In a cup, mix the yeast with 1/4 cup of water and a teaspoon of sugar. Let the yeast and the water sit in the cup for abut 10 min until bubbles form.
Put the flour in a bowl and add the salt and sugar.
Add the warm milk, egg, yeast and the lemon zest.Knead for 1 or 2 min, then add the softened butter. Keep kneading until the butter gets all absorbed. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth. If the dough is too liquidy add some flour, if it's too hard add some milk. Cover the dough and let it rise for about 2 hrs in a warm place until the dough doubles in size.
This is how the dough should look like when it is ready.
When the dough is ready, cut it into 4 pieces. Three pieces will be used for the men and one will be used to add decorations (like scarves and hats).
Take one of the four pieces of dough and make an oval shape.
Make the head by pressing the dough together at the top of the oval.
Cut the arms and legs.
Move the legs and the arms up.
With the emaining dough ceate a scarf, hat, and coat.
Decorate the figure with chocolate chips, raisins, and almonds.Brush with egg yolk and sprinkle with pearl sugar. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350° F.
Enjoy!
