Name: Mild Spelt Dough Men for St. Martin's Day
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 4

This classic treat for the lantern festival brings bright eyes to the family table. The fluffy yeast dough is wonderfully easy for little hands to grasp and chew. Thanks to spelt flour and applesauce, these baked goods provide valuable energy for exciting autumn days.

Ingredients

250 g spelt flour (light or wholemeal mix)
4 g active dry yeast (about half a packet)
100 ml lukewarm milk (cow's milk or oat drink)
50 g unsweetened applesauce
30 g soft butter
Raisins for decoration (eyes, buttons)
1 egg yolk whisked with 1 tbsp milk (for glazing)

Preparation

Place the spelt flour and dry yeast in a large bowl and mix them well.
Add the lukewarm milk, applesauce, and soft butter to the dry ingredients.
Knead everything for about five to ten minutes until a smooth and supple dough forms.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour. The volume will double during this time.
Briefly knead the dough again and shape it into two to three little dough men.
Place the dough men on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and press the raisins deeply into the dough for eyes and buttons.
Brush the dough men with the egg yolk and milk mixture.
Bake the pastries in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (top and bottom heat) for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
Let the baked goods cool completely before serving and check the temperature before your child takes a bite.

Variations & Tips

Fruity alternative: Mix a little cinnamon or finely grated carrot into the dough for a special autumnal touch.
Storage: The dough men keep for one to two days in an airtight container. They also freeze wonderfully and can be briefly warmed in the toaster when needed.
For the whole family: Adults can spread a little butter and honey on their pastries after baking.
Adjusting texture: For children who are still practicing chewing, you can omit the raisins, as they can sometimes be tricky to manage.

Allergy & Safety Information

This recipe contains gluten from the spelt, milk in the butter and cow's milk, and egg for glazing. Always introduce new ingredients one at a time and in small amounts.

Honey is allowed for children from twelve months of age, but poses a risk of infant botulism for younger babies. For other recipes, make sure to only offer nuts finely ground to prevent choking hazards. If you have any uncertainties about introducing solid foods or your child's diet, speak with your pediatrician.

Nutritional Information

Spelt flour provides valuable fiber and B vitamins, which support good digestion and provide plenty of energy. The applesauce adds a natural sweetness while delivering gentle carbohydrates. This gives your child a nutritious snack that is satisfying and keeps energy levels stable.

Preparation

Place the spelt flour and dry yeast in a large bowl and mix them well.

Add the lukewarm milk, applesauce, and soft butter to the dry ingredients.

Knead everything for about five to ten minutes until a smooth and supple dough forms.

Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour. The volume will double during this time.

Briefly knead the dough again and shape it into two to three little dough men.

Place the dough men on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and press the raisins deeply into the dough for eyes and buttons.

Brush the dough men with the egg yolk and milk mixture.

Bake the pastries in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (top and bottom heat) for about 15 minutes until golden brown.

Let the baked goods cool completely before serving and check the temperature before your child takes a bite.

Variations & Tips

Fruity alternative: Mix a little cinnamon or finely grated carrot into the dough for a special autumnal touch.

Storage: The dough men keep for one to two days in an airtight container. They also freeze wonderfully and can be briefly warmed in the toaster when needed.

For the whole family: Adults can spread a little butter and honey on their pastries after baking.

Adjusting texture: For children who are still practicing chewing, you can omit the raisins, as they can sometimes be tricky to manage.

Allergy & Safety Information

This recipe contains gluten from the spelt, milk in the butter and cow's milk, and egg for glazing. Always introduce new ingredients one at a time and in small amounts.