Weckmann

Ingredients for 6 servings:

• 600 g flour
• 40 g yeast
• 250 ml milk, lukewarm
• 100 g butter
• 2 eggs
• 60 g sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• ½ lemon(s), grated peel
• 1 tbsp vanilla sugar
• Raisins or almonds for eyes, nose, mouth, etc.
• Egg yolk, for brushing

Instructions

Working time approx. 30 minutes; Rest time approx. 1 hour; Total time approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

Sift the flour into a bowl and make a well in the center. Crumble in the yeast and mix with the lukewarm milk and a little flour to form a pre-dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 15 minutes. Melt the butter and mix with the eggs, salt, sugar, lemon zest, pre-dough, and all the flour until a smooth dough forms. Let rise for another 15 minutes. Roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick and cut/shape the Weckmänner (pre-dough men). Press in the raisins and brush the men with beaten egg yolk. Let rise for another 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 210°C (425°F). Bake the Weckmänner on the middle rack for 10-15 minutes. (Convection oven: about 180°C, can be baked on all levels)