1-Prepare and rest the sponge: Follow this easy guide to make Stollen Bites, which begins with preparing the sponge. Start by mixing the flour, water, and yeast for the sponge, then let it rest for 1 to 4 hours to develop its flavor.

2-Mix and knead dough: Next, soak the dried fruits in rum or brandy to plump them up, adding extra depth to these small sweet bites. In a large bowl, combine the rested sponge with the dough ingredients, excluding the almonds, and knead until the dough is soft, shiny, and elastic. Gently incorporate the soaked fruits, any leftover liquid, and the toasted almonds for that nutty crunch.

3-First rise: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.

4-Shape and second rise: Divide the risen dough into 40 pieces, shape each into balls, and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced one inch apart. Cover and let them rise again for about 45 minutes until puffy.

5-Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18 minutes or until lightly browned, then cool for 10 minutes before tossing in melted butter and confectioners’ sugar. One helpful resource for yeast baking is baking with yeast, which can offer more tips if you’re new to this.