Delicious Santa Pastry Recipe for the Holidays

Start by sieving the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add salt and sugar to the flour. In a separate container, gently warm the milk and dissolve the fresh yeast in it.

Next, combine the yeast mixture with the dry ingredients. Incorporate the orange juice, orange zest, softened butter, and cottage cheese. Mix until you achieve a homogeneous and smooth dough.

Cover the mixing bowl with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise for about one hour or until it has doubled in size. This is essential for a fluffy texture.

Once the dough has risen, place it onto a clean surface and shape it into a ball. Divide the ball into two parts: one larger and one smaller. The smaller part should be further divided into four smaller balls.

Roll out the larger piece into an oval shape. Then, using the rolled-out dough, shape it into a Santa figure following instructional videos for guidance.

To color the hat of Santa, mix the food coloring with a bit of alcohol. Carefully brush the dye onto the hat. For a festive touch, sprinkle some sugar on the pom-pom at the end of the hat.

Let your completed Santa pastry rest for an additional 30 minutes to rise slightly before baking.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (about 350°F). Place the assembled Santa pastry in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Once baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy with your family and children during the holiday season!