These buns are as fun to give as they are to make. Try tying a ribbon around the center for an easy package look. They are also especially nice for one- or two-person households.
1 pkg regular or quick-acting active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (105 to 115*)
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
2 tsp ground nutmeg, if desired
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
60 currants (about 1 rounded Tbsp)
1 egg, slightly beaten
Dissolve yeast in warm water in large bowl. Beat in sugar, shortening, nutmeg, salt, 2 eggs and 2 cups of the flour. Beat on low speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on
medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in remaining flour until smooth. Cover and let rise in warm place about 45 minutes or until doubled. (Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.)
Stir down dough by beating 25 strokes. Turn onto well-floured surface. Gently roll in flour to coat. Cut into 12 equal parts (each part will make 1 snowman). Shape one-half of each part into 4-inch oval for the body. Shape one-half of the remaining dough into a ball and attach for the head. Press in tiny piece of dough for nose. Shape remaining dough into 4-inch roll; cut in half and attach for arms.
Grease cookie sheet. Arrange snowmen about 3 inches apart on cookie sheet. Cover and let rise about 45 minutes or until double.
Heat oven to 350*. Press in 2 currants for eyes and 3 currants for buttons. Brush buns with beaten egg. Bake about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. 1 dozen buns.
SNOWFLAKE BUNS: Cut dough into 16 equal parts. Shape into balls. Place 4 balls with sides touching in shape of square on greased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining balls to make 4 squares. Cover and let rise about 45 minutes or until double. Prepare Baked-on Decorator's Frosting (below). Outline snowflake designs on each roll with frosting. Bake 12 to 15 minutes.16 buns
BAKED-ON DECORATOR'S FROSTING:
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp hot water
2 or 3 drops food color, if desired
