How to Make Cronuts, Part I (The Dough)

Cronuts are the doughnuts that make people go nuts! They have the shape and flavor of a doughnut, yet feature the crispy, flaky texture of a buttery croissant. In Part I, I'll show you how to make the dough; in Part II, we'll fry, eat, and analyze.

Ingredients

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

½ cup warm water (105 degrees F/41 degrees C)

½ cup milk

2 ½ tablespoons white sugar, or more to taste

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 large egg

1 teaspoon fine salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 pound all-purpose flour

12 tablespoons European-style (low-moisture) butter at room temperature, divided