Boxemännercher

Nobody says no to a good Boxemännchen this time of the year! From little children who truly believe in St Nicholas to adults who love to celebrate their favourite childhood holiday: we all love these brioche-like men. I have to admit that Kleeserchersdag, as we call it here in Luxembourg, ist still one of my favourite holidays of the year. I might be a grown-up now, but with all the lovely memories I have, I will always cherish this day. 

The first time I made them was a few years ago with my goddaughter. I found the recipe on the internet and thought it would be a fun activity as we both love baking. Their shape was perfect but the dough was a little too dry for my taste. So I promised her I'll work on a recipe that we can call our own. And after a few tests last year, I came up with one that I really love. My parents tested the different editions and happily approved this one. 

For 10 Boxemännercher you'll need:

500g flour

30g sugar

100g butter

20g active yeast

3 eggs (2 for baking, one for brushing)

255ml lukewarm milk

5g salt

*****

Preheat the oven to 180°

Pour some flour in a large bowl and mound it like a volcano. Crumble the yeast in the hole as well as 15g sugar, one egg and some lukewarm milk. Start kneading until you get a smooth mixture, which serves as sort of pre-dough. Add some more milk if necessary. Even though you could also prepare it with your hands, I strongly recommend you use a hand or stand mixer with dough hook. Once smooth and even, cover dough with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 15 minutes.

Add the second egg, the remaining sugar and milk and mix again. Add the butter and knead well until it's completely incorporated into the dough. Cover the dough again with your kitchen towel, then put it in a warm place and leave it for 20 minutes.  

* If you like your Boxemännercher a little sweeter, add an extra tablespoon of sugar. 

Before shaping the Boxemännercher, knead the dough well with your hands. Shape the Boxemännercher by starting with the body. Cut the main part lengthwise to shape their legs and slightly diagonal for the arms. Put them onto a baking tray lined with baking paper and let rest for another 20 minutes. 

Beat the remaining egg and brush each Boxemännchen. Bake for 25-30 minutes. 

Enjoy!!!