honey bear breads

How To Make honey bear breads

• 1

  Grease 2 large cookie sheets. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. In large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, cinnamon, and yeast; blend well. In small saucepan, heat milk, water, and 1/2 cup butter until very warm (120-130 degrees). Add warm liquid, vanilla, and eggs to flour mixture. Blend at low speed until moistened; beat 2 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in 3 cups flour to form a stiff dough.
• 2

  On floured surface, knead in 1-1 1/2 cups flour until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl; cover loosely with plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80-85 degrees) until light and doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• 3

  Punch down dough several times to remove all air bubbles. To form 4 bears, divide dough into 4 equal parts. To shape each bear, divide 1 part in half. Shape 1 half into smooth oval ball for bear's body; place on prepared cookie sheet. Cut remaining half of dough into 2 equal parts. Pinch two 1 inch balls from 1 part for bear's ears; shape remaining dough into smooth round ball for bear's head and attach to body. Flatten 1 inch balls for ears and position on head. Cut remaining part of dough into 4 equal pieces; shape into arms and legs and attach to bear's body. Cover with cloth towel; let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size; about 30-40 minutes.
• 4

  Heat oven to 350. Bake 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, in small bowl combine butter and honey. Remove breads from oven; brush generously with glaze. Return to oven and bake an additional 5-7 minutes or until glaze is set and loaves sound hollow when lightly tapped. Cool 5 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool on wire racks. Decorate as desired and tie ribbon bow around neck.
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