Weckmann (German Sweet Bread Men)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar and salt. Add the lukewarm whole milk and the egg and knead for 5 minutes.
2. Add the unsalted butter a little at a time and keep kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic and pulls away from the bowl, 8 to 10 minutes more. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 60 to 75 minutes.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each into an oval about 7 inches (18 cm) long and flatten it to about 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick.
4. Pinch in a neck about one-quarter of the way down to form the head. With a bench scraper or knife, cut slits on both sides below the neck to free two arms, then cut up from the bottom about one-third of the way to make two legs. Spread the arms and legs slightly.
5. Set the figures well apart on the lined baking sheets. Press in raisins for the eyes and a row of buttons down the front, pushing them in deeply. If you have clean clay pipes, tuck one under each arm now.
6. Cover loosely and let rise until puffy, 20 to 30 minutes. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) during this rise.
7. Whisk the egg yolk with the milk and brush the figures all over.
8. Bake one sheet at a time until deep golden and hollow-sounding underneath, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool on a rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.