Name: Stollen Cookies with Raisins, Candied Citrus, and Marzipan Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 tbsp raisins; 2 tbsp chopped candied citrus peel; 1 1/2 tsp rum; 113g butter, softened; 35g icing sugar; 1/4 tsp coarse kosher salt; 1/4 tsp ground cardamom; 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon; pinch nutmeg; 135g all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp (18g) chopped roasted almonds; 60g marzipan, divided into 15 balls, each 4g (best to use high almond content marzipan, e.g., 52% almond Lubecker marzipan to keep the cookies from being too sweet); icing sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 77 reviews

If you have a soft spot for festive treats that bring the warmth of holiday baking right into your kitchen, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Stollen Cookies with Raisins, Candied Citrus, and Marzipan Recipe. These little bites of joy pack a perfect combination of tender buttery crumb, the chew of raisins, a zing of candied citrus, and the rich, nutty surprise of marzipan nestled inside. With every bite, you get a cozy, spiced flavor that feels like a hug from an old friend, making these cookies a must-have for your seasonal cookie tray or any time you want to share the magic of tradition with those you care about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal baking tray with a worn look holds 15 small, round dough balls scattered openly on a sheet of white parchment paper; each dough ball is pale beige with dark specks of raisins or nuts showing on the surface, giving them a slightly textured look. The tray rests on a gray and white checkered cloth, and the overall scene has soft natural light from above, enhancing the texture of the dough balls and the clean parchment. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of these Stollen Cookies with Raisins, Candied Citrus, and Marzipan Recipe lies in a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a star role, whether enhancing the warmth with spices, adding texture with almonds, or creating the perfect balance of sweetness and zest.

Raisins (2 tbsp): These add a natural, juicy sweetness and a lovely chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Chopped candied citrus peel (2 tbsp): Bursting with zesty brightness, the citrus peel lifts the cookie’s flavor and complements the warm spices.
Rum (1 1/2 tsp): Just a touch to soak into the dried fruits, enriching the flavor with a subtle depth and warmth.
Butter, softened (113g): The foundation for that rich, tender crumb we all crave in a good cookie.
Icing sugar (35g): Sweetens gently and also helps with the delicate texture of the dough.
Coarse kosher salt (1/4 tsp): A pinch balances all the sweetness and spices to keep the flavors lively.
Ground cardamom (1/4 tsp): Adds a fragrant, slightly citrusy aroma that makes these cookies uniquely comforting.
Ground cinnamon (1/8 tsp): Classic warmth that instantly evokes that holiday spirit.
Pinch of nutmeg: A dash for that subtle, earthy spice note.
All-purpose flour (135g): The structure behind the perfect cookie texture.
Chopped roasted almonds (2 tbsp / 18g): For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
Marzipan (60g, divided into 15 balls): The jewel inside each cookie, lending luxuriously sweet almond goodness—tip: opt for high almond content marzipan (like 52% Lubecker) to keep sweetness balanced.
Additional icing sugar: For dusting the finished cookies to get that classic snowy, festive look.

How to Make Stollen Cookies with Raisins, Candied Citrus, and Marzipan Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Raisins and Candied Citrus

Start by soaking your raisins and chopped candied citrus peel in the rum. This step may seem small, but it’s essential for infusing those dried fruits with a boozy richness that will elevate your cookies from good to unforgettable. Let this mixture sit while you prepare the dough to maximize flavor.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Spices

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the kosher salt, ground cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This fragrant spiced butter mixture creates the warm, comforting backbone for your cookies, so don’t rush this step—take time to really mix until it feels creamy and inviting.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Nuts

Gently fold the all-purpose flour and chopped roasted almonds into your butter-spice mixture. The almonds add a lovely texture crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, tender crumb of the dough—plus their roasted flavor deepens the overall taste profile.

Step 4: Incorporate Soaked Fruits

Drain your soaked raisins and candied citrus (reserving any excess rum for another use) and fold them gently into the dough. Avoid overmixing here to keep those fruits intact, so each cookie gets pockets of juicy sweetness and zing in every bite.

Step 5: Shape Cookies Around Marzipan

This is the moment that makes these cookies truly spectacular: take a small scoop of dough, flatten it slightly in your palm, and place one of the marzipan balls in the center. Wrap the dough around the marzipan completely and shape it into a round cookie. Repeat with the rest of your dough and marzipan balls, aiming for even sizes so they bake uniformly.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange your cookies on a lined baking sheet, giving each enough space as they will expand a little. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. These become wonderfully tender with just a hint of crispness on the outside, offering that classic stollen cookie texture.

Step 7: Finish with Icing Sugar Dusting

Once cooled, dust your cookies generously with icing sugar. This final snowy touch not only adds sweetness but also creates that iconic festive look reminiscent of powdered snow on holiday treats.

How to Serve Stollen Cookies with Raisins, Candied Citrus, and Marzipan Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with white powdered sugar and one round cookie ball partially covered in the powdered sugar sitting in the center of the bowl. Behind the bowl is a metal baking sheet lined with white parchment paper holding several similarly sized round cookie balls all dusted with powdered sugar. The surface under the bowl and baking sheet is a black and white checkered cloth, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your presentation extra special, a light sprinkle of finely chopped roasted almonds or extra candied citrus peel on top before serving adds eye-catching color and texture. A tiny edible gold flake or a delicate dusting of cinnamon sugar can also bring a festive sparkle to your cookies.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea, rich coffee, or a glass of sweet dessert wine. The marzipan center and citrus notes harmonize well alongside creamy beverages like a latte or even a dash of warm mulled wine for a real treat during chilly days.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or entertaining, stack your Stollen Cookies with Raisins, Candied Citrus, and Marzipan Recipe in a charming tin lined with parchment paper, tied with a festive ribbon. You can also arrange them on a wooden board surrounded by seasonal greenery like pine sprigs or holly for a natural, inviting look everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The flavors actually mellow and deepen over the first couple of days, so you’ll find them even tastier after a little rest.

Freezing

If you want to make this Stollen Cookies with Raisins, Candied Citrus, and Marzipan Recipe well ahead of time, simply freeze the fully baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies after storage or freezing, gently warm them in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked aroma and tender texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I substitute the rum with anything else?

If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can soak the raisins and candied citrus in orange juice or apple juice for a sweet, fruity alternative that still helps plump the fruit and infuse flavor.

What’s the best marzipan to use for this recipe?

Choose a high-quality marzipan with at least 50% almond content, like Lubecker marzipan, to avoid overly sweet cookies and ensure a rich, nutty taste that balances perfectly with the cookie dough.

Can I use other nuts besides almonds?

Absolutely! Chopped roasted hazelnuts or pistachios would both work well for texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that almonds are classic in stollen and provide that signature taste.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead holiday treat.

Can I double the recipe easily?

Definitely! This recipe scales up nicely, just be sure to mix evenly and adjust your baking time slightly if your cookies end up larger. Baking a test batch first always helps when doubling.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about biting into these Stollen Cookies with Raisins, Candied Citrus, and Marzipan Recipe—each element harmonizing beautifully to create a festive and comforting experience. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting to loved ones, or simply treating yourself to a special moment, these cookies bring warmth, tradition, and joy to the table. I can’t wait for you to try them and make this little piece of sweetness part of your own celebrations!