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Weckmann
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Authentic Weckmann (St. Martins Day Bread)

A soft and slightly sweet bread figure traditionally baked for St. Martins Day in Germany. Fun to make and delicious to eat!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Rising Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: German
Keyword: German Bread, St. Nicholas Day Bread, Weckmann
Servings: 6 Weckmänner
Calories: 350kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Pastry Brush

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 package active dry yeast about 2 1/4 tsp
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup milk warm (not hot)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Decoration

  • Raisins or chocolate chips for eyes and buttons
  • 1 Egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp milk for egg wash
  • Pearl sugar or sliced almonds optional, for sprinkling
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (not hot) and the active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
    1 cup milk, 1 package active dry yeast
  • Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
    4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
  • First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Shape the Weckmänner: Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a gingerbread man-like figure. Use raisins or chocolate chips for the eyes and buttons. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    Raisins or chocolate chips
  • Second Rise: Cover the shaped Weckmänner with the kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Apply Egg Wash: Brush the Weckmänner with the beaten egg yolk and milk mixture. Sprinkle with pearl sugar or sliced almonds if desired.
    1 Egg yolk, Pearl sugar or sliced almonds
  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cool and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Storage: Weckmänner are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the baked Weckmänner for up to a month. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.
  • Variation: Add a handful of raisins or chocolate chips into the dough for extra sweetness.
  • Tip: Get the kids involved in shaping and decorating their own Weckmann—it adds to the fun!

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 200mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 3mg