Stir 1 sachet of yeast together with lukewarm milk and allow to sit for 5 minutes until you see the active yeast forming on the surface.
Gently stir in 180 grams of the flour to create a starter dough. Cover and allow to rest in a warm place for 2 hours
Add in the remaining flour and remaining yeast, egg, butter, sugar, vanilla, lemon peel and salt and and knead until you end up with a smooth dough that peels away from the sides of the bowl. If needed add add a tbsp of flour.
Cutting and decorating
Roll out the dough thinly. Cut out with the Weckmann cutter. Place them on the lined baking sheet
Cover with a clean linen towel and allow to rise until doubled in size - about 30 minutes.
Decorating and baking
Preheat oven to 180°C
Whisk the egg yolk and milk and then brush onto the Weckmänner.
Add eyes and buttons with the raisins. Use pearl sugar to dress each Weckmann with 'clothes'.