Dresden Stollen PGI From Germany: Dense and Hearty
Dresden Stollen PGI, also called Christstollen, is a staple of Dresden’s Christmas market and a beloved German holiday treat. This sturdy, buttery bread is packed with dried and candied fruits, nuts, and marzipan and covered in powdered sugar.
Dresden holds a “Stollenfest” every December to celebrate this iconic bread. Bakers and locals come together for a ceremonial cutting of a giant stollen, which is then paraded through the streets before being shared with the crowd.
Note: The PGI label acknowledges that a product’s quality, reputation, or other characteristics are largely attributable to the geographical location in which it was produced. Dresden Stollen can only be made in Dresden and other areas of Saxony, and that bakers must follow specific guidelines.
Stollen is typically served in the afternoon alongside a steaming cup of coffee or spiced mulled wine (Glühwein), a perfect companion for a cozy winter break.
This year is my first time trying Dresden Stollen, and I must say, I really like it! The taste reminds me of panettone with its buttery and dried fruit flavors, but the texture is much denser. Overall, due to its generous coating of powdered sugar, I find it sweeter than panettone, which explains why it’s typically not consumed for breakfast. A slice of stollen on an empty stomach could lead to a sugar shock! Nevertheless, it’s a delicious treat.
You can find the one I tried, Emil Reimann Dresdner Stollen on Amazon.com or The Vermont Country Store.
Whether you love light and fluffy or rich and robust, these sweet European breads are perfect bites of holiday cheer!