2 Teaspoons nonpareils (colored sugar decorations), for garnish Directions For the sweet dough: Step 1: In the bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer, combine 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon instant yeast, the zest from 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons anise seeds and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Mix with the paddle attachment on low speed until combined. Step 2: Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of the flour to make a thick batter. Beat in the room temperature butter, one tablespoon at a time, waiting for the first addition to be absorbed before adding more (6 tablespoons in total). Step 3: Gradually add enough of the remaining flour (about 1 1/2 more cups) to make a soft dough that cleans the bowl. Switch to the dough hook and mix on medium-low speed, occasionally pulling down the dough as it climbs up the hook until the dough is smooth, shiny and slightly sticky (do not add too much flour), about 8 minutes.