Overnight Reindeer Rolls

Name: Overnight Reindeer Rolls
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 3 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°); 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 5-3/4 to 6-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; DECORATIONS:; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons water; 36 raisins (about 2 tablespoons), halved; 18 red candied cherries, halved

Kids love helping in the kitchen. This year, have a little fun making these reindeer-shaped rolls with your little bakers. And make sure to take pictures because the treats will be gone before you know it! —Chris O'Connell, San Antonio, Texas

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
5-3/4 to 6-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
DECORATIONS:
1 large egg
2 teaspoons water
36 raisins (about 2 tablespoons), halved
18 red candied cherries, halved

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine eggs, butter, sugar, salt, yeast mixture and 3 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a very soft dough (dough will be sticky). Do not knead. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Turn dough onto a floured surface; divide and shape into 36 balls. Roll each into a 5-in. log. Cut each log lengthwise halfway down the center. Pull the cut sections apart for antlers. Using kitchen shears, snip 1/2-in. cuts along outer sides for antler points. Flatten uncut half of log for face.
Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°.
In a small bowl, whisk egg and water until blended; brush over rolls. Press raisin halves into dough for eyes; press cherry halves into dough for noses. Bake until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Serve warm.

Knot-Shaped Rolls: Shape dough into 36 balls. Roll each into a 6-in. rope; tie into a loose knot. Tuck ends under; place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Let rise and bake as recipe directs, increasing baking time to 10-12 minutes. S-Shaped Rolls: Divide dough into 36 portions. Roll each into a 10-in. rope. Shape rope into an “S”, then coil each end until it touches the center; place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Let rise and bake as recipe directs, increasing baking time to 10-12 minutes.