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In a large bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of sugar in 1/4 cup of lukewarm water. Sprinkle in yeast and let it stand for 5 - 10 minutes, or until foamy. Stir in milk, egg, oil, lemon zest, vanilla sugar and the rest of the sugar (1/4 cup). Mix in 2 cups of flour and let it sit for 8 - 10 minutes.
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Add the rest of the flour (2 cups) to make a nice, soft dough, adding more if needed. Put dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 - 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place dough into a clean, greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover it and let rise in a warm place, about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
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Punch down dough and then divide into 8 pieces. Shape into desired pieces (animals, snowmen, people, etc). Place on greased or parchment paper lined cookie sheet, leaving enough room for dough to expand. Insert raisins, almond slices, dried cranberries, etc, for details and facial features. Cover and let it sit for 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 400F. Gently brush with egg wash or milk. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets and cool on racks.
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Makes 8 sweet yeast dough bread creatures.