Kouign-Amann

Kouign-amann is pronounced "queen-a-mahn" and wouldn't be one of the world's greatest pastries if it weren't a legendary labor of love. The irresistible combination of sweet, salty, sticky, buttery, crispy, flaky, and tender is something you must experience to believe. Made with bread flour, the dough is a little different from croissants or puff pastry. Salt is also key here; the authentic ones are about as savory as they are sweet.

Ingredients

1 cup warm water

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 teaspoon active dry yeast

2 ½ cups bread flour, divided

2 tablespoons melted butter, or more as needed

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 sticks ice-cold unsalted butter, divided

⅔ cup white sugar

2 teaspoons sea salt