Scald 1/2 cup milk, stir in 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons salt and 3 tablespoons butter. Cool to lukewarm. Dissolve 1 package active dry yeast in 1 1/2 cups warm water. Add milk mixture and 3 cups unsifted flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough more flour (3 1/2 to 4 cups) to make a stiff dough.

Onto floured board, knead 8 to 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl; grease top of dough. Cover, let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down and divide into four equal pieces. Cut 1 piece in half and 1 piece into 14 pieces. Shape into balls. Place large balls on greased baking sheets for bodies. Place medium balls above for heads. Flatten slightly. Pinch seams. Attach small balls for paws, noses, and ears. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Make indentations in ears. Place raisins for eyes and belly buttons. Mix 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water and brush on bears. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool. Kids love helping to make and eat them. Makes 2 bears.