A simple test is to press a finger lightly into the dough; if the indentation springs back slowly, it’s ready for shaping or baking. Proper rising is key to achieving the airy softness characteristic of Stollen Butter Rolls: A Soft and Buttery Holiday German-Inspired Bread Recipe.

Can I add marzipan inside the rolls?

Absolutely! Adding a thin strip of marzipan inside each roll before the second rise adds a traditional sweet almond center that complements the spices and fruits perfectly, making your rolls even more authentic and festive.

What’s the best way to serve leftover rolls?

Leftovers shine when toasted lightly and slathered with butter or your favorite jam. You could also slice them for breakfast French toast or a bread pudding, giving your holiday leftovers a delicious new life without any waste.

Final Thoughts

These Stollen Butter Rolls: A Soft and Buttery Holiday German-Inspired Bread Recipe are truly a holiday treasure. They bring cozy comfort, festive flavors, and a little bit of German tradition into your kitchen with every bite. Whether you’re sharing with family, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, these rolls are a must-try that will no doubt become a beloved seasonal favorite. So get your apron on and bake up a batch—your taste buds will thank you!