Marzipan challah hedgehogs

Step 1/6

• ⅓ tsp active dry yeast
• 25¾ ml warm water
• ⅛ tsp sugar
• ¼ eggs
• 11⅜ ml vegetable oil
• 57⅛ g flour
• ⅛ tsp salt

• 2 small mixing bowls
• large mixing bowl

In a small mixing bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and some of the sugar and lightly stir. Let sit for approx. 5 min., until it becomes foamy on top. In another small mixing bowl, whisk together some of the eggs and oil.

Step 2/6

• 7⅛ g sugar
• flour for dusting
• oil for greasing

• kitchen towel
• hand mixer with beaters or a stand mixer with dough hook attachment
• large mixing bowl

In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of stand mixer with dough hook attachment, mix together flour, salt, and sugar. When the yeast is foamy, add it to the dry mixture, followed by egg mixture, and stir to combine. Transfer dough to a floured work surface and knead for approx. 5 – 10 min., adding more flour if necessary, until dough is smooth and elastic (it will still be slightly sticky). Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let it sit at room temperature until it doubled in size, approx. 2 hrs.

Step 3/6

• ⅛ egg
• 8⅝ g butter
• 21⅜ g sugar
• ⅛ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp almond extract
• 21⅜ g almond flour

• rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• large mixing bowl

Meanwhile, make the marzipan filling. Separate remaining egg, and set aside the yolk for later. In a large mixing bowl, mix together butter and sugar with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until combined. Mix in salt and egg white, add almond extract, then stir in the almond flour until smooth and combined.

Step 4/6

• flour for dusting

• kitchen towel
• oven
• 2 baking sheets
• parchment paper (optional)

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, if needed, and preheat the oven to 375ºF/190ºC. When the dough has risen, transfer to a lightly dusted work surface and divide into small balls. Flatten each ball slightly, and fill with a heaping tablespoon of marzipan filling. Seal well, then place the balls seam side-down on the baking sheets, spaced evenly apart. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rise for approx. 30 more min.

Step 5/6

• ⅛ tsp black sesame seeds

• tweezers
• scissors
• small bowl

In a small bowl, beat the reserved egg yolk with a splash of water and brush onto the rolls, working with 3 rolls at a time in order to ensure that the black sesame seeds stick to the egg wash. Use tweezers to stick on two black sesame seeds for eyes and scissors to make two 1-cm/0.5-in cuts for ears. Bake for approx. 15 – 20 min., or until golden brown.

Step 6/6

• 27⅛ g confectioner’s sugar
• ⅛ tsp almond extract
• ¾ tsp milk
• 7⅛ g sliced almonds

• small bowl

Leave hedgehogs to cool. Meanwhile make the glaze. in a small bowl, mix together confectioner’s sugar, almond extract, and milk, adding additional milk a few drops at a time if the glaze is too thick to spread. Working one at a time, spread a circle of glaze onto the rolls, then top with overlapping rows of sliced almond. Enjoy!

Enjoy your meal!